Life in Medical College

There have been many challenges along my journey through medical college.

One major hiccup throughout the agenda at college was my very different perspective about being a doctor. There are a lot of stereotypes that still exist within the walls of our age old medical profession. This is also a challenging aspect of attending this institution.

One of the greatest challenges I have met throughout college was facing all the

stereotypes that still exist in peoples minds. For example, many students, teachers make

generalized comments that hit close to home i.e. involve people in my family, or about

my life experience. Through this though, I have learned that I can maybe help people

open up their minds a bit more to see beyond things and to realize that people and the

situations they are living in are not so black and white.

Throughout medical college, I have learned a lot about myself. I have learned that

I won’t compromise who I am and where I have come from to be like everybody else. I

think God has led me down this path and it has truly been a path of self-awareness

and self-growth.

One of the biggest surprises about medical college has been all the opportunities

and the doors that open before you. There are so many resources to access if you only

show an interest. My academic career in medicine has brought me all over the world!

For example, there are many conferences and educational opportunities available and

people are often willing to share their knowledge. I didn’t realize just how much of a life commitment this truly is and how it really becomes your lifestyle. This isn’t really a problem when it is your passion, but I do think it is important to share this knowledge with people who show an interest in medicine as a career.

There is one main reason why I chose to come to medical college and that is for

the people. For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to help people. I

thought that if God gave the gift of knowledge and learning to me, then maybe I

should use those gifts to the benefit of others. There are a lot of people in the world who

people forget, push away, and many who get lost in the shuffle of life – these are the

people who I strive to work with and be a part of their life. Being a doctor is a special gift

– it allows you into people lives in a way that many people won’t ever experience.

My advice to students is that you can do anything you put your mind to – you just have to try and work at it. Another big thing is to reach out for support and information. There is a lot of information available, but sometimes it’s not right out in the open. Also, there are students who have gone before you and can help answer questions and also to be supportive in the journey. One other important thing is to be yourself and to always be honest.

This journey is sometimes a tiring and exhaustive trek, there are many obstacles, and you often feel like a fish out of water. However, it is also important for students to know that they are never alone in their endeavors. After all it takes a lot of ‘patience’ (patients) to make a good doctor.

I wish each and every one of you the very best in your journeys of life and welcome you all to my Medical Odyssey…….

Sunshines to all !!!   

Kochi (Queen of the Arabian Sea)

Jan 2010