PART 1: The Awakening of a Medical Aspirant

Life, in its infinite wisdom, is a tapestry woven with unexpected twists and turns. From a humble family background, I initially dreamed of soaring through the skies as an airline pilot. However, circumstances beyond my control led me to abandon my flying aspirations and embark on a path toward medical school. My undergraduate years unfolded quietly, a time of introspection amidst the rigors of study. Yet, as I approached the culmination of my medical education, the real adventure awaited—a thrilling roller coaster that would ultimately lead me to the MRCP pathway.

The spark of my journey ignited when I attended my first PACES course. The atmosphere was electric, filled with candidates passionately examining cases and engaging in mock exams. This experience was nothing short of mesmerizing, kindling a deep-seated passion within me. With unwavering resolve, I prepared meticulously, and in no time, I triumphed over the MRCP Theory parts 1 and 2. During this transformative period, I was bolstered by the steadfast support of two remarkable individuals: my dear friend Dr. Shashank. Together, we formed a formidable study partnership, navigating the complexities of preparation with camaraderie and shared determination.

My family, too, played an indispensable role in my journey. My wife, Dr. Melita Wesley, emerged as a cornerstone of my endeavours, dedicating her time and energy to help design and build a website that would facilitate my studies. Alongside her, my son and mother provided the patience and encouragement I needed to delve into the depths of my preparation.

With the foundations laid, I embarked on my quest for the PACES examination, leaving no stone unturned in my pursuit of excellence. My travels took me across the world, where I had the privilege of learning from esteemed mentors and creating cherished memories.

Climbing the High Hills

One of my most memorable journeys began in the breathtaking heights of Wayanad, where I attended a course led by the incomparable Dr. Punekar. His warmth and guidance radiated like a beacon, inspiring countless candidates to reach for their dreams. My first trip to his course was an adventure in itself, as I travelled with my early PACES partner, Dr. Naveen. We navigated the winding mountain roads, our laughter echoing amidst the stunning scenery, even as we battled the discomfort of motion sickness. This journey was a testament to our determination, culminating in the opportunity to meet the man who would profoundly influence my PACES journey.

The City of Bliss

As my journey continued, I found myself in the enchanting City of Bliss. Accompanied by Dr. Shashank, I immersed myself in the transformative experience of the Excel PACES course. Here, I encountered luminaries of medicine, including the esteemed Dr. Donald Farquhar and the captivating Dr. Jackie Taylor. The four-day training program was nothing short of extraordinary, a whirlwind of knowledge and inspiration that left an indelible mark on my heart.

Despite grappling with self-doubt and confidence issues, I emerged from this experience with invaluable lessons and insights. I learned to confront my weaknesses and transform them into strengths, fortifying my resolve as I prepared for the challenges ahead.

The Silicon City

My quest for knowledge led me to the vibrant Silicon City, where I attended Dr. Punekar’s course multiple times. It was during one of these sessions that I met Dr. Ibrahim, who would become a lifelong companion on my medical journey. Returning to the course with a group of fellow aspirants, including Dr. Kiranmai, Dr. Nitish, and Dr. Sashank, I found myself surrounded by a supportive community that fueled my passion for medicine.

In this city, I also had the privilege of meeting Professor Dr. Suryawanshi, a mentor who provided me with the ultimate boost of confidence. His guidance, alongside that of Dr. Shuja Punekar, shaped my understanding of medicine and inspired me to reach new heights. During our stay in an Airbnb, the camaraderie flourished as we shared laughter and memories, engaging in productive brainstorming sessions that solidified our bonds.

Rome of the East

My travels took an unexpected turn when I discovered the city I would come to love—Rome of the East. Initially drawn here by a friend’s recommendation, I attended my first PACES course with Dr. Naveen, and the experience was nothing short of transformative. The course was compact and focused, igniting a passion for learning that would propel me forward. On subsequent visits, I collaborated with fellow aspirants Dr. Muthumani, Dr. Ezhan, and Dr. Ibrahim, engaging in intensive sessions filled with brainstorming and focused learning.

