This is my story. A sweet little tale of how my pathology residency played cupid in my tryst with the love of my life- Mr. D. Mr. D was from the institutional R&D department, bearing the additional responsibility of being our quality manager. He was an enigmatic, alluring and cryptic person, always on the run. He would constantly shuttle between various units with reports and records. His presence in the lab was all-pervasive and he was considered an important member of our “pathology family”.
I remember vividly my first encounter with him on the very first day of my residency. He sauntered into the reporting room gracefully and brought a rare chuckle on our professor’s face. I was left awe-struck, gaping at him. I was so smitten by him, I couldn’t think of anything else the entire day. I kept running into him regularly thereafter, but was soon engrossed in the busy yet confusing life of a first year resident- completing tasks without understanding anything and trying to master many things without any inkling to their significance. Slowly, after getting indoctrinated into the departmental procedures and settling into a routine, I mustered enough courage and inquired about him. To my dismay, I realised, I was not the only one seeking him out. Many seniors and colleagues were bowled over by his charisma and were vying for his attention. Every now and then, he would appear- always anew, all smiles, mischievous and flirting. Every resident had anecdotes about him- how my friend noticed him stand behind our faculty and mock us during our slide seminars, how he tricked my batchmate and got him into trouble with our professor and how he joined the seniors in pulling our leg! The more badass he appeared, the more my interest was piqued. The more I heard about him, the more I saw him, the stronger became my desire to have a tete-a-tete with him. I couldn’t help falling head over heels in love with him. I spent many sleepless nights thinking about him, but being the introvert that I was, I never had the courage to call him out and kept my feelings to myself- or so I thought! However, the truth was that everyone in the department could sense my eagerness to win him, except for the person himself. He always appeared aloof and unreachable, neither acknowledged my presence nor my half -hearted attempts at wooing him. His continuous disregard finally hurt my little ego. I decided to hold back, study hard and concentrate on my work consoling myself that things would work out and he would come to me, if we were really meant to be! Rest of first year was just a flurry of mundane activities and before long, came the second year in all glory-bringing with it a sense of pride and authority of being a “senior”. We were all of a sudden busy with purpose- dabbling with thesis data compilation, publications, reporting and procedures; along with responsibilities of training juniors, helping them with presentations, and also helping final years with exam preparations. Our batch was at once, indispensable to all. As I sailed through the hectic year, I could always feel his presence, purposeful and focussed on his work. He would occasionally bestow on me a small smile or a quick hi in the passing. With regular interactions, I realised he was not so snobbish after all. Slowly he became a part of our group and the ever-reliable friend to us all- motivating us to do our best and rewarding our efforts by due recognition. He also made sure we stayed humble by siding with our juniors every once in a while when we became too patronising. He was righteous and impartial, always supporting anyone making a sincere effort. He played a major role in moulding us- inspiring us to make the right decisions and helping build our confidence. When my senior shared how he helped her stand tall and confront the haughty surgeon during a difficult clinico-pathological conference and how he helped many patients with their treatment- my heart fluttered, but I remained stoic.
Recognising my yearning for him, he gently indicated that his purpose in life was to guide and uplift everyone- and he was committed to it. His love was universal with no special inclination towards anyone. He asserted that he was coveted by many and could never be solely mine. He urged that I should understand and make peace with the fact that he would always be there for me, though not exclusively. I was heartbroken and struggled hard to accept this reality.
Days passed, we entered the final year and our heavy workload unwittingly helped reduce my heartache, allowing no time for thoughts other than of deadlines and the impending exams. Steadily I healed and completed my residency, learning much more than just pathology.
Mr. D, as promised, has remained my constant ally and close confidante. With increasing wisdom I could perceive his true teaching- To help all and be of worth to humanity, to be truthful and unbiased even in adversity. I realised this was the true essence of life and thus I found my true calling!
To this day, Mr. D and I meet daily. He always brings amusing narratives and surprises along to brighten my day and encourages me to look forward in life with excitement. Our adventures together add spice to my otherwise dull existence. With each encounter, my desire for him is strengthened by respectful admiration and devotion. And so I resolved, just for the sheer love of life, I shall pursue him unabashedly and endlessly!
In short, pathology residency has converted a nerdy, timid person like me into a bold and ardent seeker of truth- by bringing me together with my perfect partner and soulmate- Mr. Diagnosis aka Mr. D!!
LOVE YOU FOREVER Mr. D!
This is an ode to every passionate pathologist who strives relentlessly for the ever-elusive charmer-
Mr. Diagnosis.
Author:
Dr.Pooja C
APMC 70753
Consultant Pathologist
Manipal hospitals
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