Pursuing a Dream: Insights into Becoming a Doctor
Do you ever wonder if you truly want to embark on the journey to become a doctor? This quest is shaped by numerous factors including the dedication, sacrifices, and the kind heart required to serve and heal others. Let's delve into the challenges and the reasons that bring individuals to this noble profession.
The Long and Perilous Journey to Becoming a Doctor
Embarking on the path to becoming a doctor is a long and challenging journey. It begins with five and a half years of medical school (MBBS), followed by preparation for the NEET PG/INICET exams. A successful completion of these exams leads to a three-year postgraduate (PG) specialization. Additionally, for those pursuing even further specialization, another three years of studies and preparation are required. On top of this, there are countless hours of studies, stress, and night duties that come with the profession. Often, doctors find themselves unable to maintain regular communication with their loved ones due to the demands of their work.
Embarking on this path requires more than just academic prowess. It demands a significant amount of hard work, perseverance, and a strong attitude. Beyond the commitment to one's patients, many doctors make sacrifices, often putting their family needs and personal life on hold to prioritize their duties. A kind heart towards patients is perhaps one of the most important qualities a doctor can possess.
The Journey Begins in Childhood
For me, as a doctor, my journey began in the 1990s in my elementary years. Inspired by the words of the older generations, I dreamt of being a doctor. This dream was rooted in the notion of examining cadavers and the understanding that it would be a challenging path. My family, though not rich, instilled in me the importance of education. As a child, I often sold snacks during class breaks to help with my expenses, until I decided to focus on my studies at age 10.
The Turning Points in My Academic Life
Despite financial constraints, I excelled academically, graduating as a first honor student. My initial goal was to become an engineer, but circumstances evolved. During high school, I pursued nursing education after winning a scholarship. However, a significant life event would shape my path. My father, a farmer, was diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease and never told me. This event became my reason to pursue medicine. Learning about him and his struggles fueled my determination to become a doctor.
The Mesmerizing Moments That Reshaped My Dreams
Several life-altering moments further solidified my resolve. Witnessing a senior doctor scold a nurse in front of me made me vow to continue my studies and become a doctor, vowing to improve communication in healthcare. The dramatic yet successful treatment of a gunshot victim in the emergency room left an indelible impression on me, fueling my desire to save lives. Lastly, my father's illness and subsequent passing profoundly affected me, reaffirming my commitment to this field.
Climbing the Mountain of Challenges
My medical school journey was filled with challenges. Despite the obstacles and the grief of my father's passing, I continued to pursue my dream, honoring both my own and my father's aspirations. It was a difficult but fulfilling path. Today, as a surgeon, I reflect on the numerous hurdles and the relentless perseverance that made me who I am today.
My story is a testament to the transformative power of dreams and the unwavering determination to achieve them, no matter how challenging the journey may be. If you have the dream and the passion, start with that dream and work tirelessly to achieve it, pushing through every obstacle along the way.