Becoming doctors

Career guidance in schools

I refer to your report “Would be doctors’ first lesson” (NST March,30).

It is really puzzling how our authorities can come up with ridiculous but unique ways to solve problems, in this case the method to select suitable candidates for medical studies.

It is normal for young school leavers to be afraid of blood, sight of badly injured humans, mutilated dead bodies and similar gory stuff. If they are unperturbed by such sights, then there might be something wrong with them. We cannot use the absence of such fright to select suitable candidates for medical studies.

A caring and empathetic attitude towards fellow humans, regardless of race, religion and social status are the most important prerequisites for those aspiring to become doctors. They must have the burning desire to alleviate the pain and suffering inflicted by disease, both physical and mental.

This positive character in children can only be recognized by parents and teachers who should counsel them accordingly. They should also take into consideration their aptitude when advising them the career to choose.
I
t is timely that our schools actively undertake career counseling of the students because today, choosing the right career has become a formidable and complicated task to be left to the children alone. The wisdom and experience of the counselor would be of great benefit to the students when deciding on their career.

Dr.Chris Anthony