The Best Clinical Medicine Teachers in India: A Personal Perspective

It is impossible to give an objective answer as different teachers may appeal to different students. In India, formal feedback from students is extremely rare or non-existent, which is a pity. Hence, in this article, I will base my answer on the books on Clinical Medicine that I have read, as books reach a larger audience compared to bedside teaching. While I personally still prefer books to videos, it is important to acknowledge that videos are a recent but significant phenomenon in medical education. Additionally, I have excluded some of my own excellent teachers who have not written books on clinical medicine, such as Dr. J. V. Pai-Dhungat, Dr. Farokh Vakil, and Dr. A. V. Bahulikar.

My Choices: Dr. F. E. Udwadia and Dr. O. P. Kapoor

After carefully considering the factors such as accuracy, clarity, style, and erudition, I believe the best Clinical Medicine teachers in India are Dr. F. E. Udwadia and Dr. O. P. Kapoor.

Dr. F. E. Udwadia: A Reader-Friendly Author

Dr. F. E. Udwadia is undoubtedly the best Clinical Medicine teacher in my opinion. His book, "Bedside Clinics in Medicine," is one of the most readable medical books I have ever read. Here, accuracy and clarity take center stage. Dr. Udwadia gets the point across without being either too dogmatic or too vague. His writing style is refreshing and engaging, making complex medical concepts accessible to a broader audience.

Dr. O. P. Kapoor: A Scholar with Depth

The late Dr. O. P. Kapoor would be second on my list. Known for his erudition, Dr. Kapoor demonstrated an excellent knowledge of the history of medicine and philosophy/ethics. His ability to weave historical and philosophical contexts into medical teachings adds a depth to clinical understanding that is often lacking in simpler, more straightforward approaches.

Factors That Influenced My Choices

The factors that influenced my choices are as follows:

1. Accuracy

Accuracy is crucial in medical education. The information provided by the teacher must be reliable and up-to-date. Drs. Udwadia and Kapoor both excel in providing accurate and reliable information.

2. Clarity

Clarity is paramount in medical education. The information should be communicated in a way that is easy to understand. Both Dr. Udwadia and Dr. Kapoor excel in this aspect, with Dr. Udwadia being particularly reader-friendly and Dr. Kapoor providing a deeper, more engaged learning experience.

3. Style

The writing style of a teacher is also an important factor. Dr. Udwadia's book is one of the most readable medical books I have ever read, making complex concepts accessible. Dr. Kapoor's writing, while more scholarly, is equally engaging and thought-provoking.

4. Erudition

Erudition is the breadth and depth of knowledge. Both Dr. Udwadia and Dr. Kapoor display a wealth of knowledge in their respective fields. Dr. Kapoor's expertise in the history of medicine and philosophy adds a unique dimension to his teachings.

In conclusion, while it is challenging to rank the best Clinical Medicine teachers in India objectively, Dr. F. E. Udwadia and Dr. O. P. Kapoor stand out based on their contributions to the field. Their work has not only enriched the medical literature but has also influenced countless medical students in India.

Keywords: clinical medicine, best teachers, Indian medical education