Vijayalakshmi Balekundri, paediatric cardiologist who was a guest of honour at the convocation of the Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), captured the attention of the young doctors and their parents with her inspirational speech.
She spoke of her personal experience, gave valuable tips and when she sang a song on doctors, the audience clapped and hummed along.
“After graduating, you don’t have formal teachers to teach you anymore. Every patient will be your new teacher at the field. You continue to learn by treating the patients. Don’t neglect any patient,” she advised.
ADVERTISEMENT
Stressing more on moral and ethical values, Ms. Balekundri told the students to be honest in their profession.
“Money is important. But, morality is more important. If you are strong morally and ethically, nothing can stand in your way. Indian doctors are known as best in the world. Treat all patients as your mother. Doctors should be like coconuts — hard exterior and soft-sweet interior,” she said.
She advised the graduates to always give priorities to medical emergencies by rushing to help the needy.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Medical emergencies should always be a priority. Even if the chances of survival are bleak, don’t give up till the end,” she told.
She also focused on the need of developing good communication skills and soft behaviours with the patients and their kith and kin.
“Communication with patients is very important. You need to make them understand the condition of their health so that you can better treat them. Never lose your temper even if unnecessary questions are frequently asked,” she said.