Doctor, General Practitioner, Mother of Humans and Felines, Padang, Indonesia

I’m often asked about how I meet WOW Women. There are so many different connections and networks to plug into, nominations by friends colleagues or family members as well my own initiatives in cold calling/emailing/DM’ing the interesting candidates. However one of my favourite methods is a non-plan; a complete and utter serendipity.

It was 100% kismet, crossing paths with Ms. Celsia Darsun. It happened in Padang, the capital of Indonesia's West Sumatra province. This particular afternoon was a busy one for mother nature. It started with an earthquake followed by my solo walk on the boardwalk (after the tsunami threat was ruled out). There was also an eminent downpour, the taking of shelter inside the local police station’s boardwalk stand, a kind offer of tea, a karaoke, lots of selfies requested by the Indonesian police officers (mostly male) and one woman coming to my rescue with an absolute resolve and confidence. A doctor and, lucky for me, fluent in English; she had that je ne sais quoi. Her wit and sense of humour sparked my interest in her story. I was interested about her upbringing, school and her trajectory from med school to finding herself working alongside Padang’s finest.

Ms. Darsun casually (in a humble and stoic kind of way) mentioned working in the community as an emergency medic tending to severely injured in the aftermath of the 2009 Sumatra earthquakes disaster. Celsia is the real deal.

The day didn’t end with the conversation and a photoshoot however (as it usually does). It continued with Ms. Darsun inviting us to a stylish local restaurant, a wonderful conversation with her husband, and a connection with her beautiful children. It ended with her driving us around the beautiful old Padang, a visit to the Grand Mosque and a game of I spy with her daughter, and a mini WOW Woman, Angelina. We were then outfitted with snacks and gifts for our journey the next day. Ms. Daruson’s hospitality, the laughs, the belly aches due to the said laughs. What a night! I will cherish this moment in time, in Padang for the rest of my days.

1. Name

Celsia Krisanti Darsun.

2. Where is your hometown?

I was born in Padang, Indonesia. However according to the Minangese (aka Minangkabau) culture, every little girl inherits her mother’s hometown, so I would like to say my hometown is Payakumbuh, a small town, in West Sumatera, about 3-4 hour by car from Padang.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like?

I am a medical doctor, general practitioner, magister student majoring in public health. I work at one of the public healthcare centers in Padang, West Sumatra. I have been the head of the facility since 2012. I work with 43 amazing staff, consisting of doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives and other health and non-healthcare workers. I usually work from 7.30 to 15.00. I don't see patients that much since I handle more on the managerial aspects of the healthcare facility and make sure it can run smoothly.

4. What did you study in school? Did it help you in your life/career?

As you know, I studied medicine. I graduated in 2005 from the Medical Faculty of Padjadjaran University (located in Bandung, which is the provincial capital of West Java, and Sumedang, Indonesia).

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the breakthrough moment for you (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life? What was your path like from your home town to your current job and city?

I decided to take the entrance test for the medical faculty when I was in the second year of high school. At first it was because my mom asked me to, but in the end it became my only choice major in college. I took the risk of not going to college at all when I chose only medical faculty from two different universities. Both universities have almost the same passing grade for medical faculty (which meant that failing grade for one really meant both would be rejections). I passed the test for my first choice and my life changed.

I left home for college, leaving my mom alone with one of my older brothers in Padang. It was so hard to leave my mom and for the first time leave my birth city. I am the only girl in the family and in Minangese culture, a girl never leaves the house. She will stay and become the keeper of the big house - the Rumah Gadang- where every year all the people in the big family will comeback and gather on holidays. But I had a role model of strength in my mother. My dad passed away when I was four years old, and my mother never remarried. She raised four of us by herself (three boys and me, and two boys now live in Jakarta). We were always close, I am the only girl so I was pretty much a friend and and a confidante; someone she shared stories and burdens with.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

I never imagined my life would be this way when I was 20. Being a mother, a doctor and leading a healthcare facility was too much to imagine by the 20-year old-me. Even though I was already studying medicine at 20, I never really imagined how it would feel to become a doctor, all the responsibilities involved, how it would feel etc. I found it more challenging and relieving at the same time, becoming a mother, a doctor and everything I have in life right now. All these experiences made me discover my purpose in life, understand what truly makes me happy and grateful.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

