Dr. Sunil Panwar on Beating NEET Odds, Finding Purpose, and Choosing Oncology
From a small town in Maharashtra to the halls of AIIMS Jodhpur, Dr. Sunil Panwar’s journey reflects perseverance, empathy, and an evolving sense of purpose. A 2017 MBBS batch graduate from Government Medical College, Akola, Maharashtra, he completed his degree in 2022 and internship in 2023. He then briefly served at Barshitakli village, Akola, before moving to his current role as a Non-Academic Junior Resident in the Department of Medical Oncology at AIIMS Jodhpur.
What began as an attempt to secure a stable future gradually transformed into a calling—medicine, for him, became a responsibility rather than just a career. The white coat ceremony, long hours of training, and teamwork taught him resilience and compassion. Now, inspired by his exposure to oncology at AIIMS Jodhpur, he aspires to specialize in the field, believing that cancer care requires both medical expertise and emotional support for patients and their families.
In this candid conversation with Dr. Manish Kumar Jatav, MBBS, of MedBound Times, he shares insights from his journey, his struggles with NEET, and his vision for patient-centered cancer care.
Dr. Manish Kumar Jatav: When did your dream of becoming a doctor begin, and what was the inspiration behind it?
Dr. Sunil Panwar: My father runs a small shop. The environment at home was fine, but there wasn’t much academic background. In school, people used to say, “Take biology, become a doctor—your future will be secure.” I thought the same and chose science with biology. In the beginning, I wasn’t very clear that I definitely wanted to become a doctor. I just gave it a try. When I took a drop for three years and appeared for NEET every year, that’s when I understood the real struggle. When I finally got selected for MBBS and met a patient during my first hospital posting, I realized that this field means something much deeper. A mother once folded her hands and said, “Son, please cure him.” That moment changed my thinking. That day, I felt that becoming a doctor isn’t just a career—it’s a responsibility.
Dr. Manish Kumar Jatav: When and how did you start preparing for NEET? What strategy turned out to be the most effective?
Dr. Sunil Panwar: I started serious NEET preparation after 12th during my drop year. I did self-study in the first year and later joined a local coaching center. I built my foundation through NCERT, especially for Biology and Chemistry. I followed a fixed daily routine and took weekly mock tests, which I also analyzed. I solved 10 years’ worth of previous year questions and noted my mistakes in an “error log” notebook, which I revised regularly. I focused a lot on discipline. My strategy kept improving with time. In the end, my selection happened because of consistency and regular effort.
Dr. Manish Kumar Jatav: What was your daily routine and study schedule during NEET preparation?
Dr. Sunil Panwar: My routine was simple and practical. I used to wake up at 7 AM and start with Biology NCERT, then move on to Chemistry theory and numericals. In the afternoon, I practiced Physics. Every subject got dedicated time each day. I took one mock test every week and did a detailed analysis of it. I noted down my mistakes and revised them regularly. At night, I focused on covering weak topics. The routine wasn’t fancy, but it was consistent—and definitely effective.
Dr. Manish Kumar Jatav: How did you handle tough subjects like Physics or Organic Chemistry?
Dr. Sunil Panwar: Initially, I found both Physics and Organic Chemistry tough. For Physics, I focused on building conceptual clarity—understanding basic formulas and solving numericals. I set a daily target of 10–15 questions. For Organic Chemistry, I first studied NCERT thoroughly, then worked on understanding reaction mechanisms logically. I made short notes for name reactions and exceptions, which I revised regularly. With regular practice and patience, I gradually improved.
Dr. Manish Kumar Jatav: How would you describe the moment when the NEET result was announced and you got selected?
Dr. Sunil Panwar: When the result came and I saw my roll number in the list, there was no reaction for a few seconds. At first, it felt unreal. Then I saw my parents’ reaction, and inside, I felt a sense of relief. There wasn’t any emotional scene—just the feeling that three years of hard work had finally paid off. In that moment, I realized that a new phase of life was about to begin.
Dr. Manish Kumar Jatav: What did you learn the most during MBBS – apart from academics?
Dr. Sunil Panwar: Apart from academics, the most important thing I learned during MBBS was communication and empathy. It's not just about making a diagnosis—you also need to understand the patient’s background and emotional state. I also learned to control my ego and work as part of a team. In emergency situations, I learned how to stay calm. Overall, MBBS has helped me become a better human being.
Dr. Manish Kumar Jatav: Did you ever experience burnout or stress during MBBS? How did you cope with that situation?
Dr. Sunil Panwar: Yes, I did face stress—especially in the 2nd year, when hospital exposure and para-clinical subjects were happening together. It often felt like everything was incomplete. At that time, I took a break for 2–3 days, stepped away from my routine, recalled my journey and struggles, and then slowly got back on track. I started setting small daily goals and reduced the pressure on myself. The support from friends helped a lot during that phase.
Dr. Manish Kumar Jatav: What was the most memorable moment of your college life that still stays close to your heart?
Dr. Sunil Panwar: In the final year, the white coat ceremony was the most memorable moment. When I wore the coat and received the stethoscope, it truly felt like the real phase of responsibility was beginning. It was a simple event, but deeply meaningful for my personal journey. I celebrated that moment with my friends, and we truly appreciated how far we had come.
Dr. Manish Kumar Jatav: In which field would you like to specialize now, and why?
Dr. Sunil Panwar: I want to specialize in oncology. During my posting in the oncology ward at AIIMS Jodhpur, I got a close look at the field. Meeting patients made me realize that here, treatment alone isn't enough—emotional support is just as important. Every case is unique. Working in this field gives a sense of genuine satisfaction. That’s why I chose oncology.
Dr. Manish Kumar Jatav: Today, when you look back, what is the one small thing you think could have made a big difference in NEET?
Dr. Sunil Panwar: If I had started maintaining an “error log” right from the beginning, I might have gotten selected a year earlier. Writing down my mistakes and revising them regularly became a turning point in my preparation. Earlier, I used to focus only on learning new topics, but real improvement began when I started learning from my mistakes.
Dr. Manish Kumar Jatav: According to you, what qualities should a successful NEET aspirant have?
Dr. Sunil Panwar: First and foremost is consistency—studying every day, whether I felt like it or not. Second is self-analysis—understanding my mistakes after every test. Third is emotional stability—sticking to the routine even during pressure and low scores. Trusting NCERT and being clear about why I was doing all this were also very important.
Dr. Manish Kumar Jatav: What message would you like to give to students who are struggling with NEET preparation?
Dr. Sunil Panwar: NEET preparation is a long journey, and everyone faces struggles. Some get selected early, while others take more time. The key is to stop comparing yourself with others and stay consistent with your own routine. Learn from every test, maintain an error log, and always remember your reason for starting. Even slow learners can succeed if they stay consistent.
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