13/03/2026
A few days ago, I experienced one of the most emotional and fulfilling moments of my journey as a teacher.
Our first batch of cardiology residents cleared their final examinations, and when the results came out, I found myself unexpectedly overwhelmed with emotion.
If you have ever taught or mentored someone closely, you might understand this feeling. Watching your students succeed after years of shared effort is something very special.
As the Academic Coordinator for the Cardiology Department, I had the privilege of guiding these residents through their training. Over the years, our days were filled with case discussions, cath lab learning, clinical decision-making, academic sessions, and endless conversations about how to approach complex situations in cardiology.
Teaching in medicine is never just about passing on information. It is about helping the next generation develop confidence, clinical judgement, responsibility, and compassion for patients.
When the results were announced, one of our senior consultants — someone who had closely observed the entire academic process and the effort that went into it — turned to the group and said something I will never forget:
“All the credit for this goes to Pragathi.”
Those words touched me deeply. Not because they placed the spotlight on me, but because they came from someone who had witnessed the countless hours of preparation, guidance, and responsibility that teaching demands.
Of course, the real credit belongs to these residents — Dr Kalyan, Dr Shanthi, and Dr Ashish — for their hard work, persistence, discipline, and willingness to learn. Every exam they passed and every milestone they achieved was ultimately the result of their dedication.
For me, the greatest reward as a teacher is not recognition. It is the moment when your students stand confidently on their own feet and step forward to serve patients as independent cardiologists.
And in that moment, you realize that all the time, effort, and care you invested in teaching truly meant something.
Moments like these remind me why teaching in medicine is such a privilege.
