Nafisa’s Dream of Becoming a Doctor Sparked by Loss During the Pandemic

Nafisa Binte Khalil is currently a final-year student at Sohrawardy Medical College in Dhaka. Originally from Natore, she passed her SSC in 2018 and HSC in 2020 before gaining admission to the MBBS program in 2021. Throughout her academic journey—from Class Five through HSC—she consistently earned scholarships and held the top rank from Class Six to Eleven. In the eleventh grade, Nafisa was the second-highest scorer among girls in the Rajshahi education board, achieving 1,261 marks out of 1,300. Nafisa’s family consists of her parents and a younger brother. She recently shared her medical journey and aspirations with The Daily Campus in an interview conducted by Ashraf An Noor.

Choosing Medicine: A Noble Calling
Nafisa explains that her decision to pursue medicine stems from its noble and humanitarian nature. “I have always held deep respect and fascination for the white coat,” she says. The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for her—during this difficult period, four of her close family members passed away. Though it was a time of profound sorrow, it strengthened her determination to become a doctor. Passionate from an early age, particularly drawn to science, Nafisa credits her parents for their unwavering support without pressure, encouraging her to follow her dream of becoming a good physician.

Admission Test and Preparation
Nafisa describes the MBBS admission test as a crucial milestone. She was admitted to Sohrawardy Medical College in 2021 with a score of 76.75. “Everyone takes the admission test simultaneously, but selection is based on marks,” she explains. She notes that many students struggle to organize their studies effectively during this time, which can cause them to lose focus. Hence, she stresses the importance of maintaining discipline and clear goals throughout the preparation period.

First-Year Experiences
Recalling her first year, Nafisa shares that adjusting to a new environment in Dhaka and hostel life was challenging. “I came from northern Bangladesh, so settling into this new setup took time,” she reflects. The intense schedule—from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily—combined with ward duties and lectures, demanded great effort. She outlines the five-year medical curriculum: the first and second years span 1.5 years together, followed by one year each for third and fourth years, and a final 1.5-year concluding phase.

Continuous Exams and Rigorous Training
Medical students like Nafisa face a relentless cycle of exams, ward rounds, and practical training. “If a student fails to secure at least 6 out of 10 in an item exam, they cannot progress to the next,” she says. Passing various stages—‘card’ exams, ‘term’ exams, and ‘professional’ exams—requires both written and oral practicals with a minimum of 60% marks. “Any failure halts progress, so the pressure is continuous.”

Embracing Challenges and Academic Excellence
Nafisa thrives on challenges, viewing medicine as a formidable yet fulfilling pursuit. From Class Six through Eleven, she consistently topped her classes, culminating in her board-level second rank among girls in Rajshahi. Her academic excellence fuels her ambition.

Friendship and Adaptation in Medical Life
She admits that the first year is the toughest: adapting to new peers, teachers, and switching from Bangla to English medium instruction can be overwhelming. Initial friendships are deep and vibrant, but differences in opinion and life priorities sometimes strain bonds by the third and fourth years. Nonetheless, close friends form invaluable support systems, especially during stressful times, fostering group studies and emotional encouragement.

Hobbies Beyond Medicine
Outside her studies, Nafisa enjoys singing, dancing, poetry recitation, debating, and occasional acting. She has won awards at local and national levels for these creative pursuits. Currently, she serves as Joint Organizing Secretary of the Bangladesh National Debate Federation, reflecting her passion for debate.

Balancing Creativity and Discipline
She stresses the importance of dedication, noting that she did not own a personal phone before entering medical school and advises students to avoid distractions until their education is well-established. Despite limited time for creative activities, she advances her technical skills via her personal computer and challenges stereotypes about girls in technology.

Perspectives on Marriage in Medical Life
Regarding marriage, Nafisa observes that while some medical students marry early, others postpone it due to demanding schedules. Doctors often choose partners within the profession, though recent trends show inter-professional marriages, such as with military officers or engineers. She emphasizes the need for mutual support to manage stress and family commitments.

Dreams and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Nafisa aspires to become a surgeon. “To me, being a surgeon means truly becoming a doctor,” she explains. “The experience of healing patients with a scalpel brings a unique sense of fulfillment.” Her profound attraction to surgery drives her career goals as she prepares to complete her MBBS.