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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : September 27, 2013 4:30 PM IST
In India, National Doctor's Day is celebrated on July 1 to honour legendary physician and ex-CM of West Bengal Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.
We never think twice before troubling doctors with our ailments, sometimes even invading their personal space. On this Doctor's Day we reached out to some of our experts Dr Arjun Srivatsa (Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon), Dr Vijayasarathi Ramanthan (Sexual Health Physician), Dr Kiran Lohia (Dermatologist) and Dr Apoorva Shah (Trichologist) to ask them why they chose this profession, what makes it so enlightening and what message they had for youngsters who wanted to follow in their footsteps. Here's what they had to say:
Q: What made you decide to take up the medical profession?
Dr Arjun Srivatsa: Iwas 9-years-old when I decided that I wanted to become a doctor. My grandfather was a doctor and my thoughts were always with the ill so it was a logical choice for me.
Dr Vijaysarathi Ramanthan: Since my school days, I was recognised as someone who could communicate and deal well with others and this made me choose a profession which involved dealing with people and not machines. Also I hated maths and that helped me make my decision!
Dr Kiran Lohia: I took up the medical profession mostly because I was inspired by my mother. I was always awed by how much difference she made in people's lives!
Dr Apoorva Shah: I suppose it was hereditary. My father and grandfather were both doctors. I chose to become a super-specialist and went on to pioneer the field of trichology (the science of hair and scalp disorders) in India.
Q: What is the best thing about being a doctor?
Dr Vijaysarathi Ramanathan: According to the Martin Seligman, the author of Authentic Happiness, a meaningful and engaging life is vital for real happiness. The medical profession, when practiced in an ethical manner, allows you to do just that.
Dr Apoorva Shah: Every single day is a challenge because you're dealing with different patients and trying to understand their problems. However, the feeling of making a difference in someone's life by giving a person back his confidence is amazing.
Dr Kiran Lohia: The best thing about being a doctor is when you cure someone's problem. You change that person's outlook in life and their quality of life! I take great happiness and pride in being able to do that.
Dr Arjun Srivatsa: There's no feeling that compares with the joy when a patient walks up to you and publically tells others that he owes his life to you.
Q: If you were asked to give a message to all the youngsters who want to become doctors, what would it be?
Dr Arjun Srivatsa: The new mantra is to follow your dream. This holds good in medicine as well because you will face obstacles during and after you complete your studies. Your motto should always be to provide quality care to your patients.
Dr Apoorva Shah: It's important for youngsters to abide by the ethics that they've been taught by their professors and to never disobey the oath they took to become a doctor. I wish all youngsters success on their journey.
Dr Kiran Lohia: My message to the youngsters would be - don't be afraid of hard work! Becoming a doctor is tough, but the rewards are well worth it as medicine is a truly fulfilling profession.
Dr Vijaysarathi Ramanathan: To me, a great medical doctor is one who is popular with his/her patients and not merely appearing regularly in the media or one who has a big hospital. Unlike other professions, in medicine you will be dealing with life and death, health and illness of your patients. Whether becoming a medical doctor is your choice or not, please ask the question 'Why' at least five times before making a decision to become a doctor.
We can see from our doctors' replies that the medical profession is by no means an easy choice. It won't give you instant riches, but what it will definitely give you is a life of respect and fulfilment. The decision to choose to become a doctor shouldn't be taken lightly or because you're under pressure from your family, but because your goal is to help others. Happy Doctor's Day everyone!
Also read: 'Rajesh Khanna inspired me to become a doctor'
