Volume 11 Issues 1 January, 2021
CONVERTING A PHYSICAL DISABILITY TO MENTAL STRENGTH
In my 2nd PUC, an idea was registered in my hippo campus when I read about Dr David Hartman, the first blind psychiatrist, in my English textbook. This idea inspired me to take MBBS in Ramaiah Medical College. A Psychiatry professor conducted the orientation and explained about how to manage stress, specifically in the medical setting. It was interesting. My first clinical exposure was in 2nd year of MBBS during the Psychiatry posting. The HOD, seeing my curiosity gave me interesting book store ad which were relevant to the subject. The same year, my classmate and I to took part in the Psychiatry quiz in KMC Manipal. Even though we couldn’t clear the prelims, we watched the entire quiz, which revealed the wonders of this subject. Few months later, I presented a case of Alcoholic Liver Disease and was surprised to know that examination was an important part in Psychiatry. Towards the beginning of 3rd year, my DLPFC was giving me reasons to ditch this idea and take Radiology instead (Eg-“It is a more generalized subject”, “It is better paid” ) During internship, I attended both postings. The radiological scans were enthralling. In psychiatry postings, there were some interesting cases. My first patient was an elderly Konkani man with anomicaphasia and I understood the distress when you can’t remember the name of you own family members. Also, I counselled a patient who attempted on life and improved his self-confidence, which was very fulfilling. My cognitive and emotional mind began a war which would take sometime to end. For the entrance examinations, my first choice was Radiology.
A Psychiatry seat was allotted to me in KIMS, Bangalore. I was disappointed, but still decided to meet the faculty. My inter action with Raguram Sir left me due to unfortunate circumstances, I didn’t get a seat. In these condround, I applied for Psychiatry colleges in Bangalore as my 2nd option.
speechless and from that moment on, I never looked back on my decision. The other consultants and the postgraduates were helpful. Only after a few days did I know that this was the best choice for post graduation both in terms of my interest, feasibility and future career. The subject was and still is versatile and interesting.
Neurology and Endocrinology were my strong subjects in MBBS which really helped. While taking cases, I was able to empathize better with the patients and it was easy for me to move on from one patient to the next as I wasn’t too attached to them emotionally. The best part was that unlike other specialties, every patient was unique and I would look forward to listen to their stories.
However, there were hurdles like:
- Initially, doing detailed case work ups was difficult because I wasn’t used to taking cases for long periods of time. After this, I had to pain stakingly write the case sheet. This led to severe my algia and fatigue.
- The theory at times would be exhausting to read both mentally and physically.
- Due to my physical condition, I had to sometimes depend on other PGs for duties. I would feel guilty but wouldn’t show it to them.
- I developed an influenza infection which culminated in pneumonia as I was given in haled steroids due to difficulty in coughing out these cretions. With fever, tiredness and excessive coughing, I went to the KANCIPS 2019 conference in BMC and presented my paper. Body pain, severe weakness and weight loss persisted for weeks after the illness was cured.
- I started working on my thesis really early but submitted it last due to the pneumonia. It was disheartening.
- Formy theory exams, I had to practice before hand with the scribe ( During MBBS, I wrote them myself ). Syncing my thoughts with an other person’s writing was poor during the first few times but then I got adjusted. Studying for long hours everyday was absolutely required.
These 3 years have taught me patience, improved my empathy and anger management, made me more resilient and helped me appreciate the more positive things in life.
Always remember that life sometimes takes an unexpected turn to get you to your destiny.
Dr. Sarthak is the first person in the world with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophyto receive a post-graduate degree in medicine. He secured the 8th rank in the RGUHSMD Psychiatry exams, Karnataka(2020).
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