Recognition...

This post may offend... I'm sorry if it does. It is not posted, with intentions to harm or offend anyone. But in order to express myself, I reckon my opinion will make a few unhappy... So, if you think you might be one of them, please do exit now.... or enter with caution. 

During my trip to Cambodia, one day, the tour bus went to pick up another family that was joining us for half a day before they left for their next holiday destination. It was a family of 5 - mom, dad, brother and 2 sisters. 

Suddenly, one of the girls asked if I studied at ***. 

I replied with a "Yes, I did" looking at her, trying to figure out if I was suppose to know her. 

"I studied there too, but I did *** course"

"Oh.... okayyyy" Still no idea who she is (O.o) 

She then proceeded to tell me that her sister is currently pursuing her medical degree in XXX, (Again, not meant to offend anyone) and is completing her fourth year. Apparently, she plans to work in Australia upon graduating, and was asking me what it's like working here. 

"It's not bad :D" was all I could say...

Because in my mind, I really wanted to ask her - 

"Why did you study in XXX, if really you wanna work in Australia?" 

I know at the end of the day, it's not where you graduated from, that determines how good a doctor you are. But I have to admit, that given the choice, wouldn't you want to graduate from a prestigious university that you can be proud of? Wouldn't you wanna know that you're getting quality education, from a place that produces quality doctors? Rather than have your qualifications be doubted and scrutinized, and examined under the microscope by different councils / bodies?

Some will proceed to tell me "Who wouldn't wanna graduate from XXX uni? But they lack the $$$ and the grades to make the cut?" 

I know of many who have gone to all parts of the world to pursue medicine. And I applaud them for their determination, of wanting to be a doctor - for whatever reason, only they will know. To save lives and make this world a better place, to fulfill their childhood dream, because it's truly their passion to do the job and help others, to get the title in front of their names, for status and glory?? who knows! 

But it just got me to thinking, how far would you go, to get that DR. in front of your name?? 

I always believed that some people are meant to be doctors, and some just aren't. They might still make good surgeons though! **again, no offence** 

But sometimes, the best surgeons really do have the stinkiest attitude, and treat their patients as a subject, or worse, a piece of meat. (But of course, I've seen surgeons who are sooo good with people, they remember every single one of their patients' names AND the procedure they had done).

And it's not always dependent on which university you came from, or how high your scores were... but it's something that comes from within. It takes a combination of knowledge, with passion to make a good doctor. It's not about how much you can do, but sometimes, knowing where your boundaries are. 

On a different note: 

My sister was telling me the other day, that one of her college friends doesn't hang out with "the gang" anymore, perhaps because she feels like she's a step above them since she's studying medicine... And I can't help but agree with her, that there are heaps of people like that in the world. Just because they are doctors, or doctors-to-be, they feel as if everyone else is inferior to them? 

And what really made me laugh was, she was studying at ***** (some place that's not widely recognised).

Please, do get off your high horse and look around you? You're no different to everyone else!! You're the reason why people perceive doctors in a less-than-favourable way! You're the reason why others don't like hanging out with doctors, thinking they are clique-ish, arrogant snobs. 

Anyways, I'm blabbing and digressing...

The point(s) of this post: 

1. It is important to come from a "recognised" university. It makes your job hunting alot easier upon graduation. Personally, I'd rather not be a doctor, than be a lousy produce, from a lousy factory. You get the drift. 

2. If you do come from a prestigious university, good on you. Recognise that, and keep it to yourself. There is no need to put others down, to make yourself feel better. 

I have digressed so much, I don't even know what I was trying to write about originally... But again, my sincerest apologies if I have offended anyone.