Students, I consider you as my extended family. In the very beginning I want to make it clear that I am not the person who want you to be ideal in any way.
I am here addressing mostly our postgraduate students.
However, there are certain evolving vibes that has been bothering us off late. A teacher is someone who’s appointed by the authorities to share what is relevant for you to mould your knowledge and skills in the pursuit of your post graduation degree.
Now, talking about Medical Education, unlike any other field here the build up of expertise is a two way traffic. We, work across holidays or set working hours. There are times when we are ready to learn from you all, none of us can ever feel completely equipped to sail in life without updating. A doctor is a student forever.
The three years that you come to spend with us is actually a privilege for both of us if you wish to believe. As you learn and we teach, the teacher brushes up old and new concepts and you students are the reason why we read and update. You give us the zeal to pursue knowledge and we feel happy to share what we know and expect you all to build up from there and also share. This on going flow of knowledge is the beauty of medical education.
Our academic sessions, conferences, publications and presentations are far more enjoyable than the usual social parties. We unknowingly build up a bond over the period that you come to work with us. There’s no expectations that we hold as teachers, but we feel happy when you recognise us over the days and years that you start to evolve after you hold your qualification.
Today a student is a colleague tomorrow. The binding of social etiquette and official norms should always be respected sine dine. You never loose your place or position if you decide to show some reverence to your one time teacher. This appears to be a dwindling trait amongst a section of doctors.
There’s another trend that hurts your teachers which I wish to open up with. As you are aware that, we handle human lives the value of which is priceless. We confide in you all for various levels of responsibilities in patient care. At times when you shrug such accountabilities the anguish it creates in us is unsurmountable. We readily take the responsibility of every challenge that arises in patient care, but you should be aware about your portion of assignment.
A veteran teacher can often read whether you are an academically brilliant doctor or a skilfully nurtured clinician. In medical science knowledge is power but skill is success.
To wrap up this brief relationship message I wish to say that without support you cannot sail. As such maintain your part well during your training period and after it’s done never cross social and official practices or benchmarks.
Our teachers took pride in us and we always take the pleasure of showing reverence when ever the situation permits.
I hope I am not misunderstood . It’s always easier to write down ones thoughts to get across.
Hoping to hear back from you all.
Dr Madhumita Priyadarshini Das
4 replies on “To my dear students”
Wonderfully wriiten maam.
Grateful forever ma’am
Than you Ma’am, thank you for sharing this. It really means a lot to be considered part of your extended family. I also relate to what you said about a doctor always being a student and learning going both ways. I’ll try my best to follow what you’ve taught us in both skills and respect for our teachers.
And also, thank you for the reminder that knowledge is important, but skill matters even more. I truly value what we learn from you during our postings and continue learning.
Thank you for being our teacher ma’am
We are always grateful for you ma’am