I never wanted to be a doctor, let alone a gynaecologist. I loved teaching & research. I wanted to drop Biology in intermediate but my mother was pretty unhappy about it, so I decided to keep it. After passing the medical admission exam, I wasn't even allowed to sit for the entrance exams of BUET or Dhaka university. Except my father, everyone else wanted me to study medicine. With a heavy heart, I got admitted in Sir Salimullah Medical college. But as days passed, the red building, open rooftop, the huge sky, Buriganga and the bond of friendship of 26th batch gradually alleviated my grief. It was on this very rooftop that we used to get ourselves drenched by rain, watch the rage of the storm, and listen to the sound of the flute that drifted across the rooftop from far and touched our hearts. Those days of pleasure and unexplained sorrow are to be cherished forever. In spite of all my depression, I became 7th in first year final examination, and this actually increased my responsibilities towards myself. From then onwards, I never looked back. I stood 9th in combined merit list in first professional exam. In second professional exam, I stood second in SSMC, and then 1st in final professional exam. Without honours marks, place would not be given. Professor Mozammel Haque sir had an important role to play behind our good results. We’re the 1st batch of Bangladesh completing our graduation within only 5 years whereas the previous batches had 1/2/3 years lag.
At that time we students used to run a organization called 'HELP'. We used to collect 20 taka from each student and try to help the poor patients admitted in our wards. Nothing is comparable to the joy you get from helping people. It wasn't like we never had any fun. I was always interested in extra-curricular activities besides my study. While in Cadet College I got prizes in dance, debating, chess and carrom. In medical college I have participated in dancing, recitation and even anchoring. I got the best cultural award during my foundation training. Medical college life was the best part of my life. I used to travel a lot. With my friends, I have travelled to Chittagong, Rangamati, Rangpur. While in 3rd year the entire batch went on tour to India which was quite memorable.
After completing MBBS, during my internship, I used to spend most of my time in ward. All that I have learned during my training period in Mitford, are of great value to me. I still remember, when I stepped into the gynae ward on the fourth day, due to placement in another ward for three consecutive days, one of the patients ran towards me, saying, 'Dola’s here, Dola’s here!’ out of excitement. The rest of the old patients came forward to touch me with their hands. I still haven't forgotten the smile on their faces. The children in the paediatrics ward used to roam around me, and the brave ones even used to hug me. That is when I realized that this is the perfect profession for me. The ones who want to work for the love and affection of the people, match symptoms of diseases to find a remedy just like maths, and do research; this is the best profession for them.
Post graduation is the toughest period for a doctor, and even worse for a woman. The pressure of studies in medical life, and on top of that the extra burden of married life - the physical and mental stress one has to go through cannot be described in words. My father was sick before my FCPS part 1 exam. Professor Zia sir compelled me to fill out the form for gynae instead of surgery. I had only 16 days in hand. I studied only the main books for all subjects. Just before going to the exam hall, I asked my husband about the question pattern. I passed it, just by studying the main books. I was pregnant during the second part exam, and had developed GDM. My haemoglobin level had dropped to 8.5. I had to walk from Ramna to BSMMU, carrying the heavy bags in my two hands. When everything seemed impossible, I made myself understand that no matter how tough it was, I had to persevere. I studied only the main books in part two too. Everyone, especially one of our teachers, told me that even if I studied so deep, I wouldn't pass at first chance. I replied that I studied not to pass, but to become a good doctor. My second child was born in July, and I passed FCPS in January.
In the last 10 years I had to deal with many complicated cases. I have performed many operations. I feel very lucky because the Almighty Allah has helped treat many patients through my hands, many of which were so critically ill that we thought they wouldn't make it. To achieve something in life one thing is needed that is the mentality to never accept defeat. Once an objective is set you can't stop until you achieve it. You have to be optimistic, you need to believe in yourself and work hard. One needs to reduce one's own needs, follow the honest policies, think positive in every aspects of your life & and try to c