Why I Exited the NEET PG 'Rat Race': 5 Surprising Truths from an MD Pharmacology Resident
- Ankit Sharma
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Series: Department of Podcast
Episode: 03
Subject: MD Pharmacology
Guest: Dr. Amit Tripathi
Host: Dr. Ankit Sharma
Introduction
The journey after MBBS is fraught with pressure and uncertainty. For NEET PG aspirants, choosing a specialty can feel like the most consequential decision of their lives, often guided by rankings, stereotypes, and the intense desire for a "clinical" branch. But some of the most profound career insights come from those who have navigated this pressure, made a calculated pivot, and found unexpected excellence.
This article distills five surprising and impactful lessons from a candid conversation with Dr. Amit Tripathi, a first-year MD Pharmacology resident at the prestigious King George's Medical University (KGMU). His story is not just about choosing a branch; it's a masterclass in strategic decision-making that challenges common assumptions and offers invaluable wisdom for any aspiring doctor weighing their options.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. It’s Okay to Strategically Exit the "Rat Race"
Dr. Tripathi is honest about his journey: his first choice was MD Psychiatry. However, he made a pragmatic decision to accept an MD Pharmacology seat at a top-tier institution, consciously ending the stressful and unpredictable cycle of the NEET PG exams. This wasn't a surrender; it was a strategic choice rooted in a clear-eyed assessment of a chaotic system.
His rationale came from a frank conversation with his father, who laid out the stark math. The competition increases dramatically each year, with 30,000-40,000 more students appearing annually. This means that even with a higher score, improving one's rank is incredibly difficult. Compounding this was the sheer unpredictability of the exam schedule—"planned for March, moved to May, then July"—a shared frustration for countless aspirants. Dr. Tripathi recognized the wisdom in securing an excellent opportunity rather than losing more years to uncertainty.
"I didn't want to fall further behind in my life. The cycle keeps repeating... I decided to put an end to this race, get into something with a very good college... and excel in it. The sooner you enter any field, the sooner you can excel."
2. The "Chill Branch" is a Myth: Expect Intense Discipline
Making that strategic exit is only the first step. The next is embracing the rigorous environment of a top institution, which shatters the myth of the "easy" paraclinical branch. Dr. Tripathi quickly found that the stereotype of a relaxed, "9-to-4" lifestyle couldn't be further from the truth.
On a scale of 5 to 10, he rates his workload a 7 or 8. His days are filled with serious responsibilities like Pharmacovigilance and prescription audits, requiring meticulous data entry into government portals within strict deadlines. The key takeaway from his residency at KGMU is the profound culture of discipline. While initially challenging, this rigorous structure provides a clear framework that ultimately makes the demanding work more manageable.
"Our department has top-notch discipline. If our class has to start at 9:30, it means 9:30. In my eight months here, I have not seen a single day where any scheduled program was delayed. I’m talking about seconds, not even minutes."
3. Redefine Your Branch: There is No "Less Than"
The unofficial hierarchy among medical specialties can be a source of insecurity. However, the conversation with Dr. Tripathi featured a powerful reframing from the host, Dr. Ankit Sharma, who argued that branches like Pharmacology are fundamentally clinical. His logic is simple: they deal directly with drugs, the primary tool for treating patients. The "para-clinical" label is a misperception that overlooks the direct impact on patient care.
Developing self-confidence in one's chosen field is paramount. The career prospects in pharmacology are strong and varied, reinforcing its value:
Academics: High demand for faculty due to the increasing number of new medical colleges.
Pharmaceutical Industry: Offers starting salaries around ₹17-18 lakhs per year with exponential growth. Experienced seniors can earn over ₹50 lakhs annually, though the role involves a significant trade-off: extensive travel and time away from home.
Private Practice: A deep, nuanced understanding of drugs provides a significant clinical advantage.
"This perception won't change until you believe that you are not less than anyone. There is no such competition. They are doing their job, and we should do ours diligently. Every medical branch has its importance."
4. Your Biggest Asset Isn't a Book—It's Your Seniors
Starting residency in a new city and department is inherently stressful. Dr. Tripathi credits his seniors with playing a critical role in helping him navigate this challenging period. They didn't just offer vague encouragement; they provided realistic, practical wisdom, telling him, "The work will never decrease, but you'll get used to it."
This highlights a crucial, often overlooked factor for success: a supportive ecosystem. The department culture at KGMU is remarkably open, with faculty actively encouraging junior residents to voice their problems. As the host noted, juniors often hide their stress, thinking they can handle it alone. A system that empowers them to speak with co-residents, seniors, or faculty is vital for well-being.
"Our seniors contributed significantly. They guided us... The faculty here is very open that if you have any problem, you should come to us. If you don’t tell us what the problem is, we will assume everything is normal."
5. Stop Fearing AI and Start Using It
In an era of rapid technological change, many fear that Artificial Intelligence will make their skills obsolete. Dr. Tripathi’s department, however, has a more forward-looking perspective. AI is not viewed as a threat but as a powerful tool that can "boom your life."
In pharmacology, AI has immense potential to analyze vast amounts of data for drug testing and development. But simply acknowledging its existence isn't enough. Dr. Tripathi advocates that AI workshops should be made compulsory for medical students, just like other essential training. The goal is to move beyond a surface-level understanding of tools like ChatGPT and learn "which AI is the best for which particular work." This ensures technology enhances, rather than replaces, a doctor's own creativity and critical thinking.
"You can be creative with the help of AI. It will not destroy your creative thinking. You have to learn how to modulate it, rather than letting it modulate you."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conclusion
Dr. Tripathi's journey offers a powerful reminder that a fulfilling medical career is ultimately defined by one's mindset, discipline, and a willingness to find and create excellence in any field. It is not about preconceived labels, rankings, or following a path someone else has deemed superior. His experience shows that embracing an opportunity with dedication can lead to a career that is just as impactful and rewarding as any other.
As you consider your own future, it's worth asking yourself: What common assumptions about your own career path might be holding you back from a great opportunity?
Comments