The Detroit of Asia

Finally, I returned to Chennai, the Detroit of Asia—a city rich with dreams and aspirations. My initial visit was to practice under the mentorship of the esteemed Dr. Elan, a figure of inspiration in general medicine. This city soon revealed itself as a crucible for growth, as I participated in the renowned “passthepaces” course. The teachings of Dr. Nagarajan ignited a passion within me, and little did I know that one day, I would stand before eager learners as a faculty member of the very program that had inspired me.

My Journey to the MRCP UK PACES: PART 2 Trials and Triumphs

The City of Pearls

In the heart of my medical training lies the City of Pearls, a place that became synonymous with growth, perseverance, and unforgettable memories. This city was not just a backdrop for my Internal Medicine training; it was the crucible where my aspirations were forged. At Oslers Academy, I encountered some of the most remarkable individuals who would shape my journey. Among them, Dr. Kiranmai stood out as my steadfast companion. Together, we traversed the city, visiting hospitals and clinics, determined to witness as many cases as possible. I can confidently say that we left our footprints in every tertiary center, climbing stairs and braving the rain, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Alongside Dr. Kiranmai was Dr. Nitish, a brother from another mother. His family welcomed me into their home for two months leading up to my PACES examination, providing a sanctuary during one of the most challenging periods of my life. Their kindness enveloped me in warmth, and I felt truly at home in their presence. I was elated when Dr. Nitish successfully passed his MTI interview and moved to the United Kingdom, a testament to the dreams we both nurtured.

My PACES Exam

The day of my PACES exam arrived, and I found myself at a relatively new centre, filled with a mix of anticipation and dread. The three months leading up to this moment had been a whirlwind of emotions. Despite the support of my peers, personal challenges weighed heavily on me. I felt as though my three years of preparation were teetering on the brink of collapse. The day before the exam, I succumbed to a sore throat, and while the morning felt promising, the exam itself became a blur of confusion. During the communication section, I found myself derailed by a thought block, leaving me feeling mediocre despite performing well in the clinical examination.

As I left the exam centre, a sense of despair washed over me. The journey home felt like a descent into darkness, and the days that followed were some of the most challenging of my life.

The Nightmare

December 13th became a haunting day etched in my memory. Lying in bed, I battled my chronic condition and the cold indifference of those around me. As I opened my MRCP account, my heart raced, and tears streamed down my face when I saw the word “fail.” It felt as if the ground had been pulled from beneath me, and I feared I might have a cardiac arrest. That night was shrouded in darkness and pain, a night I wished would never have existed. I longed for independence, knowing that passing the exam was my key to freedom. Overwhelmed, I retreated into solitude, reaching out to my medical director and Dr Punekar, while seeking solace in medication, wishing for the torment to end.

This Too Shall Pass Away

In the depths of my despair, I clung to a song that resonated with my heart—“This Too Shall Pass Away.” I preferred solitude, avoiding conversations and immersing myself in loneliness. As I watched others celebrate their successes, I felt like a ghost, staring at the walls, grappling with feelings of inadequacy. The New Year brought further humiliation, compounded by the absence of my father, whose support I dearly missed during this tumultuous time.

Getting Up from the Dust

Yet, from the ashes of despair, I found the strength to rise again. To my surprise, the very person I had prepared with—my closest ally—also faced defeat. Together, we navigated our shared disappointment. Dr. Ibrahim extended a hand of support, guiding me back into the fold of medicine. I immersed myself in patient encounters under the mentorship of a UK-trained neurologist, reigniting my passion for learning.

I joined a hospital in my hometown, where I encountered a wealth of cases, and frequently travelled to Trichy, where Dr Ibrahim and Dr Nivetitha welcomed me into their medical community. Their generosity opened doors, allowing me to witness and learn from a variety of cases, rekindling my passion for medicine.

My Motherly Figure in PACES

In this tumultuous journey, one person stood out as my motherly figure: Dr Lavanya. A beacon of support, she selflessly offered her wisdom and guidance without seeking anything in return. Her philanthropic spirit and unwavering encouragement helped me regain my footing. I made it a point to attend her classes daily, engaging in discussions that deepened my understanding of medicine. The proudest moment of my journey was having her as part of our PACES program, a true gem who illuminated my path during the darkest of times.

