Surgeon's Journey and Pilgrim's Progress.

Abstract

I read "The Pilgrim's Progress," by John Bunyan, and this book echoes the journey I have taken from medical school to the present. Christian's journey symbolizes the spiritual path of a believer in the pursuit of salvation. This narrative serves as an allegory for the Christian life, highlighting themes such as faith, redemption, and perseverance through trials. It includes twelve key stage. Comparing the life of a surgeon, from medical student to master surgeon approaching retirement, to Christian's journey in "The Pilgrim's Progress" makes for a fascinating allegory. Both paths involve growth, challenges, and perseverance toward a final goal: (1) Medical Student (City of Destruction), (2) Basic Training (Slough of Despond), (3) Residency (Wicket Gate and Hill of Difficulty), (4) Becoming a Junior Surgeon (Interpreter's House), (5) First Independent Operations (The Cross and the Burden Lifted), (6) Early Career (Palace Beautiful), (7) Facing Major Challenges (Valley of Humiliation and Shadow of Death), (8) Mid-Career Success and Worldly Temptations (Vanity Fair), (9) Crisis of Confidence (Doubting Castle and Giant Despair), (10) Mastery and Maturity (Delectable Mountains), (11) Facing Retirement (Enchanted Ground), and (12) Retirement and Legacy (Celestial City). In this allegory, the life of a surgeon mirrors Christian's spiritual journey-a path marked by challenges, doubts, triumphs, and ultimately, the fulfillment of a calling. Both are in pursuit of a final "rest" in their respective fields, whether it be spiritual salvation or the surgeon's sense of a lasting contribution to humanity. The journey of the surgeon is similar to that of the pilgrim.