The Life Of A Medico In All Its Glory And Horror

As early as she was in her playschool, I vividly recollect writing her name as Dr.Malvika Ashok , M.B.B.S, M.S, M.CH. Sure she reluctantly nodded and as an over enthusiastic mother  I am still one I guess) when she was barely three I gifted her the entire encyclopaedia britannica series expecting her to diligently devour everything before she even entered her full time schooling. I knew it was too overbearing for a child. But I just inculcated the habit of getting used to living with larger than life size books. Glad that she has evolved from there and sure she made it her dream too and worked hard towards it without being coerced into it. Today she completed her MBBS final year with top honours from her college. As a mother I saw from close quarters the life of a Medical student which is far from envious. The endless hours of learning, the mindboggling hospital sessions and almost every student goes through a plethora of emotions right from the imaginary diseases they suffer to the panic attacks they encounter before the eve of exams stating that they dont remember a word from the cartload of information they are supposed to assimilate in a single dreaded night. In the midst of so much chaos cluttered in their head there would be many of their school buddies who have already completed engineering and would be posting their instagram pics in front of ivy league colleges and some would already be drawing their five figure salaries. They would come to you with their heads down feeling that they are the most oppressed lot and life is never fair to them. But it is incredible to see them resurrect again and tell you that they are indeed passionate about this daunting journey and would not want to give up . You sometimes have to listen to their lecture when they sternly say that you cant google your diagnosis in ten minutes what it would take 10 years for them to study. My respect for doctors grew manifold when I saw the struggle just to complete MBBS. Another best part about my daughter is that she dabbled in many of her interests ranging from her random rock shows in stage to waxing eloquent in mock parliaments to playing her favourite sports. So it has been one hell of a roller coaster ride and glad that she had a life and pursued her other interests too with elan. As for me I am relieved that the first hurdle is over and her incessant journey towards quest for service and knowledge has to continue unabated. Nice to be called Dr.Malvika’s mom after all these ordeals and I sure deserve this moment after living through the rigorous life of a medical student in all its horror and glory.