Going with the flow

Back in our 3rd semester we had our first OBG rotations and more than two years later, we are back in OBG in our 8th semester. (So yes, the title’s pun is very much intended.)

Its different this time. Not only has our knowledge reserve grown, but also we are taking OBG exam at the end of this year. Needless to say, we are a lot more serious with regards to our education.

As is routine, one of us took the history and examined a very pregnant lady and we were patiently waiting for the doctor to come discuss the case with us. Like the pied piper, ma’am entered the classroom with a bunch of wide eyed 3rd semester students and announced “Your juniors will be joining us today but we will discuss your patient, not theirs”. That’s the price we have to pay for seniority.

Having finished with the discussion, ma’am looked at them and asked what had brought their patient to the hospital. A girl replied very, very hesitantly “The doctor told her she has less ‘water’ in her uterus ma,am.”

Ma’am turned to us, only to find 10 faces smiling back at her. “What do they mean?” she asked. “Oligohydraminos”, came the chorus answer promptly.

Let me explain. We weren’t smiling a condescending smile. We were smiling a reassured smile. It was such a déjà vu moment. Two years ago, we would have said “water is less” too, had someone asked us the patient’s chief complaint. But it is reassuring to think that we have learnt so much in the bygone years. The doctor, asked us questions about oligohydraminos then. We answered what we knew, and made a note of those we didn’t, to come back and read up. And balance was restored.

We have 6 months of final year left after which we are technically doctors, supposed to be treating sick patients. The thought terrifies me. We live in a state of perpetual dread. But moments like this are comforting to the soul. What we didn’t know before we know now. And there is so much more we don’t know. But I have faith that I will know them tomorrow. Or the day after. Eventually. Everyday we learn new things. I have hope for what lies in the future.

There isn’t a final destination here in med school ; It is all about the journey.