As I sit down to reflect on our journey, I am filled with a mix of emotions – nostalgia, gratitude, and pride. Do you remember the day we embarked on our adventure to Bangladesh, leaving behind the comfort and familiarity of our homes to pursue our MBBS at Shahabuddin Medical College in Gulshan, Dhaka? We were young, ambitious, and determined, with a shared dream of becoming skilled doctors.
To put it simply, the first few days were stressful. The culture shock was real! The crowded streets, unfamiliar food, and humid weather were completely distinct from our experiences to date. I remember being scared and overwhelmed when I stepped out of the airport and seeing so many new people. The first few days were difficult, and I frequently asked myself why I had taken this risk. My constant companion was homesickness, and I longed for my family and loved ones. However, we continued and eventually started to adapt. Our hostel rooms became safe havens where we built long-lasting relationships. We encouraged one another during difficult moments and celebrated each other’s victories. We helped each other go through the highs and lows together.
Our college days were a whirlwind of exams, study sessions, and clinical rotations. We worked tirelessly, fueled by our determination to succeed. We faced setbacks and failures but never lost sight of our goal. We made mistakes, learned from them, and grew stronger with each passing day.
I still remember the time I contracted dengue fever, and it was a harrowing experience. I was bedridden for days, and my condition was critical. But with the support of my friends and the medical care I received, I miraculously recovered. It was a close call, and I realized how fragile life can be.
We celebrated many Eids away from home, trying to recreate the festive atmosphere in our hostel rooms. Some days we fell sick but kept it hidden from our parents back home to avoid worrying them. Some of us lost dear ones back home, and it was a struggle to cope with the grief while being so far away. I lost my uncle in my third year of college, and I was devastated when I received the news. It was a terrible feeling, to be so far away from my family during such a difficult time. But we managed to support each other, and our friends became our family in Bangladesh.
It seemed like we had only arrived yesterday, yet time went by so quickly that five or six years had gone by before we realized it and it was time to return home. We cleared our MCI (FMGE) exams and began our careers, taking with us the knowledge, skills, and memories that would shape our future.
Today, as we stand at different crossroads in our lives, I want to remind you that our journey was not without challenges. We faced doubts, fears, and uncertainties, but we overcame them together. Some of us have secured jobs, others are pursuing junior residency or postgraduate studies, while some may still be struggling to find their footing.
To those who feel discouraged, I want to remind you of our college days, where we overcame countless challenges. Remember, everything has its time. Don’t panic; you will do better. Just wait a little longer. Keep pushing forward, and success will follow. We did it before, and we can do it again.
As we move forward in our lives, let us not forget the bonds we formed, the memories we created, and the struggles we overcame. We are more than just colleagues; we are a family, united by our shared experiences and our passion for healing.
Best regards to all my colleagues
The writer can be reached at [email protected]

Dr Fazal ul Haq Wani