FMG Radar - Dr. Sruthi Sujathan

Dr. Sruthi Sujathan: I am a doctor dedicated to serving people in pain. Currently, I am pursuing my second-year postgraduation in Anesthesia & Critical Care.

Dr. Sruthi Sujathan: The greatest joy in my profession is seeing someone smile after being relieved from pain—it’s as heartwarming as a baby’s innocent smile. The best part of being a doctor is realizing that, while your life may remain the same, you have made a difference in someone else's. That sense of fulfillment is truly priceless. Additionally, the respect and recognition that come with this profession are key motivating factors.

Dr. Sruthi Sujathan: Actually, going abroad was totally unexpected. Being a school topper, everybody wanted to see me as a doctor. As I don’t like math and wanted to be a white coat nerd, I repeated a year and worked hard. But NEET was implemented for the first time at the all-India level, while our state had the KEAM exam, and I wasn’t aware of most of the process.

Sadly, my rank wasn’t enough to get an MBBS seat in Kerala, and I wasn’t aware of applying for counseling in other states.

It's a trend nowadays that most gurus and coaching institutes are only helpful to top-rank candidates, while others just have to sort things out themselves.

Long story short, my friend’s mom wanted her to be a doctor and asked my family to accompany them. Despite financial constraints, I was determined to achieve my dream in this competitive rat race and was not willing to fail.

After consulting a reputed agency, I found a Central Government hospital in China that helped make my dream a reality.

Dr. Sruthi Sujathan: I chose China, mainly due to budget constraints. However, it's essential to select a Medical Council of India (MCI)-recognized college. I was also fascinated by China’s culture, and in hindsight, I’m happy with my decision because it shaped me into who I am today.

Dr. Sruthi Sujathan:

China Medical University
77 Puhe Rd, Shen Bei Xin Qu, Shenyang, Liaoning (Province), China – 110122

Dr. Sruthi Sujathan: I got to know about it through the agency we consulted.

Dr. Sruthi Sujathan: It’s best to apply directly through the university website to avoid agency fees. After reaching China, I discovered that many of my classmates from other countries had applied via the university’s online portal.

However, post-COVID, I wouldn’t advise anyone to choose China for MBBS, despite my love for my college. The societal mentality and mockery I faced made the experience challenging.

Dr. Sruthi Sujathan: Academics were excellent. Most of our professors were visiting faculty from the USA, Australia, and the UK—Chinese graduates who had cleared licensure exams in those countries. Other teachers were from our medical college, and most spoke English fluently, though the local people did not.

I studied using Indian textbooks for my exams. Practical training was initially difficult due to the language barrier, but after we raised this concern, the university introduced the HSK Chinese language exam for juniors, which significantly improved their practical learning.

Studying standard textbooks alongside regular classes helped me clear my FMGE exam on my first attempt while doing my internship. I also graduated as the "Outstanding Graduate of 2019" from my university.

Dr. Sruthi Sujathan: I would say: Don't be afraid. Pray. Never give up on your dreams. You are valuable.

I personally wouldn’t advise anyone to pursue MBBS abroad unless they are strong-willed and absolutely sure they can endure all the hurdles ahead. Honestly, that’s the bitter truth. FMGE exams are getting harder, there is a proposal for two years of internship post-FMGE, and there was no stipend for the compulsory internship required after FMGE (although new rules are emerging after several protests). There is also the mockery and indifferent approach toward FMGE MBBS students compared to Indian MBBS students.

Luckily, with God’s grace, despite not receiving a stipend, my internship life in Kerala allowed me to gain knowledge and earn dignity thanks to a few kind teachers.

Dr. Sruthi Sujathan: The hostel was good. Our girls' hostel was an 18-story building. Each floor had around 11 single rooms and a common kitchen.

You had your own private space— a single room with WiFi, a bed, a table, a chair, a government-provided heater (since our city mostly had winter weather), and an attached bathroom with a water heater.

In the kitchen, there was an induction stove, a microwave oven, and a washing machine (operated with 4-yuan coins). The college canteen food was a little expensive, so I preferred cooking.

My hostel life wasn’t as fun as in Indian medical colleges, but for an introvert like me, it was more than enough to be happy!

Dr. Sruthi Sujathan: The mess food was Chinese, but it was really delicious. Oh! I miss their authentic Chinese food! The Chinese food we get here is just an "Indianized" version.

There was a separate section for Muslim food (since they don’t eat pork and require halal food). That food somewhat resembled our Indian curries, parathas, etc.

I cooked when I needed Indian food, and there were a few Indian restaurants around the city.

Dr. Sruthi Sujathan: Everybody in this world is selfish in one way or another, no matter how much they try to explain otherwise. Humanity and kindness are now rare in our society.

Dr. Sruthi Sujathan: "Don’t forget to love and take care of yourself. You will be fine because you have the fire to endure the hurdles ahead."

Dr. Sruthi Sujathan: The future is unpredictable. We plan for something, but life often leads us elsewhere. I’d like to work wherever work-life balance is maintained and my interests are fulfilled.

Dr. Sruthi Sujathan: "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." — Nelson Mandela