Patients-not just Images
Devoted to Education and Practice in Patient-centered Radiology
Chairman's Corner
Chairman's Corner
Out on the road
Out on the road
Ravi Ramakantan
Ravi Ramakantan
Generally, I am happy with where I am and what I do – and as my wife never tires of saying … I am a creature who relishes monotony. Not quite. Every once in a while, when an invitation to travel out of Bombay and lecture comes my way and becomes impossible to resist – for political or other reasons, I pack my bag and off I go.
Generally, I am happy with where I am and what I do – and as my wife never tires of saying … I am a creature who relishes monotony. Not quite. Every once in a while, when an invitation to travel out of Bombay and lecture comes my way and becomes impossible to resist – for political or other reasons, I pack my bag and off I go.
In the eighties and early 90s, this would have been three to four times a year. Now that people have realized my true worth, I seldom get invited to lecture. And if perchance, I am, my topics are as the host would like to call “for a mature speaker”. Parenthetically what is not stated is that they now have better speakers to give “talks” – thank God for that – and that I am too powerful (politically?) to be written off and so I am asked to lecture on such as “The history of Neuroradiology in India”. I take this in my stride, tell myself – well, this is not too bad; all the while dreading the day when I would be asked to talk not about the history , but “ The future of Neuroradiology in India”. That would make feel real ancient.
In the eighties and early 90s, this would have been three to four times a year. Now that people have realized my true worth, I seldom get invited to lecture. And if perchance, I am, my topics are as the host would like to call “for a mature speaker”. Parenthetically what is not stated is that they now have better speakers to give “talks” – thank God for that – and that I am too powerful (politically?) to be written off and so I am asked to lecture on such as “The history of Neuroradiology in India”. I take this in my stride, tell myself – well, this is not too bad; all the while dreading the day when I would be asked to talk not about the history , but “ The future of Neuroradiology in India”. That would make feel real ancient.
So less frequently than before, I am out on the road. These trips are usually fully paid for. I am invariably treated well, often very well, by the generous hosts. I feel good – as I carry the institution’s and departments “flag” around.
So less frequently than before, I am out on the road. These trips are usually fully paid for. I am invariably treated well, often very well, by the generous hosts. I feel good – as I carry the institution’s and departments “flag” around.
I usually have a series of lectures to give (naturally, the hosts want their ‘paisa vasool’). These are what I call “teaching lectures” Unfortunately, for the audience, when I am in form and well cared for, I do not easily tire of hearing my own voice. So the monologue goes on for several hours… till..
I usually have a series of lectures to give (naturally, the hosts want their ‘paisa vasool’). These are what I call “teaching lectures” Unfortunately, for the audience, when I am in form and well cared for, I do not easily tire of hearing my own voice. So the monologue goes on for several hours… till..
The lectures are over and it is break time as the school kids call it. I dread these hours. When you are at the microphone, you are the master – you can get away with murder. Break time is something else. You get asked the questions. This is the point of this rambling essay. It does not matter where you are – whether it be in metropolitan New Delhi or rural Madhya Pradesh – these questions often floor you – because they are asked by bright young minds. Then there are those people, who have made a rare diagnosis; those that have performed an unusual intervention under trying situations or those that want to visit with us for further training. These students often know and say things that I have not even heard of .. things that make you respect human genius where ever it is.
The lectures are over and it is break time as the school kids call it. I dread these hours. When you are at the microphone, you are the master – you can get away with murder. Break time is something else. You get asked the questions. This is the point of this rambling essay. It does not matter where you are – whether it be in metropolitan New Delhi or rural Madhya Pradesh – these questions often floor you – because they are asked by bright young minds. Then there are those people, who have made a rare diagnosis; those that have performed an unusual intervention under trying situations or those that want to visit with us for further training. These students often know and say things that I have not even heard of .. things that make you respect human genius where ever it is.
Being used to Bombay and GS; we live in Ivory Towers. We are the best – none shall touch us. This arrogance of mine was first shattered some 15 years ago when we had the first non-GS residents in our department from our arch rival – GMC. These young ladies were phenomenal -both in sincerity and capability. The GS bastion was being invaded.Then a steady stream of ‘outsiders’ started invading us. First from other colleges in Bombay and now from all over India. Invariably, they are well read, highly motivated young residents and they will do any department proud. If you train them well, they will go back to where they came from and spread your message – there can be nothing more gratifying than this.
Being used to Bombay and GS; we live in Ivory Towers. We are the best – none shall touch us. This arrogance of mine was first shattered some 15 years ago when we had the first non-GS residents in our department from our arch rival – GMC. These young ladies were phenomenal -both in sincerity and capability. The GS bastion was being invaded.Then a steady stream of ‘outsiders’ started invading us. First from other colleges in Bombay and now from all over India. Invariably, they are well read, highly motivated young residents and they will do any department proud. If you train them well, they will go back to where they came from and spread your message – there can be nothing more gratifying than this.
So the next time, you feel you are “the Best” ; GS is the “greatest”, go - pack your bag and hit the road for a lecture series.
So the next time, you feel you are “the Best” ; GS is the “greatest”, go - pack your bag and hit the road for a lecture series.
More often than not, you will see talent all round you and will return home - a more humble man.
More often than not, you will see talent all round you and will return home - a more humble man.
September 2002
September 2002