Name: Manish Shaw
Birth Place: Howrah, West Bengal, India
Academic Qualification: BAMS from Bharat Ayurved Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Uttar Pradesh, India (Admission Batch: 2022)
Languages you speak/write: Hindi, English, Bengali, Bhojpuri, and Sanskrit
Welcome to our exploration of campus life. In this interview series, we engage in meaningful conversations with Manish Shaw, who generously shares their experiences at the Bharat Ayurved Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Uttar Pradesh, India
Priya: Hello Manish, Welcome to Medbound Times. Please tell us something about your professional life.
Manish: I am a 1st-year medical student at Bharat Ayurved Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Uttar Pradesh, India. I took two years off after completing my 12th grade in 2019. After that, I went to Kota in 2020 for further preparation. Finally, I got admitted to college in 2021. I have been determined to become a doctor since the 8th grade, and I have consistently pursued my dreams. Now, I am proud to say that I have reached this college with the intention of fulfilling my goal of becoming a doctor.
Priya: Why did you choose BAMS instead of MBBS?
Manish: Getting good marks is indeed important to secure admission to medical colleges, and Ayurveda does have promising scope in the future. So, I chose it over other options without any regrets. Initially, I didn't have a specific idea about the kind of doctor I wanted to become. My main focus was to become a doctor, whether it was through MBBS or by pursuing BAMS or BHMS. BAMS seemed like a good choice for me, so I am currently pursuing it.
Priya: What are the similarities and differences between MBBS and BAMS?
Manish: The similarity lies in the fact that both MBBS and BAMS aim to treat patients. The difference is that each field has its own set of principles. MBBS follows modern aspects of medicine, while BAMS incorporates a mixture of traditional and modern principles. For example, in BAMS, when diagnosing a disease, we may also rely on radio diagnostics for assistance. Testing procedures such as blood tests and urine tests are conducted in both modern medicine and Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, the focus is on understanding the individual's constitution and imbalances within the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha).
In modern medicine, the focus is often on identifying and treating symptoms, and prescribing medicines based on those symptoms. However, in Ayurveda, the approach is to address the root cause of the symptoms to prevent the recurrence of the disease. Ayurvedic treatment aims to understand the individual's unique constitution and balance the doshas.
Regarding the degrees, MBBS is a dual degree program: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. However, in the case of Ayurveda, it is a combined degree where students study both Ayurvedic principles and modern medical concepts for a period of five years.
Our syllabus is also divided in a similar manner, with 50 percent dedicated to Ayurvedic studies and 50 percent focused on modern medicine. This division ensures that we receive an equal education in both Ayurvedic principles and modern medical practices.
For example, you might have heard of cases where a patient has been taking modern medicine for many years but has not experienced improvement. Eventually, they turn to Ayurvedic medicine and find relief. When such a patient comes to us, they bring all their medical reports, and we have to prepare ourselves accordingly. We need to understand all the medications they have been taking for years so that we can provide comprehensive and effective treatment. That's why we have to study both modern and Ayurvedic medicine. I never feel overwhelmed by this; instead, it motivates me to study extensively and provide the best possible treatment for the patient.
Priya: Tell us something about the campus and hostel life at Bharat Ayurved Medical College Hospital and Research Centre.
Manish: Our college was established in 2009 and is a semi-government institution. It operates as a self-financed college. The campus is well-maintained and located on the Delhi-Haridwar highway. If you plan to travel to Haridwar by road, our college will be on your way. Currently, our college does not offer any postgraduate courses, but they will be introduced within the next year or two. At present, we have undergraduate programs available, including nursing and pharmacy.
The hostel here is excellent, and the weather is quite pleasant. I am hesitant to say that if I live in PG or pursue self-cooking, I may not face the same problems. My friends are very supportive, and the food culture here is completely different. They have a preference for local and regional delicacies, which makes it a bit challenging for me.
Priya: What about the study and practical sessions? And were they conducted regularly?
Manish: In our college, we have four classes in the first half of the day, and in the second half, we have three classes. The last class of the day is usually dedicated to practical sessions. I personally enjoy anatomy dissection and find physiology practicals interesting. However, sometimes the anatomy tends to be boring.
Priya: What’s the best part of your profession?
Manish: The best part, for me, is when I am able to bring a smile to someone's face and provide them with a new lease on life. Money is secondary; the satisfaction of fulfilling the patient's needs is the most rewarding aspect.
Priya: If given a choice, what alternate career would you have opted for?
Manish: If I don't become a doctor, I am not sure whether I will become a pilot or pursue my interest in the culinary arts. On the other hand, I have a great passion for cooking. I find immense satisfaction in creating delicious dishes, even though it may not be as prestigious as being a doctor.
Priya: How did you think of becoming a medical student and creating content?
Manish: I initially had the idea of engaging in medical content creation while preparing for the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test). This is why I created my Instagram account 'doctor-on-board'.
Priya: Any message for your junior?
Manish: Regarding BAMS, I can say that it is a deep swamp, and you can also say that it's a challenging path. When I entered this field, I used to have doubts about Ayurveda and whether I should pursue a career as a medical practitioner. But looking at the fame and wealth associated with it, I felt tempted. However, if you choose to enter this field, there is no fear of falling.