Akangchila Longchar
Morung Express Feature
Dimapur | July 31
“A deep sense of Gratitude. Above all to God. We work and toil day and night but it is only God who makes things happen. Without God, I am nothing and will be nowhere,” is how Dr. Keduovinuo Keditsu describes the feeling after having topped the entrance examination for the M.Ch. (surgical oncology) course at the prestigious Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai. To be the overall topper of such a high level examination is not just any mean feat, and corresponding with Dr. Keduovinuo Keditsu, The Morung Express attests that the young lady definitely has a steely mind, firm determination and a fine brain.
“It was the only thing that I ever thought I would be,” said Dr. Keduovinuo on her choice to take up medicine as a profession. Her father, a gynecologist, she says also inspired her through his work and dedication, and adds that, “He is the reason for me choosing a “surgical” branch as my specialty.” Dr. Keduovinuo also feels a personal burden for cancer patients, which she accounts to personal experiences during residency as well as family history which further fuelled her interest in Oncology.
Dr. Keduovinuo is the middle of three daughters, born to doctor parents, Dr. Kezevituo and Dr. Toshevi Keditsu, which has definitely worked to her advantage. She explains: “We have grown up paralleling medical terms to daily life, from cooking to cleaning… to almost everything. They have always placed the highest priority on our education and emphasized that knowledge is the greatest wealth -something that no one can take away from you”.
Born in Kohima, Dr. Keduovinuo attended Elementary School in Christ King, Kohima, Middle and High School in Woodstock School, Mussoorie, Uttaranchal, MBBS from Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, and MS General Surgery from Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi.
She then went on to work in Thoracic Oncology/Surgery and Head & Neck Oncology/Surgery at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai since 2011 till date.
Her inspiration for success Dr. Keduovinuo says is because God has given her a vision to do work in Nagaland, “and that gives me purpose,” she said. It has been reported that Dr. Keduovinuo Keditsu is one of the Naga lady doctors in Mumbai who have helped many Nagas who had come to Mumbai for treatment or medical supervision. “Life is far greater than yourself, there is a far greater purpose for which we have been created. Have a vision. Pray to God for one if you are not inspired already,” shares Dr. Keduovinuo.
Dr. Keduovinuo also said that her family has been extremely supportive, throughout her medical studies. “My parents always encourage me to do my best. I owe this success to my seniors and colleagues at my workplace in Mumbai, who have been so encouraging and supportive. I would have never made it this far without them, she said.
Dr. Keduovinuo also revealed that during her exam preparation, she had her doubt in the ability to succeed. “Yes. I had fear and doubt till the last minute,” she shares humbly. In fact this was the third attempt. And this time her preparation was intensive. Along with a colleague from Tata, preparations started in the month of September last year and they studied every single day without fail; initially 6-7 hours a day as we had to do routine hospital work as well. And in the last few months, Dr. Keduovinuo studied around 14-16 hours a day. She also said that her seniors were extremely supportive and gave her time to study.
Sharing preparation tips and ideas for future aspirants, Dr. Keduovinuo said that the first thing one should do is list out the books and topics to be covered, and then make a study timetable. She also advises to keep targets and deadlines. Having a study-buddy & group discussions are a must. Teamwork is stronger than a single individual’s effort, she said. Also, maintaining good rapport with colleagues and seniors- experience counts, she wisely suggests. She also advised on making notes; and to revise, revise and revise. “Eat well, and sleep sparingly,” the topper suggests.
With such a hectic regime, it is not surprising when Dr. Keduovinuo lists eating, and sleeping as tings she loves to do. She also reveals that cooking is a de-stressor, as well as tasting new food. “Sleep is so precious, mainly because I get very few opportunities to indulge in it in my line of work,” she said.
Opining on young Nagas of today, she said, “We Nagas are God-gifted, extremely capable people who can compete with anyone in the world. But I think we underestimate ourselves as well as the power of God to reward us if we work hard. We are a minority in this world; we represent the Nagas as a people wherever we go, and not just one person. What we are, how we project ourselves, how we behave and treat others, is how we will be treated in return. You, as a Naga are far greater than just an individual. If we keep this in mind, I think it makes us more brave and empowered in our endeavors.”
Further, elucidating her dreams for Nagaland and Nagas, Dr. Keduovinuo borrows a line from one of her father’s favourite poems by Tagore: “Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high.”
If all medicos were gifted with such fine vision to help humanity, if the youth possessed such humility, determination and fear of God, If indeed the road to Nagaland, is paved with such inspiring, achieving Nagas like Dr. Keduovinuo, than we do not have much to worry about!
