The art of becoming a doctor

1. BY
KEROLUS EKRAM GAD SHEHATA
• PGY-II IM RESIDENT, AIN SHAMS UNIVERSITY
• ECFMG CERTIFIED

2. Sirach 38:1-8
 Give doctors the honor they deserve, for the Lord gave them their work to
do.Their skill came from the Most High, and kings reward them for it. Their
knowledge gives them a position of importance, and powerful people hold
them in high regard.
 The Lord created medicines from the earth, and a sensible person will not
hesitate to use them. Didn't a tree once make bitter water fit to drink, so
that the Lord's power might be known? He gave medical knowledge to
human beings, so that we would praise him for the miracles he performs.
The druggist mixes these medicines, and the doctor will use them to cure
diseases and ease pain. There is no end to the activities of the Lord, who
gives health to the people of the world.

3. What is it all about?
 Being a doctor is not just wearing a white coat and holding a
stethoscope.
 Medicine is not just a science to learn and teach, It is an Art to live and
entertain.
 Many people seek professions to make a living, But we, The doctors,
seek the ultimate perfection to make our lives worth living.
 Pursuing Medicine is not just about getting a social privileges, it is about
self respect.
 Q: Can anyone become a doctor?
 A: No, Although we are equal, We are different. You need more than
being smart to become a doctor.

4.  Q: why do you make it so hard for us ?
 A: a hard truth is much more better than a soft lie.
 Q: So, How can I know that I fit to become a doctor?
 A: Firstly, you must believe that it is more than just a career to pursue.
is a faith to believe in.
 Q: That’s it?
 A: Of course not, But before you build a big tower, you should have a
strong basis. There is a huge difference between a doctor and a healer.
 Q: What should I have beside being smart?
 A: precisely-trimmed collaboration of character, attitude, personality
above all, morality.

5.  Q: Why doctors are that different?
 A: Because they are dealing with the most precious thing the
man has, The life.
 Lets make it simple, working as a doctor needs scientific
qualifications, but pursuing medicine needs more.
 None is prefect, but all should seek perfection.
 Q: Isn’t it all bout diagnosis of the disease and managing it?
 A: that is a large aspect of the medical practice, but you are
dealing primarily with a patient not a disease.

6. Qualifications
 A sense of Responsibility: don’t mess with other people’s health.
 A high standard ethical values: many times you are in control and the patients
trust you for their own lives and that of their beloved ones.
 Knowledge: Study every subject as it would be your future medical specialty
no matter how difficult it is. That will make a huge difference.
 Skills: not just the clinical skills, but the communication and interpersonal skills.
 Professionalism: remember It’s much more than how much information you
give, but how presentable and compassionate attitude you show.
 Humble in heart: whatever the amount of praise you get or the breakthroughs
you achieve.

7. What to do?
 Look beyond what others expect you to do.
 Let medicine be the axis of your lifeway.
 Study hard: it takes 2 wings to fly (knowledge and attitude)
 Sharpen your skills.
 Lifelong learning.
 Teach: the best way to learn is to teach.
 Set up your goals.
Have a dream that is much more bigger, higher and greater even than
your dreams.
 Serve all people without expecting a praise.
 Have a critical thinking that can also accept criticism

8. What to avoid?
 Arrogance: you will be exposed, but you shouldn’t be susceptible.
 Single source: it takes more than one rose to make a beautiful garden.
 Laziness: It takes a lot more than hard work to be distinguished.
 Unorganized mind set: there is a major difference between a knowledgeable
doctor and a wise healer.
 Stereotypical thinking: you are different by you very nature, so be creative.
 Jumping: Medicine should be taken step by step. Remember, dig deep
before building a big tower.
 Daydreaming: you have a dream, but the first step to achieve it is to wake up.

9. What to expect?
 Pursuing Medicine can be very challenging.
 Even though you know, work and serve people more than many do and
above that you are humble in your heart, Many times you get criticized for
the decision you make.
 These enormous stresses can be very disappointing.
 There are 2 main sources to get appreciated for your good work:
From inside: Self-satisfaction and self-respect. That should form the bigger
aspect.
From outside: your mentors, colleagues and patients. But, sometimes that may
not be present and so, Do your best and expect nothing back.
 I know it seems hard to live with, but remember that you are different.

10. Medicine and life; Mutual effect
 Firstly, you don’t live with medicine, you are living the medicine.
 Pursuing medicine will greatly affect your social life. It depends on how you
know and react to the challenges to perceive this effect either in a positive or
negative ways.
 Be honest with yourself regarding your abilities to learn, to handle stress and
to limits of your interpersonal communication. That will help you to make
major choices regarding both your career bath and your social life.
 Remember, be a goal-oriented person who think thoroughly before making
a decision.
 Take it as a package and wisely assess whether your decisions for your career
bath complements or contradicts with your social life.

11. To sum up
Medicine is great to be learned, greater to be lived
 For doctors, excellence will not be an option, it is a must.
 Know all the challenges & the potentials of your future professional and social
life then make a wise decision.
 Be humble in heart. Remember that pearls are found deep in oceans while
cadavers surface.
 It takes 2 wings to fly high (attitude and knowledge). One without the other is
worthless.
 Doctors seek to make a life worth living rather than seeking to make a living.

12. Thank you