Thinking and setting life goals early is important, even though circumstances may change and lead you to a different path, but it will help you learn to plan, make a commitment and develop discipline. These are the words of Ravitesh Singh, who as a youngster, developed a keen interest in pursuing a profession in medicine.
To Singh’s advantage, his parents encouraged him to follow this path and he ended up being introduced to medical imaging science.
“Through my parent’s guidance, I pursued a career in imaging science,” said Singh.
Medical imaging is the practice of creating visual representations of the interior of the body for clinical analysis and medical intervention.
Youngest of two siblings, Singh was born and raised in Nadi. After completing high school at Natabua High School as a boarder, he enrolled in the Bachelor in Medical Imaging Science programme at the Fiji School of Medicine (FSM) now known as the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS).
Singh began his journey at FNU in 2007.
“Suva was new to me. I was nervous and excited at the same time. A few of my friends from high school also enrolled at FSM, so I was in good company.”
He completed the programme and graduated in 2010.
“I had a wonderful time at FSM. The lecturers were great and the support from them as well as from friends was always encouraging. University life I would say is the best time you could have. It is a time when we learn and discover new things and also “find” ourselves.”
In 2011, Singh volunteered as a Medical Imaging Technologist at the Lautoka Divisional Hospital Radiology Department for one year. He then worked for the Radiology Department in Zens Medical Centre in Nadi.
In 2018, Singh enrolled in the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) programme at FNU’s College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS) in Nadi.
“I wanted to gain managerial and administrative expertise; therefore, I decided to take up the EMBA programme. It was more convenient to study at FNU as it was closer to home, so I was able to take up face to face classes which I preferred. Another advantage was that most of the classes were on Saturdays.”
After working for seven years at Zens Medical Centre, he moved back to the public sector. This time as a Supervisor Medical Imaging Technologist at the Lautoka Divisional Hospital Radiology Department. This is where he currently works.
“I love my job. It gives me a chance to meet new people every day as well as feel that I have made a change in someone’s life by providing the doctors with tests that assist with diagnosis and treatment.”
Singh dedicated his success to his family.
“My parents have been my biggest support and inspiration growing up. My dad is a retired school teacher and was a part-time lecturer at FNU Lautoka till April 2020. Mum passed away a few years ago due to health conditions. She would have been proud of my achievements. “
“Family support is very important for professional growth. Besides my wife, I would like to especially thank my mother in law for looking after my two children which greatly helped me focus on completing my EMBA and at management position at the Lautoka Hospital.”
Sharing his top three tips for graduates starting their career, he said, “Work hard and lead by example, respect your job and continue developing professionally and personally every day.”