Name: Jeevesh Tikadaar

Birth Place: Delhi 

Academic Qualification: MBBS from UV Gullas College of Medicine (Admission Batch: 2019) 

Languages you speak/write: Hindi, English, Bengali 

Welcome to our exploration of campus life. In this interview series, we engage in meaningful conversations with Jeevesh Tikadaar, who generously shares their experiences at the UV Gullas College of Medicine (University of the Visayas), Philippines. 

Priya: Hello Jeevesh, Welcome to Medbound Times. Please tell us something about your professional life.  

Jeevesh: My name is Jeevesh Tikadaar. I am doing my MBBS at the UV Gullas College of Medicine, which comes under the University of the Visayas, Philippines. I am currently doing an internship at Aakash Hospital, Dwarka. 

Priya: Why did you choose MBBS? 

Jeevesh: From my childhood, I watched my father help poor and needy people, so I made my father my idol and wanted to pursue medicine to help those people. 

Priya: How do you get admission into the UV Gullas College of Medicine? 

Jeevesh: I gave the NEET exam in 2017. When I first qualified for NEET, I didn't have enough marks to get admission to a good MBBS college in India. Then I took the second attempt in 2018. This time, too, I couldn't make it. In India, there are many government colleges but only a few seats and many aspirants.

Priya: What do you learn from this profession? Or what’s the best part of your profession? 

Jeevesh: Everything is good in this profession. I had anger issues earlier, but after being in the profession, I got my anger under control. I understand that you will meet good and bad people of both kinds. All people are not the same. You have to deal with all types of people with patience and peace. 

 Priya: Tell us something about the campus and hostel life at UV Gullas College of Medicine. 

Jeevesh: UV Gullas College of Medicine is an MCI, WHO, ECFMG, and FAIMER-recognized medical college located in Cebu City, Philippines. The campus is very big and beautiful. It was reconstructed because, in 2022, it was destroyed by a tycoon. Cultural activities are conducted. Indian festivals like Holi, Diwali, etc. are celebrated with great pomp and joy. On campus, the Indian flag is hoisted every year on August 15

I was in a hostel in my first year. After that, I shifted to PG with my seniors. It was difficult to manage things at first, but as time passed, everything was adjusted. 

Priya: What about the study? And were they conducted regularly?  

Jeevesh: The study was good, and the teachers were cooperative. Practicals were done on AI-based 3D models. We were sent to practice medicine in rural areas. If you live in the north, you will be sent to the south, and we have to take rooms for rent. Because there is no Indian food available, we have to remain hungry for 2-3 days, sometimes even more.

Priya:  What is the difference between India and the Philippines? Can you elaborate on them? 

Jeevesh: Actually, everything is different: food, language, and culture, and the food culture is very different. We have to face so many challenges. There were Indian restaurants present, but it was very costly, like one Indian bread costing 25–30 Indian rupees, so we decided to cook ourselves rather than waste money. In Cebu, the nightlife is good. There are very beautiful beaches, and students mostly prefer to hang out and study on beaches.

Priya: Any final message for your upcoming MBBS students/juniors? 

Jeevesh: Finally, I want to say that students should try to avoid going overseas. College is good, but it is very painful to stay away from family. When you remain hungry for two or three days, you will understand the value of food and family. Most of the students think during preparation that if we take a drop, what will society say? Don't think about society; think about college, which is more important than society.