Saturday, 16 June 2018

Mission External Examiner


Dr. Harry Sharma (Fictional Name) was to appear for his MS (Mastery of Surgery)(General Surgery) final exam. Despite his all-around good performance, the Head of the Department (HOD) of Surgery for some reason got displeased with Dr. Harry Sharma and openly told him that he was going to fail him in the MS exams.

Dr. Harry got worried as though he deserved to pass the exam on his own merit, the HOD can be deciding factor in the exam. In the exam, the assessment is done by the HOD and another faculty member from the surgery department, the internal examiner, and two examiners from different universities, the external examiners.

Although the assessment of the theory paper and practical was made by all, the HOD, the internal examiner and the two external examiners jointly, the internal examiner does not go against the HOD’s wishes and the external examiner are usually disinterested to take a strong stand for some particular candidate. The result was also very subjective in nature as it was given as the candidate deemed fit or unfit for MS degree instead of actual marks. If the HOD decides, then he can easily fail any student.

'Examinations are formidable even to the best prepared, for the greatest fool may ask more than the wisest man can answer' Charles Caleb Colton

Dr. Harry Sharma faced the prospect of losing 6 months and a black mark in his academic record that he had failed in his MS exam. The outlook in the later exam was also not certain as the HOD will be present in the future exam also.

Dr. Harry got busy and found out from where the external examiners were coming from. He found that one of the external examiners was coming from Delhi by bus. Dr. Harry found out his clinic address. Dr. Harry Sharma then roped in one of his most trusted and fast friend for the ‘Mission External Examiner.’

One day before the external examiner was supposed to come to Bikaner to take the exam, Dr. Harry’s friend consulted the examiner at his clinic with the complaint of pain in the abdomen (stomach-ache).

Once the examiner, himself a surgeon had prescribed treatment for the abdominal pain, Dr. Harry’s friend casually asked the examiner if he could drive a car next day as he was going to Bikaner tomorrow. The examiner interest got piqued and he said, “Yes you can drive a car if you are feeling well. What an amazing coincidence that even I was planning to go to Bikaner tomorrow.”

Feigning surprise, the friend replied, “Really it is an amazing coincidence. Fate must want our path to cross. If it is not a problem for you, I will be honored to give you lift to Bikaner as I will be traveling alone. I can pick you from your home and can plan the trip according to your convenience.” The external examiner was delighted at this windfall and gladly accepted the offer.

Next day, true to his word, Dr. Harry’s friend was at the external examiner’s house at the appointed hour. On the way to Bikaner, the examiner was further impressed by the hospitality of Dr. Harry’s friend.  Throughout the journey, Dr. Harry’s friend plied the examiner with all variety of food with very expensive whiskey. By the time they reached Bikaner, the examiner was overwhelmed by Dr. Harry’s friend's hospitality.

When they were about to part way at the examiner’s hotel, Dr. Harry’s friend casually asked the examiner about the purpose of visit to Bikaner. The examiner replied that he was there to take the MS (General Surgery). The friend remarked with amazement, “What a coincidence! My best friend, Dr. Harry Sharma is also appearing for MS (General Surgery) exam tomorrow. Is by any chance you are going to take his exam.” “Unless there is two government medical college in Bikaner, I am the person who is going to take his exam,” said the examiner.

“Please Sir,” pleaded Dr. Harry Sharma’s friend, “If it is possible for you, please help my friend, Dr. Harry Sharma, in the exam. He is a hard-working, excellent doctor.” The external assured that he will take care of Dr. Harry Sharma.

Next day, after the exam was over the examiners sat down to compile the result. True to his word the HOD proposed that Dr. Harry Sharma be declared unfit and be failed in the exam.

To his great surprise, the Delhi external examiner said, “Dr. Harry Sharma was the best student among all the candidates. If he should be failed then all should be failed.” Taken aback by this unexpected defense of Dr. Harry Sharma, the HOD tried to dissuade the external examiner from his decision, but he was adamant.

Finally, Dr. Harry Sharma along with the entire batch was declared passed in the MS exam.

For an opposite example where the internal examiner tried to help the candidate see:  https://agnipathdoctors.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-heart-sound-quandary.html 

(Based on true incident)
— ND
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DISCLAIMER: This article is intended only for fun purpose. The author does not promote or recommend any behavior illustrated here or claim it to be useful. Use of the information herein is at you one's own risk. Before trying to emulate or follow anything the reader is well advised to take into account ethical, moral, legal and other considerations. The author recommends that Medical Practice should be of the highest ethical and moral level keeping in mind the interest of the patient as foremost. 
DISCLAIMER: This article is intended only for fun purpose. The author does not promote or recommend any behavior illustrated here or claim it to be useful. Use of the information herein is at you one's own risk. Before trying to emulate or follow anything the reader is well advised to take into account ethical, moral, legal and other considerations. The author recommends that Medical Education should be of the highest ethical and moral level keeping in mind the interest of the patient as foremost and according to MCI and other Board’s norm. 

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