The journey of becoming a doctor

In the noble pursuit of saving lives and improving the quality of health, doctors stand as the cornerstone of medical advancement and patient care. But what does it take to become a doctor? We delved into this question with Dr. Karan Chouhan, an alumnus of Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, who shared his enlightening journey and the rigorous path he undertook to achieve his dream of becoming a medical professional.

The medical journey begins

Dr. Karan Chouhan, who completed his MBBS in 2023, is now on the cusp of embarking on his master’s studies in the USA after clearing the USMLE. Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Chouhan emphasised the significance of the pre-medical years. “The medical journey starts right from 11th and 12th, known as pre-med years. These years lay the foundation for the extensive education and training that follow,” he noted.

The road to MBBS

The journey to becoming a doctor is neither short nor easy. In India, the MBBS degree spans 5.5 years, encompassing rigorous coursework and practical training. Dr. Chouhan recounted his experiences during this period, highlighting the demanding nature of the coursework and the intensity of the practical training. “During my MBBS, I faced numerous challenges, from long hours of study to the pressure of clinical rotations. It was both exhausting and exhilarating,” he shared.

Postgraduate specialisation

For those aspiring to specialise further, the journey extends. Dr. Chouhan explained, “After completing MBBS, there are three years of general medicine or general surgery training, which is considered a postgraduate degree. If you want to go into fields like cardiology, you need to spend two to three more years, depending on the country. In India, after postgraduate studies, you have to clear another entrance exam and then spend three more years to earn a DM degree in your chosen speciality, such as DM gastroenterology or DM cardiology.”

In the USA, the structure of medical education differs slightly. “In the US, after MBBS, which is equivalent to MD, the specialisation and super-specialisation phases are not distinguished by separate degrees. Instead, even if you do three more years of specialised training, it’s still considered MD,” Dr. Chouhan explained.

The commitment and challenges

The path to becoming a doctor demands immense dedication and perseverance. Dr. Chouhan shared personal anecdotes of the emotional and psychological challenges he faced. “There were times when I doubted myself and felt overwhelmed by the workload. However, my passion for medicine and the support of my mentors and peers kept me going,” he revealed.

Despite the dedication, Dr. Chouhan acknowledged the challenges and misconceptions doctors face. “People often don’t realise the years of education and training doctors undergo. Despite the dedication, there’s sometimes a perception that doctors are just in it for the money. This can be disheartening,” he remarked.

The fastest route

Interestingly, Dr. Chouhan pointed out that India offers one of the quickest routes to becoming a doctor. “In India, if you complete your undergraduate medical education, it is the fastest way in the world to become a doctor. In contrast, in the US, the pre-med years and additional undergraduate degree make the process longer,” he said.

A lifelong commitment

Becoming a doctor is not just about earning a degree; it’s about committing to a lifelong journey of learning and service. Dr. Chouhan emphasised, “Another 10-15 years after studying is spent gaining experience. It takes years before people recognise your expertise and start to respect you as a doctor.”

His journey, filled with dedication and a passion for helping others, serves as an inspiration for aspiring medical professionals. As he prepares to further his studies in the USA, his commitment to becoming an oncologist or cardiologist exemplifies the relentless pursuit of excellence in the medical field.

Dr. Karan Chouhan’s insights provide a profound understanding of the arduous yet rewarding journey of becoming a doctor. His experiences highlight the importance of perseverance, dedication, and a genuine passion for the field. For those aspiring to follow in his footsteps, his story is a testament to the unwavering commitment required to make a meaningful impact in the world of medicine.