My choice of radiology was not at all because of any attraction to black-and-white films or the “glamorous” prospects of modern day diagnostic imaging. I first started thinking about it during 4th year of MBBS, when I came to realise that specialist physicians and surgeons (that every medical student dreams to become) are so busy working multiple shifts at multiple hospitals / clinics that they rarely have the time to have a meal with family or friends, and even less time and energy to encourage towards righteousness and warn against evil.
Then came the illustrious and memorable year of internship. I'd never realised so much of reality as during this one year. Admission nights, morning follow-up, counselling the patient, counselling the relatives, keeping seniors informed, round by the CA, round by the Professor, grand round, outdoor duty, OT assist, journal club, case presentation — it was an endless vicious cycle that drained me down to the last dregs of my physical and mental energy and even beyond, so that my basic principles of being human began to unsettle.
Quietness, politeness and patience were becoming difficult with every passing day, not only in hospital but at home even. Concentrating on the recitation in salat developed over many years started to quiver. Countless were the days when the azan of Maghrib reached my ears while I was still in the third rakat of Asr. Countless were the dawns when I had to hurry in the last rakat of Fajr as I saw the room brightening with the early rays of the steadily rising sun. Of the 365 days of that year, I don’t think there were even 100 days on which I could pray all five prayers in the mosque. Studies and discussion about how to be a better human, how the best of mankind used to be were beyond question. In no way could I continue this way for at least another 4 years (of postgraduation).
In comparison, radiology seemed to be quieter, more flexible and working at a single hospital / clinic would still produce enough to provide my parents at least the same standard of living as they have provided me.
Why not pathology or microbiology, then — they're equally peaceful? It was because the more common practice in these specialties is to go through an MPhil or MD course, which involve a year of intensive revision of anatomy, physiology, biostatistics, etc and are interrupted by frequent examinations and re-examinations. On the other hand, FCPS (Radiology) would provide 3 years of uninterrupted, hands-on exposure to films, procedures and diagnoses. Basics are revised as and when necessary and the exam is held only after the learning is over.
So, I made istikhara and appeared interviews at the top institutes to join postgraduate training. Over the last week of the last month of my internship, I got calls from DMC, SSMC, BSMMU, BIRDEM, Sohrawardy — I’d been accepted by all.
Then came the illustrious and memorable year of internship. I'd never realised so much of reality as during this one year. Admission nights, morning follow-up, counselling the patient, counselling the relatives, keeping seniors informed, round by the CA, round by the Professor, grand round, outdoor duty, OT assist, journal club, case presentation — it was an endless vicious cycle that drained me down to the last dregs of my physical and mental energy and even beyond, so that my basic principles of being human began to unsettle.
Quietness, politeness and patience were becoming difficult with every passing day, not only in hospital but at home even. Concentrating on the recitation in salat developed over many years started to quiver. Countless were the days when the azan of Maghrib reached my ears while I was still in the third rakat of Asr. Countless were the dawns when I had to hurry in the last rakat of Fajr as I saw the room brightening with the early rays of the steadily rising sun. Of the 365 days of that year, I don’t think there were even 100 days on which I could pray all five prayers in the mosque. Studies and discussion about how to be a better human, how the best of mankind used to be were beyond question. In no way could I continue this way for at least another 4 years (of postgraduation).
In comparison, radiology seemed to be quieter, more flexible and working at a single hospital / clinic would still produce enough to provide my parents at least the same standard of living as they have provided me.
Why not pathology or microbiology, then — they're equally peaceful? It was because the more common practice in these specialties is to go through an MPhil or MD course, which involve a year of intensive revision of anatomy, physiology, biostatistics, etc and are interrupted by frequent examinations and re-examinations. On the other hand, FCPS (Radiology) would provide 3 years of uninterrupted, hands-on exposure to films, procedures and diagnoses. Basics are revised as and when necessary and the exam is held only after the learning is over.
So, I made istikhara and appeared interviews at the top institutes to join postgraduate training. Over the last week of the last month of my internship, I got calls from DMC, SSMC, BSMMU, BIRDEM, Sohrawardy — I’d been accepted by all.
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