A burning soul with an ambition to change the world! That’s why I started this blog. Over the course of the past 10 years, I’ve written about social responsibility; motivational sessions and the lessons I learnt from them; fictional stories with a moral undertone; satirical or emotional account of events; book reviews; my opinion about political or social happenings in Pakistan and these days, I’m writing about career guidance and post graduate exams in medicine in Ireland.
Even though, there was a huge lapse in my blogging during my early professional years, I’m glad to be back on track now.
For the purpose of this blog, when I read my old posts, I myself was surprised at how passionate I was about certain issues. Here is what I wrote about the terrorist act at Army Public School Peshawar on 16th December 2014:
“We are terrified and we feel helpless. There is nothing we can do, our politicians are too corrupt and self-centred, we lament. Our borders are too porous to contain the foreign terrorists, we grumble. This is not our war, it has been enforced on us, we protest. We lament and grumble and protest. We point the accusatory finger at others. But did we realize that the remaining four fingers were pointing at our own selves? Oh, this is sure to raise a few eyebrows. How are we to blame, you ask.”
So, if you want to take a roller coaster ride through my opinions on various topics then continue reading. It’ll sure be fun. Let’s take a break from career guidance here!
The following list is in chronological order:
1) KEMCOLIAN CHRONICLES (PART 1)
Publication date: August 5, 2011. Theme: Few rules about shopping in Anarkali: (for girls)
Excerpt:
1) NEVER and I repeat never agree to the 1st price that a shopkeeper tells you. Keep haggling till you get to half the original price!
2) Keep an umbrella with you for smashing any rude guy who dares to call you names…!
3) Wear your most comfortable and worn-out sneakers to ensure that you can still walk on 2 feet after coming out alive from Anarkali.
To read more, click here: https://magicwithmedicine.com/2011/08/05/kemcolian-chronicles-part-1/
2) OVER THE (NEW) MOON
Publication date: August 5, 2011. This article was printed in US Magazine on 20/11/2009 in the section Reel Life. Theme: Movie/Book review of “New Moon” – The Twilight saga
Excerpt:
Like Chace Crawford, Robert Pattinson broke into the entertainment industry as a model. He has that pretty boy-model-y look to him — the wavy hair that begs to be styled, the sallow cheeks, the thick eyebrows. However, he has not always been like. “Up until I was 12 my sisters used to dress me up as a girl and introduce me as ‘Claudia’! Twelve was a turning point as I moved to a mixed school and then I became cool and discovered hair gel,” Pattinson shares.
To read more, click here: https://magicwithmedicine.com/2011/08/05/over-the-new-moon/
3) MOTIVATIONAL SESSION – PROJECT REPORT
Publication date: September 3, 2011. Theme: The details of the event, ‘Magic with medicine’ which gave this blog its name.
Excerpt:
Throughout the session, there was a lot of interaction with the students which maintained their interest and piqued their curiosity. Never once did anyone leave the auditorium rather more people kept pouring in despite the fact that no more chairs were unoccupied. They were content to even sit on the floor to listen to this great motivational session and get motivated. Their enthusiasm was evident from the oft-repeated applause that punctuated the talk of Mr. Umair Jaliawala.
To read more, click here: https://magicwithmedicine.com/2011/09/03/motivational-session-project-report/
4) WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND!
Publication date: March 7, 2012. Theme: A fictional story about the family system.
Excerpt:
This case was more complicated than he’d thought. “Doctor sahab! My wife also shows this unbridled passion for shopping. I can understand it is common for women but this is something more! Last week she bought a dozen unstitched dresses of the same design saying that she was buying them for her niece’s wedding. That niece is only 4 years old!” Mr. Mahmood explained.
To read more, click here: https://magicwithmedicine.com/2012/03/07/what-goes-around-comes-around/
5) The DOCTORS’ STRIKE: SIFTING THE MYTH FROM THE FACTS
Publication date: July 5, 2012. Theme: Explaining the doctors’ strike.
