Madrid: The life story of Akiko Tamura, a former Spanish doctor who left a successful medical career to dedicate her life to God as a Carmelite nun, is drawing wide attention and inspiring many people.
Akiko worked as a thoracic surgeon in Madrid and was known to be happy and fulfilled in her profession. Despite her professional success, she felt a growing desire to understand God’s will for her life and began praying deeply for guidance.
Born in Madrid, Akiko was baptized at the age of five. She joined the University of Navarra to study medicine, fulfilling a wish her grandmother had expressed before her death. While preparing for Spain’s final medical examination, the MIR, she lived with members of a prayer focused Christian community. This experience slowly introduced her to a deeper spiritual life, though she never imagined becoming a nun at that stage.
After completing her studies and starting her medical service in Madrid, Akiko continued to pray for clarity about her vocation. She initially believed that her calling was to save lives through medicine, especially as she reflected on patients she had helped recover from life threatening conditions.
A turning point came on a Holy Thursday while she was praying the rosary during a drive. When she asked God what He wanted from her, the thought of the Carmelite way of life suddenly came to her mind. She later described feeling deep peace, joy, and inner freedom, along with a strong sense that God would always remain close to her.
In April 2012, Akiko shared her decision with her family. In August the same year, she entered the Good Shepherd Carmelite Monastery in Zarautz, in Spain’s Gipuzkoa region.
More than ten years later, Sister Akiko continues to inspire many through her journey of faith. She says that while she once worked to heal bodies, her mission now is to pray for the healing of souls. She believes that when people allow God to enter their lives fully, unexpected and beautiful changes can happen.
Sister Akiko says she wakes up every morning grateful, happy, and free as a Carmelite nun. She hopes to spend the rest of her life sharing the love of Jesus through prayer and silent witness, encouraging others who are searching for meaning and purpose in life.