The importance of lifelong learning for a doctor To be able to put the title ‘Dr’ in front of your name is an exciting and prestigious moment. However, the journey to reach that moment is often a long and arduous one. As a doctor, you need at least 6 years of studying or even more in certain countries. Once you have graduated from medical school and become a trainee doctor or a house officer, it is not as easy as you imagine it to be. Being the lowest rank out of all the doctors there, you will be given menial work to do, receive degrading and demeaning scoldings and your energy will be drained. Finally, you will graduate and become a medical officer. Then, you will be in a comfort zone. Daily procedures, which were once very hard to perform, will become a ‘reflex’ to you. Protocols and guidelines are all already in your head. So why should you leave your comfort zone and continue studying? Here are a few reasons to ponder: Increase your knowledge The medical field is always evolving. Every day, there are various researches and studies being carried out. There is always a new disease. The phrase ‘knowledge is power’ seem appropriate to be used. To be ahead of things in learning and understanding current developments, give us certain perspectives and makes us well prepared. Recently, the Zika virus was found in Singapore and Malaysia. Although much information was already out there about the causes and symptoms of the virus, as a doctor, you should be able to convey precise and accurate information to your patients regarding the health issue at hand. So, to stay on top, you need to study, read and keep yourself updated. This applies even you are just a trainee doctor, if not; you are just going to get left behind. Add to your value The medical field will eventually be overcrowded with doctors. Medical graduates from all around the country and overseas are competing amongst each other to get into the system and become a trainee doctor. Soon, they will become your colleagues. Imagine yourself as a competitive product, with assets, liabilities, and features. Improve yourself with every chance you have. Besides having good interpersonal skills and personality, knowledge will be the ultimate value that sets you apart. If your level of knowledge is way above that of a regular practitioner, your superiors will recognise your value and you might even be given new undertakings to venture into. Widens your opportunities Once you have graduated from housemanship, a lot of opportunities become clearly visible to you. Once you become a specialist or at least hold a master's degree, your career will no longer be a straight pathway. Yes, it requires a lot of hard work, but the effort you put in now will benefit you in future. If you are eager to be involved in decision making and planning, then the path of administration may be for you. On the contrary, if nurturing new buds are your interest, a teaching post might best for you. Even if you intend to be a politician at some point in your life, you will be viewed as an intellectual figure and have brighter prospects. To quote Wayne Dyer, "There is no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what you love, there is only scarcity of resolve to make it happen." Source