Excerpt:
All these measures would eventually stop the massive brain drain that is occurring at present. Medical students who study from public sector colleges see no future in staying in Pakistan unless they have a strong ‘sifarish’ to back them for promotions year after year. Thus, they opt for higher studies and subsequent jobs in US, UK, Australia, Canada and even Middle East. It’s not just a matter of higher pay rather it’s about job security. If even after studying assiduously all your life and completing your graduation with flying colours, you are still dependent on a BPS-16 section officer or a fake-degree holder politician for the continuity of your job, then you’re bound to spend sleepless nights fearing for the future of your family.
To read more, click here: https://magicwithmedicine.com/2012/07/05/the-doctors-strike-sifting-the-myth-from-the-facts/
6) MY TAKE ON ELECTIONS 2013 (PART 1)
Publication date: May 13, 2013. Theme: Explaining the election fever.
Excerpt:
In fact, in a few residential areas of Karachi where polling was delayed due to technical reasons, inhabitants of nearby houses provided water to the voters standing in long lines! This was the level of camaraderie and sportsman spirit among the people. I even overheard people saying, “Aaj tu Eid ka din lag raha hai…” Perhaps, festivities of Election Day were greater than that of Eid because they were visible on a greater scale – all over the country on the same day! Hamari tu Eid bi ek din nai hoti, lekin election tu ek din ee hua na…!
To read more, click here: https://magicwithmedicine.com/2013/05/13/my-take-on-elections-2013/
7) Horror, Horror! Who is the cruelest person in the world?
Publication date: December 22, 2014. Theme: My reaction to the sad incident of APS Peshawar.
Excerpt:
The reason why you and I cry is because we feel that it could easily have been ‘us’ instead of ‘them’. It could have been my friends whose dead bodies piled up on me would act as a shield for me. It could have been my favourite teacher who was burnt alive in front of me. It could have been your principal who preferred to die rather than save her own self. It could have been you hid under a bench and fearing the approaching black boots. Yes, that is why we all bemoan. Because now we feel the ‘terror’ has truly reached our threshold.
To read more, click here: https://magicwithmedicine.com/2014/12/22/horror-horror-who-is-the-cruelest-person-in-the-world/
8) Ireland: Basic Specialty Training – Application process
Publication date: June 20, 2021. Theme: How to apply for medical post graduate training in Ireland?
Excerpt:
It’s obviously best to have references from Ireland but those from Pakistan are also accepted. Appraisal forms need to be filled in by these references and this is an essential part of the application. They are given a huge weightage and the references can also be contacted at any point during the application. At least two referees are compulsory and both must be from different time duration in your clinical experience.
To read more, click here: https://magicwithmedicine.com/2021/06/20/ireland-basic-specialty-training-application-process/
9) Frequently Asked Questions
Publication date: June 27, 2021. Theme: FAQs about working in Ireland as doctors.
Excerpt:
Pros of Irish Pathway: No entrance exams required; very well-paid jobs (especially compared to Pakistan); international exposure in hospitals which can pave the way for training in UK
Cons of Irish Pathway: IMC – Irish Medical Council registration can take quite long; difficult to get training here if you are non-EU national
To read more, click here: https://magicwithmedicine.com/2021/06/27/frequently-asked-questions/
10) Job Hunt in Ireland for Doctors
Publication date: July 23, 2021. Theme: How to get a job as a doctor in Ireland?
Excerpt:
Get a few documents ready to be sent over to the job recruiters; HR department of hospitals and online websites. These documents include an introductory email, CV, cover letter, personal statement (optional) and three letters of recommendation.
To read more, click here: https://magicwithmedicine.com/2021/07/23/job-hunt-in-ireland-for-doctors/
Here’s my top 10 blogs. Let me know, which one you liked best? And why? I’ll be awaiting your reviews!
P.S. Don’t forget to ‘Follow the blog’ if you want to be notified about future posts.
Next week, I’ll continue the series on ‘Work experience in Ireland for doctors.’
Magic with Action 
Hi Dr Farkhanda ,I feel always delighted whenever I read your blogs and they are always helpful especially applying for the training.I am shortlisted for gp and obs and gynaecology bst interviews .I really need your help how to ace the interview.Please email me back asap .Thanks
I am posting a blog on this topic. If you have further questions, kindly message me on my facebook page, magic with medicine. Also, thx for the appreciation.