MEDICINE IS AN ART TO PRACTICE

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I recently had a conversation with my wife who is currently undergoing a specialist medical training at UTH. 

As we were talking she lamented about how stressful work was since the training began. As I was trying  to figure out how I could sympathize and encourage her through this she went on to say:

"Yes the training is stressful but has its benefits; I learn a lot as I get to see a lot of rare conditions. If one has never seen a condition, its hard to fully recognize it no matter how many times you read about it. So the more rare diseases I come across, the better is my practice." 

She then ended by saying "Medicine is an art to practice."

I was taken a aback by these statements: Wait a minute, you complain of too much stress while at the same time say that its good? What exactly are you saying? 

She then went on to elaborate: "It will be pointless for me to be here (UTH) if I encounter the same conditions I normally come across at my work station. I wouldn't learn anything new and even during my exams it would be very difficult to pass let alone when I go back to my station and have to handle the cases by myself. In medicine, it is nearly impossible to remember what you read if you have never come across it. It’s difficult for the mind to know what the eye has not seen."

Upon reflection, I thought about how they could be some truths in what she said in terms of life; more especially during your training or starting phase. 

Isn't it far better to face the most difficult challenges in the beginning in order to prepare you for bigger the challenges ahead? I introspected. 

And immediately thought of some areas where it can be practical:

Relationships

Isn't it better to handle the stressful questions or issues (e.g. finance handling, church, children, etc.) while you still dating and undergoing counselling than when you already married?

Work

Isn't it better to come across the difficult part of your work during your internship (under supervision) before confirmation or before you become a Manager or Leader?

Business

Isn't it better to encounter challenges or difficulties as you starting up a business than when the business has grown to such an extent that a mistake leads to huge financial costs?

No matter how well we prepare, we will most certainly come across difficulties in whichever path we are on. However, what is certain is the level of difficulty (stressful situations) you had to overcome to get to where you are will greatly determine your chances of overcoming the challenges which lie ahead.

The intensity of practice or "training" in the initial phases might even be the difference between success or failure.

No wonder they say experience is the best teacher.

Medicine is an art to practice. So is life.



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