When I was a student, I wanted to be part of the revolutionary physicians who brought changes to the medical system. It has been 5 years since I graduated and I haven’t seen any changes. As seasoned professional, what problems did you face during your academic years? Are the current students facing the same problems you were? Should the current and future students be condemned to the challenges we faced because “It builds the character of a good doctor.”?
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Great topic! Will write my response in some time.
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I believe it depends on the institute as well. My college asserted focus and seriousness in the theory exams and disciplining us more than having us learn in the practical field. I know for a fact I could have been observing more and learning from some very helpful seniors, but I did drown in paper work and assignments even when it wasn’t immediately necessary and facing harsh criticism for that too.
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One thing that I have seen is that education has traditionally emphasized memorization over deep understanding and practical skills. Burnout and stress are still real and unavoidable.
Experienced professionals should advocate for reform to improve learning environments for future doctors if they keep the change of education as the priority, which is important for a better healthcare future.
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change is necessary but not everyone can do
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A great topic indeed for discussion
Having studied in India and worked in UK, Australia and USA -it feels that discussion around health education has never been truly holistic.
On one hand we have personal aspirations as a successful clinician with good knowledge and wonderful life - on the other hand are multiple challenges of working in a very complex field of hospitals or public health.
One thing which remains constant though is the commitment to do our best for the patients we meet. Each new patient teaches us a new knowledge stream. Though not much has changed over the years - still it is one of the best professions which is fulfilling and very satisfying.
Hang on in there and continue to evolve and innovate.
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I used to think I’d be part of the generation that changed the system. Five years later, not much has changed and honestly, most of us barely have the energy to fight anymore.
Back in MBBS, we faced outdated teaching, humiliation disguised as discipline, zero mental health support, and a system that romanticized burnout. And sadly, today’s students still face most of that.
Saying “it builds character” just passes down trauma. Struggles don’t make you a better doctor. They just make you numb. If we really care about the future of medicine, we should be working to make sure students don’t go through what we did.
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