Tunnel Vision

Why are doctors afraid of the path less trodden?

Healthcare has become one of the largest sectors of the Indian economy. It continues to grow now - faster than ever as technology and services become a part of it.
Yet doctors who are a prominent part of this field are rare in these strides of innovation. A quick survey of India’s health tech sector shows that barely any companies are founded by doctors. Moreover, barely any doctors want to move out of the hospital or clinic.

The course of medical education often assumes your net profession.

Reflecting on my experience – I started med school 6 years ago.
As expected, there was an assumption made that I would work as a doctor. Through all the motivational talks (or scoldings!), the net message was to be a responsible doctor.
I remember times when we were in class and had to use the washroom. At first, our teachers used to refuse to let us out. Their reason was that we couldn’t move out to pee if we were mid-surgery.

But what are the odds of all 250 people in a classroom becoming surgeons or doctors?

As a result of this communication, most of the batch I graduated with wants to work as a doctor. In a batch of 250, it appears, I am the only black sheep.

But beyond this conservative setup, the world is moving forward in leaps n bounds. The healthcare industry has various upcoming trends. Digitization, AI, teleconsultation, and biotechnology are just a few of the emerging areas.

It’s important to go beyond being caregivers. Doctors need to be able to shape these changes. They can play a pivotal role as they are trained to understand patient ailments and the last mile in patient care.

Recently after I graduated, I didn’t know where I could work with my medical degree - if not as a doctor. Since then, I have begun my peregrination on a less-trodden path……to understand how I can contribute to change as a doctor.

In this blog, I wish to share my learnings and journeys with my readers.