"As a doctor, you don't practice medicine, you become the medicine yourself" - An excerpt from 'Time to Save Medicine' are strong and powerful words every medico must live by. They convey the importance of the trust every patient places in a doctor and emphasises the significance of the doctor-patient relationship.
This is the lesson I learnt in Switch India's latest medical camp which was organised in collaboration with Eternal Hindu Foundation at Shashwat Yogalay, Kharghar on 14th July, 2019. Our team of 14 volunteers consisted of medical and physiotherapy students from different universities spread across Mumbai and Pune.
On reaching the site, two tables were set up, one for patient registration while the other for health checkup and counseling. At the registration table, patient's details were taken down along with measurement of his blood pressure and weight. The patient then proceeded to the other table, where a thorough general examination was done along with history taking.
While some of the patients had complaints common in the monsoon season, most of the patients came in for a routine checkup and were happy to know that their body was functioning just fine. That made me a realise the impact a doctor's words have on a patient's psyche.
These patients were given health and wellness counselling, and I personally enjoyed this part the most since I could finally put our PSM knowledge to good use! The other patients were given proper advice and prescribed medicines and routine investigations.
After hours of hard work, I got a glimpse of my future as an intern/resident. The time, energy and efforts put in, definitely command the respect and admiration that this noble profession receives.
We were also provided tasty snacks and chocolates by the members of Eternal Hindu Foundation and the program ended with a small valedictory ceremony. All in all, it was a great opportunity to serve mankind which is EHF's motto
"4 ghante maanavta ke naam,
Rashtra nirmaan mein yogdaan"
