From Aspirant to Doctor: A Lifelong Journey of Growth and Fulfillment

My journey to becoming a Medical doctor was a true dream come true. I was blessed with the support of God and my parents, allowing me to join AFMC, my dream college. I recall every step of my memorable and magnificent four and a half-year journey in the premier Medical College of India. We studied diligently, participated in extracurricular activities, bonded with each other, and eventually graduated to join the Armed Forces Medical Services.

I cherished attending classes and clinics, going to the gym, and playing in the college football and basketball teams in the evenings. We frequently visited a night tea stall behind our hostel, run by a wonderful man named Amunni, who served a mouthwatering “pau vadas.” Reflecting upon those moments brings back a flood of nostalgia.

However, the experience of becoming a doctor surpasses the academic and social aspects. It is a deeply human journey. The medical profession touches people on a profound level and is intricately linked with sensitivities and specificities. This understanding unfolds gradually with experience, leading to a sense of fulfillment that is positively correlated with the challenges faced and won.

Understanding the Professional Perspective

The journey of professional growth in medicine is multifaceted and can be segmented into five key perspectives:

Perspective A: Identifying as a Medical Doctor with Self and Personal World

The first stage involves recognizing oneself as a medical doctor and understanding the role it plays in shaping one's personal world. It's about affirming one's identity as a medical professional and aligning it with personal values and goals.

Perspective B: Connecting and Relating with People as a Doctor

The second perspective focuses on finding ways to connect and relate to people, utilizing the higher identity as a doctor. It is about empathy, understanding, and building rapport, which are essential for effective patient care.

Perspective C: Sustaining the Flow of Life Events

The third perspective involves sustaining the flow of life events both professionally and personally, especially when faced with challenging cases. It is about maintaining resilience and adapting to the ups and downs of the medical profession.

Perspective D: Learning from Experiences

Learning from experiences, both personal and from peers and clients, forms the basis of the fourth perspective. It is about evolving through shared struggles and triumphs, fostering a continuous learning environment.

Perspective E: Celebrating Health and Life

The final perspective involves finding ways to celebrate health and life both within and with the wider world. It is about recognizing the inherent worth and value in individuals and the contributions they make, beyond just their medical roles.

Embracing the Human Aspect of Medicine

While these perspectives are crucial, they are often inconsistent, leading to a plateau in genuine professional growth. For medical professionals to fully realize their potential, it is essential to embrace the human aspect of medicine. This includes recognizing the diverse experiences and perspectives of patients, peers, and clients.

As a certified physician coach, my role involves helping doctors navigate these complex emotions and challenges, fostering a sense of fulfillment and resilience.

Reflecting on my journey and offering these insights, I wish all my professional readers a lifetime of fulfillment and meaningful connections in the noble field of medicine.