‘Apeejay cultivates a research-oriented mindset’

Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg has always been a nurturing ground for future leaders, thinkers, and professionals. One of its illustrious alumni, Vansh Chouhan, embodies this spirit. Graduated in 2018, Vansh has recently completed his MBBS from Jalandhar. His journey from a school student to a medical professional is a testament to the robust foundation laid by Apeejay and his relentless pursuit of excellence. In a telephonic conversation, Vansh shares insights into his educational journey, the pivotal role of his school, and valuable advice for aspiring medical students.

Read edited excerpts:

Can you tell us about your journey from Apeejay School to becoming a medical professional?
I appeared for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and began my MBBS at Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences in 2018. The course, including a compulsory rotatory internship, lasted 5.5 years. I’ve recently completed my degree and am now a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery.

How did Apeejay School support you in achieving your dreams?
The support from my mentors at Apeejay was incredible. Teachers were instrumental in guiding and motivating me. The school’s environment helped me prepare for complex studies and balance extracurricular activities effectively.

You mentioned participating in various co-curricular activities. How did that impact your career?
Participating in sports like volleyball and basketball, and being part of the musical choir and debates, taught me time management and stress relief. Singing, in particular, has been a great way to manage the stress that comes with the medical profession.

What was the most significant benefit you gained from your time at Apeejay?
The ability to interact with senior authorities confidently. Apeejay’s emphasis on communication skills and co-curricular activities shaped my approach to professional interactions, which I found lacking in many of my peers at medical college.

Can you elaborate on your involvement with the Apeejay Space Society and other competitions?
Being part of the Apeejay Space Society was a highlight. We participated in the NASA competition and received honourable mentions three times. Additionally, I was involved in the National Robotics Olympiad. These experiences honed my research skills and critical thinking, crucial for my medical career.

What challenges did you face during your medical studies, and how did you overcome them?
The major challenge was managing stress—academic pressure, social life, and emotional aspects. Apeejay prepared me well for this. The well-planned schedule and lessons on how to balance multiple activities during school helped me cope better during my medical studies.

How did Apeejay School’s emphasis on co-curricular activities benefit you in the long run?
The school’s balanced approach to academics and co-curriculars provided a holistic development. It allowed me to excel in studies while pursuing my interests, which is essential in a demanding field like medicine.

What advice would you give to students aspiring to pursue a career in medicine?
Start preparing early, ideally from 9th grade. Building a strong foundation in 9th and 10th grades is crucial as it supports the advanced studies in 11th and 12th. Also, balance your studies with activities that help manage stress.

How did your involvement in research at Apeejay influence your medical career?
The research projects at Apeejay, especially the space settlement contest, cultivated a research-oriented mindset. This later helped me in medical research, including a project on artificial intelligence in medicine, which was selected for an international conference in Dubai.

What would you say is the most crucial skill for a medical professional?
The ability to diagnose accurately with minimal tests. This requires keen observation and critical thinking, skills that Apeejay helped me develop through various academic and co-curricular activities.