From NEET Achiever to Rural Healer: Dr. Lalit’s Inspiring Path
Driven by a passion to serve his people, Dr. Lalit Pratap chose a path less traveled. Priya from The Aartery Chronicles reached out to him to share his inspiring journey with aspiring doctors.
His story is a testament to selfless dedication, choosing service over prestige. Despite the allure of top medical colleges, he stayed close to his roots, bringing healthcare to those who need it most. Dr. Lalit’s path reflects resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference
He pursued his MBBS from Dr. Sampurnanand Medical College & Hospital, Jodhpur (Batch: 2018-2023) and is currently working as a General Physician at Kalapurnam General Hospital, Khichan Amla, Jodhpur. Let’s hear his story.
Priya: Welcome, Dr Lalit. It’s inspiring to see someone with your credentials serving their hometown instead of opting for a prestigious metropolitan college. Can you tell us a little about your journey?
Dr Lalit: Thank you, ma’am. I recently completed my internship at Dr. Sampurnanand Medical College, Jodhpur. I finished my MBBS in 2023 and secured an All India Rank of 325 in NEET 2018. Though I had the opportunity to study at top-ranked institutions, I chose to stay in Jodhpur due to its proximity to my village. I wanted to be close to my people and contribute to their healthcare
Priya: A NEET rank of 325 is incredible! Many would have chosen Delhi or another Tier-1 city. What motivated your decision to stay?
Dr Lalit: I did get offers from premier medical colleges, including SMS Medical College in Rajasthan. However, I knew that people in my village had limited access to quality healthcare. I wanted to stay local so I could make a real difference.
Priya: That’s commendable! Was medicine always your dream career?
Dr Lalit: Not initially. I was more inclined towards mathematics and aspired to join the NDA. IIT didn’t appeal to me; back then, there wasn’t much career guidance in my village. Eventually, I chose medicine, seeing the lack of doctors in my community.
Priya: Your background must have played a role in shaping your ambitions. How did your family react to your decision?
Dr Lalit: My family was unfamiliar with medical entrance exams like NEET. When I cleared it and got into a top medical college, they were overjoyed. I was the first doctor from my village, and now, a few of my cousins have also pursued medicine. That’s something I take pride in.
Priya: Transitioning from theory to hands-on patient care can be challenging. How was your internship experience?
Dr Lalit: It was transformative. My first posting in Preventive and Social Medicine (PSM) involved visiting Primary Health Centers (PHCs), where I interacted with patients for the first time. It was then that I truly started feeling like a doctor.
I wasn’t very focused in my first year. I was more into sports, which led to a backlog in one subject. It was a wake-up call, and I improved over time. My Parents supported me, and I made sure to bounce back stronger.
Priya: Any memorable first clinical experiences?
Dr Lalit: My first surgery ward posting was unforgettable. We handled burn patients, some with severe injuries and amputations. It was shocking initially, but it made me realize the real-world impact of medicine.
Priya: How do you handle the responsibilities of an internship while helping people from your village?
Dr Lalit: It’s tough. Our college is affiliated with multiple hospitals, and sometimes, villagers reach out to me at hospitals where I’m not posted. In such cases, I coordinate with fellow interns to ensure they receive proper care.
Priya: Which departments intrigued you the most during your training?
Dr Lalit: Medicine and obstetrics stood out. They involve critical emergency cases, and every day brings new learning opportunities.
Priya: Have you encountered situations where patients hesitated to share their concerns?
Dr Lalit: Yes, especially among women from rural backgrounds. They often change their medical history when a senior doctor arrives. Speaking in the local dialect helps them feel more comfortable and open up.
Priya: Now that you have completed your MBBS and internship, what’s next?
Dr Lalit: I’m currently working as a General Physician at Kalapurnam General Hospital in Khichan Amla, Jodhpur. I plan to continue serving my community while preparing for further specialization.
Priya: You had the chance to be in Delhi, Mumbai, or even abroad, yet you stayed back to serve your hometown. That truly makes you a rising star and an unsung hero. Any final message for aspiring doctors?
Dr Lalit: Medicine isn’t just about prestige but service. You’ve succeeded as a doctor if you can make a difference in even one person’s life. Follow your passion, work hard, and don’t forget where you come from.
Priya: Well said, Dr Lalit. Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey. Wishing you all the best in your mission to serve your community!
Priya Bairagi
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
