Every now and then, I pause and think about how we actually learn medicine. It’s a huge subject, yet the way we learn it is surprisingly personal.
You might wonder why you should read this. Fair enough.
These aren’t answers. They’re just thoughts — the kind that make us reflect a little on how we learn, teach, and grow in this profession.
Can we really “teach” Paediatrics?
People often ask me to teach Paediatrics. In my early days, I wasn’t sure if I was the right person for it.
Over time, I realised something simple:
I don’t think anyone can truly teach Paediatrics. But we can guide someone on how to learn Paediatrics.
And honestly, that applies to every specialty — Medicine, Surgery, anything.
Medicine isn’t something you pour into someone’s mind. It’s a way of thinking that each person has to build for themselves.
Keeping it Simple and Systematic
Because of my own limitations with language, I’ve always preferred keeping things simple.
One thing that has helped me is systemising whatever I learn or teach. Break it down. Make it clear. Make it repeatable.
Simple and systematic. Not fancy — but it works.
Trust everyone — but challenge everything
This is something I feel strongly about.
We should trust our teachers, seniors, colleagues, and even the textbooks. But we should also challenge them — respectfully.
Why?
We’re human. Mistakes happen.
We all have biases.
Medical science keeps changing.
Questioning helps us understand better.
Curiosity often leads to new ideas.
Challenging information isn’t disrespectful. It’s how medicine stays honest and alive.
Correct practice matters — because incorrect practice spreads fast
Good clinical practice is essential. Bad practice spreads even faster.
A small example:
During an assessment, a student performed an incomplete and incorrect examination. When asked why, he said he had seen senior doctors doing it that way on the ward.
This is how errors travel. If we demonstrate poor practice, it gets copied. If we teach incorrect methods, they get repeated. Soon, they become someone else’s “normal”.
Learning in the social media era
Today, learning happens everywhere — reels, shorts, carousels, quick videos.
There’s nothing wrong with that, as long as the content is authentic.
I also make short videos. They give information, but many online clips are mainly promotional. Spot diagnoses are fun, but real learning needs depth and context.
In real clinical life, nothing replaces a proper, comprehensive assessment.
A few words about exams
Exams and assessments matter. They help us understand where we stand.
But our biggest exam is always the same: How we care for our patients.
Membership exams like MRCP or MRCPCH aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for someone who is safe, sensible, and ready to be a good Registrar.
All our assessments are part of the journey. They should be enjoyed. But the real exam begins when we stand next to a patient.
Your thoughts matter
I would genuinely love to hear your thoughts. Different perspectives help all of us learn better — students, trainees, and teachers alike.