Young ophthalmologists should enter the John Henahan writing prize

  [caption id="attachment_5812" align="alignnone" width="750"] Professor David Spalton, president of the ESCRS, with Manish Mahabir, winner of the 2016 John Henahan Prize[/caption] The 11th September 2016 was an auspicious day for me. I was in Copenhagen, Denmark at the XXXIV Congress of the ESCRS to receive the John Henahan prize for Young Ophthalmologists. I wore a white linen kurta-pyjama with a brown stole. The prize giving ceremony  was held in a  grand hall which was well-lighted and packed with people. After all the Video Awards had been presented , which seemed like infinity, my name was announced for the prize. My heart skipped a beat. I walked on the dais with folded hands and received the prize amidst a roar of clappings. A woman came up to me and said that she was so happy to see me in a traditional Indian dress. It was a matter of pride for all the Indians. So what has winning the prize meant for me? It has helped me grow as a person. It has validated my faith in my ability to create value through my writings. The prize sitting on my desk reminds me to look upon myself as a global citizen and aim for loftier goals in life. It has strengthened my resolve to work at an international level, in a multi-cultural environment. Due to my busy schedule, I hardly get time to visit my parents. They never get to see my (smiling) patients. The picture of me  holding an international prize with the president of the ESCRS , Professor David Spalton, is something they hold on to. They feel happy that all the sacrifices they have made have borne fruit. It gives immense pleasure to my teachers when they see their teachings being echoed in my words and their student achieving great success.

There is no better time to publish and manifest the unlimited potential already within us

Since I won the prize, many of my colleagues have been inspired to write. They have read my essay "Why Should I Publish" and discussed its unconventional style with me. As they say in the movie Kung Fu Panda,  there is no secret ingredient...It’s just you! The process of entering the competition, writing the essay and then winning the John Henahan Prize has been profound and even soul-stirring. It makes you think and study,  understand the profession and society and even re-discover yourself. The journey is thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding in itself. If you win, a prestigious international prize and will add five stars to your résumé. You will love the attention and accolades that come with it. The EuroTimes editorial staff and the staff of ESCRS  is full of amazing people. They will go to great length to make you feel comfortable as well as special. Winning the prize will open new doors and mark the beginning of a new journey. There is no better time to publish and manifest the unlimited potential already within us. For information and to enter the 2017 John Henahan writing prize for Young Ophthalmologists visit: http://www.escrs.org/lisbon2017/henahan-prize.asp

Tags: beginners, training