The City of Dreams

My journey continued as I returned to the City of Dreams, a place that offered both promise and uncertainty. Accompanied by my fatherly figure in medicine, Dr. Suryawanshi, and my steadfast companion Dr. Kiranmai, I attended the exciting “Ace the PACES” course. There, I met the bubbly and ever-enthusiastic Dr. Saba, and together we shared laughter, smiles, and invaluable learning experiences.

Once more, I traveled to the same city before the exams for a Pathfinder PACES program, where I faced some of my greatest fears, including encounters with those who had once failed me. Yet, amidst the challenges, I found strength in the support of my companions, and I began to believe that my journey was far from over.

My Journey to the MRCP UK PACES: The Culmination of Dreams

Finally Back to the City of Bliss

The day I had long awaited had finally arrived. I travelled to the City of Bliss a day in advance, my heart racing with anticipation. On the first day, our esteemed mentor, Professor, returned from his examination, sharing his experiences with us, igniting a spark of hope within me. The next day, Dr. Kiranmai and I stepped into the examination centre, silently wishing that this would be our last time entering as candidates. The air was thick with anticipation, but I felt a sense of calm wash over me.

The exam unfolded flawlessly, almost like a dream. My cases were challenging yet invigorating, each one a testament to the preparation and dedication I had poured into my journey. I navigated through the stations with confidence:

The communication stations tested my ability to convey complex information clearly and compassionately. As we exited the exam, the drizzling rain mirrored the mixed emotions swirling within me. I turned to Dr. Kiranmai and said, “This should be the last time we are entering as candidates for a PACES examination.” We reflected on the countless months and years we had spent traveling across the country, preparing for this moment, and wished each other the best as I began my walk back in the rain, filled with hope yet burdened by unanswered questions.

New Day Has Come

A month passed, each day stretching into an eternity as I awaited the results. Anxiety gnawed at me, and I found myself growing thinner with worry. Every time I checked my MRCP account, it simply displayed “application accepted.” The anticipation was palpable, and my heart raced with each passing moment.

Then, on an ordinary evening, while listening to “Memory Reboot,” I opened my MRCP account once more, frustration bubbling within me. In that instant, I was frozen in happiness as I saw the word “pass.” Overcome with joy, I dropped to my knees, disbelief washing over me. I clicked to view my mark sheet, and the numbers 168/168 stared back at me. I went through it multiple times, pinching myself to confirm it was real. My heart soared, and I was flabbergasted, overwhelmed with gratitude.

In that moment, I thanked God for this blessing and reached out to everyone who had supported me through this arduous journey. I called my wife, who had been my rock, and shared the news with my mother and aunt, who celebrated with me. I immediately texted Dr. Punekar, Dr. Lavanya, Dr. Vyasabattu, and Dr. Kiranmai, who had also cleared the exam. We had finally done it, by God’s grace!

A New Beginning

This journey was not just a personal victory; it was a testament to the power of resilience and community. I knew that if I could overcome these challenges, so could others. Inspired by my experiences, I joined hands with a team of dedicated doctors, and our Paces Diaries team—Dr. Muthumani, Dr. Elan, Dr. Suryawanshi, Dr. Ibrahim, Dr. Lavanya, Dr. Srilakshmi, Dr. Pradeep Shenoy, Dr. Akash, Dr. Haynes, Dr.Mathurima and Dr. Arvind.

Under the guidance of Dr. Sarah and Dr. Amie, we embarked on a mission to support future PACES candidates. We are developing a free website that covers essential information, launching a podcast series that addresses every aspect of PACES preparation, and writing a comprehensive textbook for MRCP PACES UK. Our goal is to create resources that empower candidates on their journeys, ensuring that they feel supported every step of the way.

This is not just the end of my story; it is the beginning of a new chapter—one where I can give back to the community that has given me so much. If my journey can inspire even one person to persevere, then every trial and tribulation has been worth it.

Have a wonderful day, and may God bless you all!