Sociological study of scheduled caste doctors in government medical colleges of Punjab

Abstract

This study, titled Sociological Study of Scheduled Caste Doctors in Government Medical Colleges of Punjab explores the problems of ScheduledCaste doctors due to their caste identity andsocio-economic background. Theoperationalization of caste identity in the everyday life of Scheduled Caste doctorshas been explored in Government Medical Colleges of Punjab- (a) Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot (b) Government Medical College, Amritsar and (c) Government Medical College, Patiala which are affiliated to Baba Farid University of Health Science, Faridkot. The study attempts to understand the operationalization of caste in the academic journey of Scheduled Caste doctors since their school days to higher education till becoming doctors, which includes the experiences of Scheduled Caste doctors during their journey of school days, preparation of entrance examination, Under Graduation (MBBS) and Post Graduation (MD/MS) which is known as Junior Residency. The study also attempts to give an insight into the interpersonal faculty relationships (relationship of communication between the respondents and their non-Scheduled Caste faculty) of the respondents at workplace. The study further deals with the implications of everyday discrimination against Scheduled Caste faculty on their mental health in terms of self-esteem and stress. Even in contemporary society, Scheduled Castes are still struggling to live with dignity even though they have entered into a reputed profession like doctor. The narratives of he respondents depicted that even after holding renowned position of a doctor, Scheduled Caste faculty faced exclusion from the academic and professional setting of Medical Colleges. Holding their caste identity, they cannot escape discrimination in their professional life. Casteism can be subtle, as it can be thinly veiled in a joke, expressed in admonishment, or through a casual remark- all serving the purpose of making a person feel inferior. newline