Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
- Thomas Edison
An Unexpected Summer Opportunity
As a future neurologist in the making, I always wanted the chance to shadow a doctor in my high school years. However, opportunities in India were limited simply because it wasn't a very common practice to shadow a doctor. Nonetheless, it never hurts to ask and that is how I met Dr. Sushant Lokhande. He was willing to take me under his wing and if it weren't for him, I probably wouldn't be the medical enthusiast that I am today!
However, the experience came with its challenge-- doctors, staff, and patients regularly spoke in Marathi… a language that I did not understand! Moreover, I spent several days traveling two hours to the hospital to simply observe in the ICU (I felt like the Karate Kid). At first, I was disappointed but it helped me realize that to make the most of any work experience, I had to make an effort to actively seek opportunities. I learned common Marathi phrases, spoke to patients, and asked the doctor to give me more exposure to the medical world. I was given access to MRI scans and taught how to read them. I even got to observe a Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL), which is used to remove kidney stones! Wearing the scrubs and walking into the OT, made me feel more connected to medicine than ever before. |
Due to my determination, Dr. Lokhande recommended me to Bij Care Pharmaceuticals to intern as their product manager. I created a pitch for a novel drug and presented it to several doctors to increase sales. This required a lot of research, strong public speaking skills, as well as a sense of sales and management. Ultimately, this entire experience resulted in a well-rounded sum of skills from both the medical and business routes of the industry.
My newfound dedication proved that opportunities are seized and that one must keep a holistic mindset. The experience opened my eyes to several branches of medicine and to what being a successful physician requires apart from theoretical knowledge.
My newfound dedication proved that opportunities are seized and that one must keep a holistic mindset. The experience opened my eyes to several branches of medicine and to what being a successful physician requires apart from theoretical knowledge.