A Myanmar doctor undergoing specialised cancer training at HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, shares his experiences of medical mentorship, Durga Puja and an extraordinary reunion with a cancer patient.
Mudrayogi Desk : Kolkata has offered more than professional training and medical expertise to a young doctor from Myanmar. For Dr Aung Ko Ko, a two-month stay in the city has turned into an unforgettable experience, combining advanced cancer care, professional mentorship, the vibrant celebrations of Durga Puja and an extraordinary coincidence involving a patient he first encountered during his journey to India.
The 37-year-old doctor, who hails from Naypyitaw, Myanmar, has been undergoing specialised training in bone marrow transplantation (BMT), haemato-oncology and blood transfusion services at HCG Cancer Centre in Kolkata for the past two months. The training is being conducted under the guidance of consultant haemato-oncologist Dr Arijit Bishnu.
Describing his experience, Dr Aung said that Dr Bishnu had guided him like an elder brother, helping him understand that treating patients involves much more than medical procedures and clinical expertise. According to him, the mentorship has also emphasised the importance of communicating effectively with patients, explaining their medical conditions and encouraging appropriate lifestyle changes. A father of two, Dr Aung believes these lessons will be invaluable in his medical career when he returns to Myanmar.
While the hospital has been his primary destination, Kolkata's cultural landscape has also left a lasting impression on him. His first experience of Durga Puja was particularly fascinating. Initially mistaking the elaborate pandals for temples, he even considered removing his shoes before entering them. The enormous structures, colourful decorations and massive crowds left him amazed. He was equally surprised to discover that the magnificent pandals were temporary structures erected specifically for the festival. Sampling local delicacies, including momos and puris from the festival stalls, added to his festive experience.
However, the most remarkable memory of his stay in Kolkata is connected to an unexpected encounter during his flight to the city. Dr Aung met a 57-year-old cancer patient from Myanmar while travelling to India. What initially appeared to be a chance meeting between two fellow passengers soon took an extraordinary turn when he discovered that the same woman was the first patient he encountered alongside Dr Bishnu at the HCG outpatient department.
The coincidence brought the doctor and patient together once again, this time in a hospital setting. Dr Aung subsequently became part of her treating team. The patient underwent bone marrow transplantation, and her disease went into remission. She has since returned to Myanmar.
For Dr Aung, the experience has added a deeply personal dimension to his professional training. His Kolkata journey has not only strengthened his understanding of specialised cancer treatment but also reinforced the importance of empathy, communication and human connection in healthcare. As he prepares to take these lessons back home, the city will remain memorable for its medical mentorship, festive spirit and an unexpected encounter that brought a doctor and his patient together twice.
Mudrayogi Desk : Kolkata has offered more than professional training and medical expertise to a young doctor from Myanmar. For Dr Aung Ko Ko, a two-month stay in the city has turned into an unforgettable experience, combining advanced cancer care, professional mentorship, the vibrant celebrations of Durga Puja and an extraordinary coincidence involving a patient he first encountered during his journey to India.
The 37-year-old doctor, who hails from Naypyitaw, Myanmar, has been undergoing specialised training in bone marrow transplantation (BMT), haemato-oncology and blood transfusion services at HCG Cancer Centre in Kolkata for the past two months. The training is being conducted under the guidance of consultant haemato-oncologist Dr Arijit Bishnu.
Describing his experience, Dr Aung said that Dr Bishnu had guided him like an elder brother, helping him understand that treating patients involves much more than medical procedures and clinical expertise. According to him, the mentorship has also emphasised the importance of communicating effectively with patients, explaining their medical conditions and encouraging appropriate lifestyle changes. A father of two, Dr Aung believes these lessons will be invaluable in his medical career when he returns to Myanmar.
While the hospital has been his primary destination, Kolkata's cultural landscape has also left a lasting impression on him. His first experience of Durga Puja was particularly fascinating. Initially mistaking the elaborate pandals for temples, he even considered removing his shoes before entering them. The enormous structures, colourful decorations and massive crowds left him amazed. He was equally surprised to discover that the magnificent pandals were temporary structures erected specifically for the festival. Sampling local delicacies, including momos and puris from the festival stalls, added to his festive experience.
However, the most remarkable memory of his stay in Kolkata is connected to an unexpected encounter during his flight to the city. Dr Aung met a 57-year-old cancer patient from Myanmar while travelling to India. What initially appeared to be a chance meeting between two fellow passengers soon took an extraordinary turn when he discovered that the same woman was the first patient he encountered alongside Dr Bishnu at the HCG outpatient department.
The coincidence brought the doctor and patient together once again, this time in a hospital setting. Dr Aung subsequently became part of her treating team. The patient underwent bone marrow transplantation, and her disease went into remission. She has since returned to Myanmar.
For Dr Aung, the experience has added a deeply personal dimension to his professional training. His Kolkata journey has not only strengthened his understanding of specialised cancer treatment but also reinforced the importance of empathy, communication and human connection in healthcare. As he prepares to take these lessons back home, the city will remain memorable for its medical mentorship, festive spirit and an unexpected encounter that brought a doctor and his patient together twice.
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