I think there's nothing in my life that really knocked me down, because I believe that everything happens for a reason in life. I always try to see the positive side in everything. However I was affected, for quite some time, after my mother’s passing from cancer. We tried so hard, in every possible way to treat it, so I don't have any regrets now. I spent almost a year and a half with her, battling her cancer. She finally surrendered three years ago. I miss her so much, she is my lifetime idol. All four of us would not be who we are now without her. In many ways, I'm so much like her, I can see her in me. It's hard to lose someone who was so influential to me, like my mother.

8. Advice for other women?

Be kind, stay true to your convictions and be positive. The good things will come back to you three fold. Every act of kindness never fails you nor the recipients, every little good thing you do will come back to you in such a better and greater way. Being true to yourself and your beliefs keep you humble. Positive thinking will make you grow greater and impact more people.

9. Can women be all that we want to be? Can we achieve greatness? Do you think you're a feminist?

I think I'm a feminist. Every Minangese girl is a feminist. In our culture, a woman is the most powerful in the family. She inherits all the assets, especially the high treasures, such as land, farms, houses etc. She will be the landlord and she has the decision for herself and the family. It means that a woman is highly praised and raised by the family to become strong, independent and smart so she can run the household and manage all the assets. There's no limitation to what a woman can achieve, and she can become as great as she wants.

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

I am happiest when I am together with my family, friends and people I love. Wherever it is, doesn't really matter.

11. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

I love to talk and play with my children. I always try to spend time with them everyday. There are many things you can understand about your children through play, such as their characters, interests, hobbies and their way of thinking; the things that sometimes we parents often miss. I'm thankful for having such amazing kids; they have turned out to be open minded, creative and confident kids. Nevertheless, they are still kids, so lots of patience is involved. Actually, I am just an ordinary woman, nothing that I can be proud of, I just try to do everything the best that I can and leave the rest to God. In terms of hobbies, I watch movies, cook, read books, and take care of the 10 cats and kittens in my spare time.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

First and foremost, I want to be a great mother to my children until the end, just like my mom was to us. I would like to be an inspiration, setting good examples for them, giving them the experiences they deserve to have.

I would also like to have the opportunity to do more in terms of healthcare systems and services for the community/city I live in, Padang. I want to seek and work with amazing healthcare workers who share my same vision. I’d love to get involved in public health management on a larger scale. My hope and passion is for more people to receive adequate healthcare services; I want to make sure that everyone has equal access to healthcare without discrimination.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

Well, I don't really have anything to fear. There are some things that concern me, but not for long.

15. What inspires you?

My mom, definitely. I believe that every mother is supposed to be an inspiration for her children. All great and kind people inspire me, they push me to do more great and kind acts myself. I want to make my presence worthy to others, to help them, relieve them and put some happiness in their life. That would be awesome!

16. What are you hopeful about?

Our children, the future generations. If we put enough effort into preparing them, they will be greater than us, kinder than us, with more amazing and creative ideas for making the world into a much better place.

17. What are some ingredients to a good life? Has the global pandemic changed your perspective about the world, about your life, your goals and dreams?

Big portions of kindness, positive thinking and maintaining a good relationship with God. Also enjoying your life, every tiny bit of it. Make sure you stay true to yourself and then don’t forget to put some laughs here and there, and decorate it with gratitude.

The COVID-19 pandemic surely changed all our lives. Especially in terms of personal hygiene and possessing self-awareness about using masks whenever one has respiratory symptoms. Those are part of my responsibilities to educate people about all those acts of prevention. In general this pandemic affected all medical professionals and our jobs. After this pandemic ends, I believe we can come out stronger and better in terms of our attitude toward healthcare and public health.

18. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why? What are your superpowers?

I pay attention to details, I'm a good listener, and I consider myself strong.

