Description

The Rotaract Club of Koramangala organized an insightful session titled "Voices of Valor" on 2nd February 2025. The event featured Dr. Amal Joseph, a dedicated Rotaractor from the Rotaract Club of Koramangala, who shared his inspiring journey as a medical professional and how his perspective on the field of medicine evolved over time. Dr. Amal began by discussing how different countries have their own traditional medical practices, such as Ayurveda in India and traditional medicine in China and Japan. He also explained the process of becoming a modern medicine practitioner in India, offering insights into the path aspiring doctors must take. Sharing his personal journey, he recounted how he moved to Ukraine in 2017 to pursue his bachelor's degree in medicine. Initially, he viewed medicine as a means to earn a living rather than a profession dedicated to humanity. However, his perspective changed drastically when the war between Ukraine and Russia broke out. Forced to leave Ukraine during his second semester, he relocated to Hungary before eventually returning to Kerala. As he was in his final year, he had to go back to Ukraine for his last semester, but due to flight restrictions, he had to first move to a neighboring country before reaching his destination. One of the most heart-wrenching experiences he shared was about a woman in the surgical ward, a mother who had been brutally assaulted by 11 men in front of her children, leaving her seven-year-old son unable to speak and her five-year-old child mentally unstable. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and being given little hope of survival by the doctors, she remained determined to live for her children. Her resilience deeply moved him, reinforcing the significance of the medical profession beyond just treating patients—it was about giving hope and fighting for life. Dr. Amal also spoke about the many volunteer doctors he encountered during the war. Initially, he wondered why they chose to serve in such dangerous conditions when they could have avoided it. It was only after speaking to one of them that he understood their unwavering commitment. The doctor’s words—"If those who have taken the oath to save lives do not step up, then who will?"—profoundly impacted him. This conversation changed his mindset completely, making him realize that medicine should not be pursued for financial gain but for humanity. This defining moment led him to dedicate himself to the true essence of being a doctor. He later graduated in 2023 and moved to St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, where he now works as a research associate while preparing to become a surgeon. During the Q&A session, one participant asked about his coping mechanism as a frontline worker. Dr. Amal responded that experience itself serves as a coping mechanism. He emphasized the need for mental strength, explaining that as a doctor, one must remain strong to support patients and keep them hopeful. Another participant inquired about what ordinary people should do when witnessing an accident or any unfortunate situation. He answered by giving an example of a building collapse, explaining that in such situations, the first step is to seek help from those around, immediately call for an ambulance, and ensure one's own safety before attempting to help others. Throughout the session, Dr. Amal patiently answered numerous questions, offering valuable insights into the realities of being a medical professional. His journey, shaped by war, loss, and resilience, left a lasting impression on the audience, inspiring them to view medicine not just as a career but as a lifelong commitment to serving humanity.