7/16 - Jiviraj Children's Hospital (Day 2)

Today I returned to Jiviraj Children's Hospital with Kim.

Saw a good amount of patients again, but because this was a morning shift there were far less children.

Fun fact of the day: a lot of the younger babies made it a point to try to discover the flavor of stethoscope. This is known as oral fixation, the stage at which babies just like to....well, put items in their mouths.

During our tea break we had a nice chat with Dr. Kothari, where we talked about education. As one can imagine, in India the process of becoming a doctor is quite different.

In the United States:

1. Upon completing their undergraduate (or at least the ~3 years required to complete course requirements), an individual can apply for medical school.
2. Medical school lasts for 4 years, during which an MD or DO degree is awarded which allows practice upon completion of a residency program (which a medical student applies for during their last year).
3. This is typically followed by (during the last year of medical school or the first year of residency) a 1-year internship.
4. Next up is residency, in which time spent varies from speciality to speciality. For paediatrics it is 3 years. 
5. A 1-3 year fellowship could also be done after residency, where an individual specializes even further in their residency choice. 
6. Upon completion of the above and passing the examinations, an individual finally becomes board certified to practice. 

In India: 

1. Grades up to 12th grade (the equivalent of senior year in a US high school) are referred to as standards. 10th, 11th standard, etc....
2. Once a student completes 12th standard, he/she goes straight to medical college. This lasts for 5.5 years (1 of these years is an internship). Upon completion, the student then receives a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree (M.B.B.S.). 
3. Individuals can then choose to pursue a postgraduate education. This lasts 3 years for a diploma. 
4. Upon completion of the above and passing the examinations, an individual finally becomes board certified to practice. 

Interesting, no? 

Final day with Dr. Kothari tomorrow!