I think sometimes I can read people's minds. I can see their gestures changing, slight tweaks in their manners, etc. Maybe that's because I really like to observe, study and learn about people from their appearance and mannerisms, how they talk and move. I analyze them in my head.

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?

Enjoy your teen years. Try everything new. Don't be afraid to fail. Never lose hope and keep your dreams, because you will achieve them as long as you work for them and believe in them. Enjoy your moments with your loved ones, for you'll never know how long they will be with you.

20. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

Now, I'm reading a historical book, The True Story of China's Cleopatra by Jonathan Clements. I like historical books, motivational books etc. Sometimes a good mystery or a thrilling novel also ends up on my bookstand.

21. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, why you admire them?

There are so many WOW Women I've met in my lifetime. From my Mom, to this wonderful lady I meet everyday, who helps me with the household chaos. She comes early every morning to make sure I can prepare myself for work. She helps me look after the kids and takes care of their daily needs, while caring for her children too (three of them). She is the backbone of her family. Also this great woman, who is my boss. She is the head of Padang’s Health Agency. She is incredibly strong, committed, smart and compassionate.

22. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

Facebook: Puskesmas Ulak Karang Kota Padang & Celsia Kd

Instagram: @puskesmasulakkarang & @celsiangel

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Bonus questions:

1. What and who is worth suffering for?

Your family. Your dreams. Something good and kind. I guess those are worth suffering for.

2. How did you become brave and where did you get confidence from?

I grew up tough, raised by a single parent. My mom was the only financial supporter for us. So from a young age, I used to take parts of my mom’s role in the family. I prepared for everyday meals, kept the house clean, my brothers and I shared other household responsibilities as well. We were taught to be responsible for our own daily household assignments, since mom was working from morning until evening. I learned to depend on myself a lot, and learned to solve problems on my own. My character is so much like my mom's, I think because I looked up to her so much.

3. How/why/when did you move here, to Padang? First thing you did/thought?

I moved back to Padang in 2009. After I graduated, I worked as a doctor in a resort island called Bintan for almost two years. I used to spend a few weeks in Padang for holidays (such as Eid al Fitri). And then the big 2009 Sumatra earthquake happened. At that moment, I ended my contract and stayed in Padang for good. I wanted to take care of my mom as she was getting older and was alone. She really needed someone to accompany her, moreover after the earthquake.

I was needed at home, as a medical professional, especially in such poor post-quake conditions. With 1,115 dead and almost 3,000 injured, I started working in several healthcare facilities, treating injured people following the disaster. I did what I had to, alongside many kindhearted volunteers from all over the world. The next year, I passed the entrance test for state officials as a doctor in a public community health center in Padang, West Sumatra.

4. What is your dream?

My biggest dream is to be part of the people who advocate for equal and adequate healthcare for people in my country.

I want to give my children the opportunity to grow and become what they've dreamed of, become part of a better, kinder and healthier world.

5. What does your name mean? Where did it come from?

• Celsia, is from Chelsea, yes the name of the area in west London in the UK. My dad loved the name, he thought it was a beautiful name for a girl and he also has spent some time there and adored the place.

• Krisanti is from the name of a flower - Chrysanthemum- Since my mom was an agricultural lecturer, she loved this particular flower as it represents happiness, love, longevity and joy.

• Darsun is my Dad's name.

6. Who are your mentors? Women / men?

I think my all time mentor is my mom, also my husband, teachers, superior at work. I have so many mentors thus far in life, they have taught me a lot.

7. What do you not want anyone else to know about you?

I don't really have anything to hide from people. But I don't necessarily need to tell everything about myself to others. But surely, everybody has secrets, right? Hehe

8. If you didn't have to work anymore what would you do with your days?

I'm would travel a lot, I guess. Visiting different parts of the world, meeting different kinds of people from all over. Hopefully I can do this with my loved ones later in life.

9. What bothers you most about other people? What do you love most about other people?

I don't like when people act selfishly, when they lack tolerance. We meet a lot of people like that nowadays unfortunately. They are busy with their own businesses, oblivious to everything around them. On the other hand, I like humble people, those who care about their surroundings. I respect those people who try to make the world a much better place.