Thesis Writing: The Journey of Lessons Learned

When I stepped into the world of MD in Community Medicine, I had little idea of what research truly meant. “Thesis” was just another academic term—distant, daunting, and shrouded in mystery. But gradually, things began to fall into place. It started with attending the Basic Course in Biomedical Research (BCBR), where research principles were laid out systematically. That was the first time the fog began to clear.

Then came the process of writing the proforma. It seemed like just another task back then, but it taught me the art of planning and thinking ahead. Every small detail mattered—from formulating objectives to choosing study tools. It was the first glimpse into the seriousness and structure that research demands.

Another important pillar in this journey was our departmental journal clubs. Week after week, we sat together to critically appraise research articles, break down study designs, question interpretations, and refine our understanding of statistical results. These sessions weren’t just academic exercises—they sharpened our eyes to detail. They helped us grasp the true meaning of every term in research methodology, from “confidence interval” to “bias,” from “sampling error” to “operational definitions.” It was here that we learned how to read between the lines, how to ask the right questions, and how to recognize quality research.

The two-year journey of thesis writing was nothing short of a rollercoaster. There were moments of clarity and excitement, but there were also patches of confusion, self-doubt, and frustration. Deadlines loomed over us like dark clouds. The stress began seeping into personal life—I often found myself irritated with my family over the smallest things. But with time, I learnt to manage the pressure, and most importantly, to not take my frustration out on the ones who love me unconditionally.

One thing I’m deeply grateful for is the support from our department. They gave us the most precious gift during crunch time—time itself. By easing us off from strict duties as the deadline approached, they gave us room to focus, reflect, and refine our work. That kind of understanding isn’t always found, and it made all the difference.

Interestingly, one of the most beautiful things I witnessed during this journey was teamwork. Our PG group, which often had its fair share of petty arguments and ego clashes, suddenly found unity. We were in the same boat, facing the same storms. We helped each other, cheered each other on, and laughed through the shared chaos. That bond—formed in the stress of statistics and the trenches of formatting—will always be special.

While writing a thesis was a mandatory part of our curriculum, research was something I had always been curious about. And even though I don’t see myself as a scientist, doing scientific research felt incredibly fulfilling. It gave me a sense of purpose. There’s something about generating knowledge that just sounds… good to the ears.

Reaching this milestone has been a decade-long journey. I stepped into the world of medicine in 2015 as an undergraduate student, and here I am in 2025, having submitted my postgraduate thesis. It feels like standing on top of a mountain after a long, exhausting climb. Looking back, I know there will come a day when we’ll laugh at how dramatic we were during this phase—how every table felt like a tragedy and every reference like a mountain. But for now, it’s a moment to pause, to smile, and to feel proud.

Because we made it.

The pleasure when your thesis is finally getting signed is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You know deep down that you’re never going to write a thesis again. And having maintained your sanity till the submission day? That in itself is a great achievement.

Lessons Learned:

• Hard work with smart work
• Time management
• Teamwork
• Working under pressure
• Adaptability
• Patience and perseverance
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking