Weekly Writing Challenge: Student, Teacher

We oscillate between the role of teacher and student because we all have something to share, and we all have more to learn. This week, we’re asking you to share your experiences as a student, a teacher, or both.

 

We never stop learning.

I was in the education system from 1981 until 2000 – from infant school to university. Then when I finished medical school I had 11 years more training before I became a consultant paediatrician. I am still learning ! I completed a Master degree a few years ago and there are vague thoughts about doing a PhD in the future.

 

I still have to continue my professional development . I am currently learning how to complete autism comprehensive  assessments, so this is my current bedtime reading:

In the meantime I am also fulfilling the role of ‘teacher’. I teach my trainees and inform and advise my colleagues. It’s an awesome responsibility but I would like to think that I rise to the daily challenges.

I gave my first external lecture on Tuesday night , “how to approach the developmental station in the MRCPCH examination” for junior doctor preparing for their exams.

Challenging yet enjoyable at the same time. I was a little nervous at the start but soon gained my confidence. I realised as I was talking away -that I really love teaching when it is sometime that I am passionate about. I received a good reception – which I was glad about – because I spent a good junk of the May Bank Holiday preparing for the lecture.

 

I also really enjoy teaching our medical students and I do so on many a Friday afternoon. It feels good to be able to share the things I have learnt and my clinical experience. It’s also a delight to see students realise that they know much more than they thing they do. It’s encouraging to sit with keen and enthusiastic students that will be the doctors of tomorrow. I never mind when I am stumped by some of their questions – just makes me realise that there is so much more to learn – an encouraging to see inquisitive minds.

In all this education – can I think of one teacher that stood out above them all? Not really – they were all pretty good. I think they were all good at inspiring further reading and learning.

And what about the rest of my life?

Who has been my teacher?

 

I have a lot of medical knowledge but what about feelings and emotions and how to navigate the waters of life?

 

My parents have taught me much. Much about life and their  particular approach to it. They have taught me about myself – how I am  the spitting image of them and in same shell – the complete opposite.

In my thirties I found ‘faith’ became a Christian – and learnt more lessons about myself, life and other people. My faith is a wavering line that still remains unbroken but looks much different to those early fervent days. I am not sure that I could quite call myself a disciple, I think I was not as disciplined as I was a when I was a medical student or junior doctor.

 

My lovely companion has also taught me a lot about myself and life. I somehow like his approach to life. He is so chilled, not a panicker, takes everything in his stride. The polar opposite of me – and he calms me down.

I like this is little quote from the Winnie the Pooh books:

 

Promise me you’ll always remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think

 

 

Difficult to take on board at times -well most of the time – but I am starting to have it at the forefront of my mind these days.

 

In the past few years I am realising that I are generally equipped with everything I need in life –  I am not meaning the material things. I mean strength, tenacity and hope. I do not break easily.  I have learnt about myself that I am the person that prevents me from being all that I can be. For many years I have always thought that is was all due to “other people” but the last few years, months, days has taught me that I can overcome if I want to, I can break free from the old fashioned, non-progressive, self-defeating ideas that sometimes float through my mind. Yes, many things are out of my control but many things are not.  It is a liberating thought.

 

I am learning everyday…