Two and half years of residency has passed, six months left for the exam. The responsibility of ward work is left for juniors except for supervision and 'expert opinions'. Not many night shifts, Thesis on the way of completion. A bit of free time to think, self assess and organize. Where do I stand now.
Sadly, I stand pretty much close to where I started, if assessed in an optimistic way, but far behind than the starting point if assessed in a criticising view. When I joined, I had a high volume of theoretical knowledge and some clinical experience. Now I have more of clinical experience and minimal knowledge from books. Things which are not practised, names which are not used are forgotten.
Today was the first grand rounds after the joining of new residents. Our dear professor asked some questions to the resident who has competed one and half year and come back from specialty posting. He was mumbling half chewed answers. Then the professor made this comment to the new bees : " Don't think your seniors are dumb fellows, they were good, even better than you when they joined. Now this is what you are going to be after three years of residency. So think twice whether you want to continue in this unit." The enthusiastic newcomer said "Yes, Sir, I want to be!"
This is how usually the residency works for most of us. Our Professor recalls his friend saying, "Sir, don't ask me questions, But name a competitive exam and give me six months. I will crack it." That is what we are experts in! Now all of my upper storey feels empty. The same time I also feel that fresh energy and thrill, of embarking on a 'Mission Exam'!.
But don't misinterpret me. The years of residency is what make a surgeon. With the knowledge gained from clinical practice, I can find new meaning, understand and actually feel the material that has been described in text book. Now it is totally different in a refreshing way when I read the same surgical text book, I read during my Undergraduate period.
No comments:
Post a Comment