/ -- The medical students of Manipal's AUA waited with bated breath for Friday, 7th June 2019. This recent batch of AUA graduates excitedly recited the Hippocratic Oath to receive their Doctor of Medicine Degree at 2019 Commencement Ceremony held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Centre in Newark, NJ. The event witnessed inexplicable joy and a sense of achievement amongst several hundred medical students who officially became doctors. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, presidential candidate and the first Hindu member of the US Congress, delivered the keynote address. Other speakers included 2013 AUA graduate Swathi Krishna, MD, Chief Psychiatry Resident at Emory University; 2019 graduate and valedictorian Suman Rao, MD; Neal Simon, AUA President; Robert Mallin, MD, AUA University Provost; and Peter Bell, MD, Executive Dean of Clinical Sciences.
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(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/929922/Tulsi_Gabbard_Nandini_Chattopadhyay.jpg )
Nandini, a young, bright and aspiring doctor, is a role model to many students in India who strive hard to succeed in their dream to be a qualified physician. Dr. Nandini Chattopadhyay's journey into the medical profession had started at the end of 2013 when she joined AUA after acquiring a master's degree in biotechnology in St. Xavier's College in Kolkata, India, hoping to become a medical researcher. She soon gave up the idea of working in the laboratory as a scientist to her inner calling of taking up the profession of a physician rather. Dr. Nandini spoke from New Jersey on the first day of her residency reminiscing her journey. She said, "I always dreamt to serve humanity and inspire them. The people's person that I am, I am glad that I realized my calling of pursuing the noble profession of a doctor. As soon as I heard about Manipal's AUA, I knew that's where I ought to be. I am forever thankful to AUA for having given me the foundation and for helping me achieve my dream. It's no more about me, but about every life that I could touch and change. I am looking forward to making a difference in the lives of people that I come across. I am proud to have made my, and my parents' dream come true."
Dr. Nandini Chattopadhyay's parents who were also present at the graduation ceremony are overwhelmed with the way their daughter has matured under the supervision of AUA faculties. Her mother, a specialist in the area of fertility, nurtured Nandini's dream to be a successful medical practitioner and serve the humanity. She said, "It was a long struggle and we are overwhelmed to be present in the final graduation ceremony that was a gala and inspiring event. AUA gave us the opportunity to make the dream of our daughter of becoming a world-class physician come true. Thanks to AUA fraternity for making us happy and proud."
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, one doctor is required per 1,000 people of the population. India has less than one doctor for every 1,400 citizens, which is very much less than the WHO standards. Population in India has increased by roughly 3.5% every year (as per records from 1960 to 2017)
Now, what should be the choice driven by: greener pastures, studying abroad, acquiring a mere medical degree or contributing towards the larger purpose of improving the global healthcare scenario? What should be the focus of medical institutions and aspiring medical students? Should it be about merely producing doctors and becoming doctors or there should be a higher purpose?
About American University of Antigua College of Medicine