Sujatha K.1 , Harsha P. J.2 , Chitra Nagaraj3 , Shakuntala Rao N.4 , Devivaraprasad M.5
BACKGROUND The medical curriculum in India is changing to make future doctors better. This study was done to know what the newly entered medical student feels about being a doctor. METHODS This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted from October 2019 to November 2019, at PES Hospital, Kuppam. A total of 89 first year newly joined medical students were given self-prepared questionnaire during the foundation course. The data obtained was analysed in percentages. RESULTS Passion for medicine (64.04%), status in society (31.46%) and influence from doctors in family were the main reasons to join medicine. About 8.9% had joined medicine purely as per parents wish. Most students felt foundation course (93.26%) will be helpful. Students were aware that they need to put better efforts to pass than other professions and might be stressful too. Most chose to become a cardiologist after completing under-graduation. Most students felt patient and doctor, both look at communication skills and involvement with the patient to consider as a good doctor. Developing patience and controlling anger is crucial to become a good doctor. Apart from being a doctor, 42.7% thought of joining civil services as other option apart from the profession. CONCLUSIONS Students needs to be more oriented regarding communication skills as they felt it’s vital to be a good doctor. Importance should be given to stress management as most felt that they need to put more efforts to pass compared to other professions. Need to educate about the role of community medicine in decreasing the burden of disease in society
