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Journey of an overseas Indian Perfusionist
As I wish you all well in Perfusion appreciation week , I want to share my experience of my trials and tribulations an Indian Perfusionist undergo in search of better opportunities abroad. Most of us see only the brighter side as to how a perfusionist abroad is well off, making loads of money. He comes to the annual conference with Ray ban glasses and branded suits, we miss the struggles a Indian Perfusionist undergoes before he settles down abroad.
Like every Indian Perfusionist I was also working in India at Pondicherry Institute of Medical Science for a paltry salary of 6000 Rupees and had the dreams to make it big one day. As I kept applying for Jobs abroad through agents, I was very scared that I will be taken for a ride by these agents and will be losing my money. Over that, there were lot of paper works and attestations to do and the fear and doubts whether our certificates are valid in that country. At last my stars were right and I was able to get a job in Abhudhabhi in United Arab Emirates.
One fine day, I travelled to Abhudhabhi with butterflies in stomach and hopes in the mind to a strange place where you do not know anyone, the people or the language. I slowly settled down with the help of friends and seniors who helped me in each and every step in a foreign country. Practically, a person will find the real difference in all of the following areas- in our perfusion practice, Value of our qualification & credentials, Importance of Clinical Perfusion Licence, Role of Electronic Perfusion Data, Accent of our language, Different structured pay scales, Perceived Racism, Culture & Value of our Family life. Emergency travel to India, especially during the present circumstances. There is a real fear that I cannot come to India if my near and dear ones fall sick (God forbid this must not happen) .All these seems to take you on a roller coaster ride. Most of the time it is like swimming against the tide. Few years into this system you learn the tricks of the trade and move on. Now you are ready to help the other juniors who are coming to your place and the cycle goes on.
I am very glad and happy to see our Global Indian Perfusionists getting successful in spite of their painful journey dealing with all of the factors mentioned above, working all over the world from America to Australia. Some of our proud achievements include - one of our fellow Perfusionists becoming a Zonal Director in AmSECT – USA, while some are Members of Perfusionist licence Examination Panel in UAE. Another senior perfusionist has been workings as Chief of perfusion in the high-volume centre in Australia. This shows very clearly that Indian skill and ingenuity are in huge demand as well as respected by peers worldwide. My observation is Overseas Indian Perfusionists stand to excel over their counterparts from other countries.
I sincerely advice all young members interested in a carrier overseas, to analyse all of the factors mentioned above before considering suitable Job opportunity. If there is no pain there is no gain. There is always an opportunity cost involved. The grass looks greener on the other side of the fence and you need to take your chances. Wishing you all well once again.
Warm Regards and love
Sundar Rajan Subramanian
Overseas Coordinator – ISECT.
Mediclinic Hospitals, Abu Dhabi – U.A.E
Mr. S. Sundar Rajan