First Year MBBS Students: Leveraging Your Medical Training to Serve Society

As a fresh-faced first-year MBBS student, you are bursting with enthusiasm and a desire to contribute positively to society. Here's how you can make a meaningful impact by utilizing your medical training and the resources available at your disposal.

Contribute to Social Causes Within Your College

At Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, and many other institutions, there are various ways to help society. For instance, students often collect and distribute old clothes, organize food drives, and contribute to orphanages. These activities not only help the less fortunate but also instill a sense of community and responsibility in the medical students themselves.

One such student-led initiative is donating blood to the nearby Chandwar Blood Bank. This is a contributing factor toward maintaining the blood inventory and saving lives, especially during emergencies. Additionally, participating in the medical fair or charity events can offer invaluable experience and exposure.

Guiding Students Preparing for Medical Entrance Examinations

Another area where you can have a significant impact is by guiding aspiring medical students. Although the medical entrance examinations are highly competitive, your insights, experience, and support can significantly boost their confidence and performance. Instead of starting a coaching class on your own, focus on reaching out to students who may not have the means to enroll in such classes.

You can contribute to this effort by:

Sharing resources, tips, and best practices on a blog (e.g., PMT GURUMANTRA). Joining your seniors as a mentor on existing platforms like Quora or YouTube. Engaging with the local community in your hometown to identify students in economically backward sections who require assistance.

Your role as a guiding force will not only benefit the students preparing for exams but will also help shape their future as healthcare professionals.

Volunteering in Medical Camps

One of the most impactful ways to contribute is by participating in various medical camps as a volunteer. These camps typically involve:

Performing vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and height and weight measurements). Assisting in diagnosing and managing minor health issues in an underserved community. Awareness programs on menstrual hygiene, hand washing techniques, and proper nutrition. Assessing anemia in rural women and providing iron folic acid tablets and proper counseling. Cycling marathons and other similar rallies to promote public health and awareness.

By joining such organizations, you'll not only gain practical experience but also develop a deeper understanding of social responsibilities and the importance of public health.

Learning from Experiences

Your first year in medical school is filled with both challenges and opportunities. As a medical student, you're expected to:

Stay updated and adhere to medical guidelines (do not misdiagnose or prescribe medication without proper authorization). Challenge societal myths and misconceptions based on evidence and scientific facts (e.g., debunking COVID myths, diet myths). Patients' education and counseling (counsel patients on proper medication and its effects, such as the importance of taking iron tablets with lemon juice for better absorption and avoiding side effects). Approach people with a positive attitude and provide guidance wherever needed (affordable white coat—considered a sign of respect and trust).

These experiences will not only help you build a strong foundation in medical practice but will also instill in you the importance of empathy, dedication, and community service.

Conclusion: First-year MBBS students possess a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on society. By engaging in community service, guiding aspiring medical students, and volunteering in medical camps, you are taking the first steps towards becoming a responsible and compassionate healthcare professional. So, step out, learn, and make a difference in the world around you!