Anna's batch of thirty five medical students of 1968 batch at Christian Medical college, Vellore, now working in about 12 countries, met for their reunion two weeks back at Pondicherry. They completed forty five years since they joined for their medical studies. They relived, acted, sang and shared their memories during this time.
I was struck by one common experience each of them shared at the sea side sunrise service Anna organised on the last day. Their lives were formed during their time in the college. The experiences of personal interactions with the faculty, hostel life, co-curricular and extra curricular activities, chapel services, Bible studies, Class prayers, picnics, prangs... the list was long. All of them gave them together helped in discovering a mission in life. Most of them attributed what they are today, to this valuable formative experience where they watched their teachers at work, in their homes and in public engagements, through which they made their choice to follow the call of of life and profession.
I was listening recently to a group of medical students, who were almost lamenting for more contacts, interactions and formative experiences through greater exposure to their teachers. I have been disturbed to know that medical education is more formal, class room centred, examination oriented, skill based and success driven. I sensed their anxiety over limited insight into decision making, crisis management, communication, values, good practices, ethics and morals, etc. I suppose even these are taught formally now-a days. But, I remember a senior friend telling me once, 'values are caught than taught'.
There is a shortage of medical teachers as many prefer to be in full time practice. Even after the retirement age of medical teachers getting extended to seventy years, the shortage is still felt. With another 200 medical colleges likely to be added in the next five years, teachers would be hard to find.
The medical students are waiting for teachers who would share their lives with them of dedication, calling, self giving, and high standards of ethical practice of medicine. I have a feeling that we have let down the medical students by not being role models ! It is dis-service to the profession.
Anna and I have a dream to encourage about twenty young faculty in Medical schools, currently working in India, by accompanying them over a period of three years, to help them to be actively involved in formative engagement with under graduates and post-graduates If this speaks to you, we look forward to hearing from you.
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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