My Journey to Becoming an MBBS Doctor: From Uncertainty to Dedication

Deciding to pursue an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery) can be a significant choice for many individuals. It often involves a passion for medicine, a desire to help others, and a commitment to rigorous academic and practical training. For many students, this decision is influenced by various factors including personal experiences, role models in the medical field, and a genuine interest in science and healthcare. However, it's common for students to have doubts or reconsider their paths as they explore different aspects of medicine and their own interests.

Early Decisions and Uncertainty

As an example, my journey was no different. During primary school days, when my class teacher would ask, “What's your ambition?” many of my classmates would excitedly say, “Doctor.” To be different, I used to say “paediatrician.” The doctor who treated me for mumps had a significant influence on my decision. Despite my interests in the humanities and the ease of subjects like mathematics, biology became my focus when I decided to jump ahead into the 11th grade with biology and leaving behind mathematics. However, 11th standard was a disaster, and I barely passed. The reality hit me hard, and I decided to give my best shot in 12th to not regret my decisions.

The Turning Point

Despite scoring decent in 12th, I failed to clear the medical entrance exams. It was a tough blow, especially since my family could not afford coaching at Kota. My dad, however, took a calculated risk and sent me there. I worked hard but the results were not in my favor. I stood outside the medical college on the day of the AIPMT result when my dad and I could barely behave normally as we saw the result in an internet cafe. It read, NOT QUALIFIED.

That night, my family was in deep depression, even my 9-year-old sister who couldn't understand what was happening cried. I was devastated. So, what next? I decided to join a BSc program in a reputed college. When I had to go to college, I had to go through the main road in front of the medical college. I felt a lacuna inside whenever I used to see it, and I felt guilty. Neighbors and relatives pitied me, and my desire to give the entrance a second try was fueled by their support. As I juggled between MCQs, BSc exams, and practicals, I had no time to worry. My AIPMT was in the middle of my BSc exams. I had no idea how I managed that. Finally, the results came, and I stood 1st in college in BSc exams, scoring around 2800 rank in AIPMT, and 146 rank in state PMT.

The story didn't end there. I could not get into medicine in both all-India and state-level counseling and had to join dental. I had lost all hopes. However, that year AIPMT conducted a third round of counseling, and I got an MBBS seat. If I had scored 1 mark less, I would have remained a dentist. It felt like a dream, and I felt very lucky indeed. Life was never the same after that. Those who pitied me started quoting me. Though I eventually didn't become a paediatrician since I couldn't stand crying children, I joined general medicine and will be in my final year of residency in a month. I am not settled yet; I will try for DM Cardiology. Let's hope for the best.

Conclusion

If you're considering an MBBS or have questions about the journey, feel free to ask! The road to becoming a doctor can be challenging and uncertain, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Regardless of your start, dedication and passion will take you a long way. My journey from an uncertain start to becoming an MBBS doctor is a testament to the belief that sometimes, these choices are not always ours to make, but they can lead us to fulfilling paths we may have never imagined.