MD Paediatrics at AIIMS New Delhi
Dr Abin Sheref MBBS (AIIMS New Delhi), JR (MD Paediatrics, AIIMS New Delhi)
Q1.     Dr Abin, you have done MBBS from AIIMS New Delhi. Can you please tell us what was the under-grad life at AIIMS like?
Dr Abin: AIIMS was something which was not even in my distant dreams, my target was to achieve a seat in a state college. So I was in awe when the results came. Before coming to AIIMS I expected it to be a place where only studious people live with total focus only on academics. But when I came here it turned out to be a completely different place, where you are considered as an adult with freedom to live the life as you wish. In AIIMS everything depends on your interest, whether u want to focus on research and academics or you want a balanced life with equal importance on academics and social life.
Q2.     Did you go through any culture shock period in the beginning when you moved to Delhi?
Dr Abin: I grew up in a small village and it was a big shift for me when I moved to the capital city of the country. When I joined AIIMS in 2015 there were a lot of Keralites and they played a great role in getting myself integrated into the life inside AIIMS and in Delhi as a whole.
Q3.     You have stayed in AIIMS for more than 6 years now. What made you stay back?
Dr Abin: AIIMS is a place which always pulls you towards it. The people, the atmosphere everything made it my second home. When I took a break in between for my preparation I went home and it was hard.
Q4.     Please tell us about the Paediatrics department at AIIMS Delhi. What are its highlights?
Dr Abin: Paediatrics is considered one of the best departments in all of AIIMS. It is also a WHO coordination centre for neonatology. The uniqueness of the department is that we have a resident friendly atmosphere with no hierarchy among residents. Hierarchy is the worst thing about residency in my opinion and the atmosphere drastically changes once we get rid of that.
Q5.     What is it like to work among children? Does being with playful children entertain you, or their cries annoy you?
Dr Abin: At times the cries might annoy you especially when u have a hectic duty. But at the end of the day these same children motivate you to go forward.
Q6.     Paediatrics department at AIIMS Delhi is known to be one of the best. What are the opportunities for a resident doctor that are unique to AIIMS Delhi?
Dr Abin: The biggest opportunity is to learn from the pioneers of Paediatrics in India. Most of the faculties we have are renowned worldwide. The list will be long to mention, our faculties are the authors of leading textbooks in Paediatrics, and they lead in various research projects organised by WHO and other major organisations in Paediatrics.
Q7.     AIIMS is a research institute. How much importance is given to research in Pediatrics? Can you cite some examples?
Dr Abin: The MD thesis is considered a big deal and is given its due importance. The faculty are really receptive towards the residents and if the residents are passionate enough to allocate sufficient time for other research related activities, then the faculty are always happy to help. In case there is not enough time for research, the residents can begin with small case reports as AIIMS is a place where you are equipped with latest diagnostic techniques and even the rarest of the case presentations can be diagnosed accurately.
Q8.     How is your life as a junior resident doctor in the department? How is the work-life balance?
Dr Abin: I have finished 1 year as a resident while giving this interview and so far I’m happy as a resident. I feel the work life balance is superb with enough time available for self reading and leisure.
Q9.     Do you plan to do super specialisation? Which branch would you choose and why?
Dr Abin: As of now I have no plans to do super speciality and I will stick on to Paediatrics. But I don’t know what future holds for me. So in the future, may be you will see me as a super specialist.
Q10.  What advice will you give a PG aspirant planning to take MD Paediatrics at AIIMS Delhi?
Dr Abin: If you get a chance to study Paediatrics in AIIMS Delhi, never hesitate even for a second. AIIMS will not disappoint you.