A Personal Odyssey

by Surabhi Sanjay

Beyond my identity as a doctor, I enthusiastically embrace the labels of "traveler" and "wanderer". College was where I discovered the joy of exploring, pushing my boundaries, connecting with diverse people, and embracing new experiences. Throughout my six-year MBBS journey, travel became my escape and later a profound passion, leading me to discover hobbies like scuba diving and trekking, which I now pursue with unwavering enthusiasm.

THEN WHY THIS FELLOWSHIP?

Sometimes, life unfolds in ways that feel like destiny or pure luck. In early 2021, a seemingly unassuming WhatsApp status caught my eye. A green poster emerged against a backdrop of trees, mountains, and happy travelers, featuring a spirited girl with a backpack and the words, 'Travel fellowship in primary healthcare.' It felt like that poster was made for me—a fresh MBBS graduate, feeling intimidated, uncertain, and lost in the vast landscape of medicine. Encountering this poster, which seamlessly blended my medical degree with my passion for travel, felt like an opportunity too perfect to pass. Without hesitation, I applied trusting my instincts and craving some meaning before the race to post-graduation began.

While awaiting a response from the fellowship, I spent a few months working in the Emergency Room of a corporate hospital during the second wave of COVID-19. There, I witnessed patients of all ages succumb to the virus amid an atmosphere of resentment and apathy. The adrenaline that fueled me during each shift would inevitably dissipate upon leaving the hospital. My initial excitement as a doctor gave way to disillusionment which made me question whether this was the essence of medical practice.

When I received an invitation to the fellowship’s orientation in Sittlingi, little did I know it would challenge everything I had learned and seen so far. Meeting my mentors and fellow travelers during that week opened my eyes to the depth of knowledge and understanding the fellowship had to offer. By the end of that transformative week, I knew I had stumbled upon something beyond my wildest expectations—a journey that would change my life.

EVERYTHING I LEARNED

My first lesson from the fellowship came early during orientation: the value of embracing a slower pace, finding my voice, and welcoming diverse opinions. Unlike my college experience, learning here meant flexibility, room for thought and expression, and the opportunity to discover what truly resonated with me. This safe space fostered genuine connections among a group of individuals with unique stories, experiences, and talents. Beneath starlit and clear blue skies, we learned from one another through shared moments - whether by the stream, near a distant waterfall, during swims, games, or walks. We exchanged fragments of our lives, eagerly anticipating the journey that lay ahead.

The freedom to select our destination, purpose, and duration of stay was liberating. Mentorship was the heart of this transformative journey, reassuring us that trusted adults believed in our instincts and would stand by us. Gi, Tha, Sara, and Anand, though physically distant, accompanied us on this year-long odyssey, offering support, motivation, and guidance whenever we needed it.

However, the truest lessons unfolded within the communities I lived with. The women of rural Jharkhand welcomed me into their world, imparting not only knowledge about obstetrics and childbirth but also profound insights into the issues that mattered most to them. In Rajasthan, resilient health workers demonstrated how modest changes could yield significant improvements, even in a society entrenched in caste and patriarchy. The warm-hearted Pahaadis of Uttarakhand became my guides, revealing the secrets of life in the mountains—one story, one hike, one stream crossing, and one shared meal at a time. Remote Orissa introduced me to forest dwellers who shared their wisdom about their home, emphasizing the delicate balance between forests, farming, flowing rivers, and sustenance.

These experiences were not just life lessons, they expanded my understanding of health. They compelled me to shed the false pride that accompanied my doctor tag and to unlearn the hierarchy ingrained in me as a medical student. Instead, we all worked together as a team of healthcare workers. The corporate and tertiary centers had never prepared me for the complexity and diversity of challenges and solutions that I would encounter in primary care settings. I learned that contextualizing care was key - no two experiences, communities, or problems were ever alike.

"We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, not the tormented."

IT KEPT GETTING DEEPER

Letting go of a system that trained me to view patients as cases rather than people in need of care, I began to see health differently. The primary stakeholders in healthcare were, in fact, the individuals and communities being cared for and not us doctors. It was important to ensure they felt heard, respected, and cared for. Many healthcare needs in these communities were addressed with minimal intervention, common sense, local knowledge, and the promotion of healthy habits. Respecting their understanding and practices while complementing them with the right information and scientific knowledge was the path to genuine progress.

As a healthcare worker in resource-limited settings, I had to adapt to a world where many advances in well-equipped centers were unavailable. Learning from the locals about resource management, finding the courage to make crucial decisions, trusting my instincts, and honing the right skills to tackle any challenge became inevitable.

Looking back, I realize that no conventional form of education could have provided the knowledge I gained through this unstructured, experiential learning. Interactions with travelers from all walks of life, both new and seasoned, hailing from diverse backgrounds and embarking on this transformative journey with them, was a testament to the power of human connection and the collective pursuit of knowledge. These ties are not just professional connections but bonds of shared experiences and growth.

From the very beginning of my journey, I was confronted with the notion that the luxury of not having an opinion is a privilege in itself. It was during this time that I stumbled upon Elie Wiesel's impactful words: "We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, not the tormented." This revelation had a profound impact on me. It made me acutely aware that my tendency to remain neutral in situations that didn't directly affect me was a product of years of conditioning and a direct result of my substantial privilege and comfort. As I looked deeper into lives and experiences through the journey, I began to reflect on my choices and was compelled to break out of my shell, ask questions, and actively form informed opinions.

Now, nearly two years after completing my internship and countless adventures later, I find myself with a new understanding of health and my place within it. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, I eagerly look forward to new opportunities and challenges. As I prepare for my post-graduation entrance exams, I envision a future of working at the grassroots armed with the skills and experiences I aspire to gain.

AND NOW I SAY TO YOU

My fellow healthcare workers, consider taking a step back from the never-ending race and explore experiences like this unique fellowship. Whether for a few days or a more extended journey, it will open your eyes to healthcare beyond the confines of the hospitals we know. It will expose you to a world of possibilities, from learning essential skills to discovering new paths that await your exploration. The rich experiences you gather will leave an unerasable mark on your life and practice, regardless of your future field or setting.

The path less traveled leads to the most profound discoveries. I now see not just a doctor in me but a compassionate advocate for holistic healthcare and an ally to communities striving towards positive change. I carry with me invaluable insights from women in rural Jharkhand, health workers in Rajasthan, Pahaadis of Uttarakhand, and forest dwellers in Orissa. Their stories, unwavering resilience, and wisdom have become an integral part of my medical ethos. I am now ready to channel this newfound understanding into my life and practice with the commitment to making the world a healthier and more compassionate place for all.

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