Boys in medical training!

In a  batch of 100 medical students, the girls outnumber the boys.  Seeing this group of boys in the class, I became aware of its implications.This has been a phenomenon in the last five or so years in some medical colleges

It is most heartening that many girls choose the training to become doctors. In fact many women choose now a days other specialties than Obstetrics and Gynaecology or Paediatrics for their post-graduate training. That too is welcome, because it highlights the entrepreneur spirit in women. I feel that medical profession need men and women in equal proportion because they bring different soft skills to the profession.

I feel concerned that boys choose other career paths than medicine in the recent years. While talking to a student preparing for entrance examination to the IIT, I discovered an underlying perception which have affected the boys from choosing the option of studying medicine. They find a quicker successful career path by studying engineering, commerce, business management, fashion technology, hospitality, etc. There is an assured attractive income at a younger age in these professions. 

That made me wonder whether medical professional is no more a noble profession inviting young men to pursue  a life of service and commitment for the cause of well begin for all. If the medical profession becomes devoid of the spirit of service, self-giving, caring, thoughtful ways to support people in physical, emotional an social needs, then it shall get lose its charm and appeal. 

It is altruism, doing good and serving with love,  which used to inspire young men to this profession. Has this profession become different from what it used to be! Have the young men, got enticed by other options because other competing interests and values! 

Let me salute the boys who choose to study medicine inspire of the trend against it!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)