She was not thrilled about admission as her legal fight only got her admitted into a department that she did not prefer.
Published Aug 23, 2023 | 1:41 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 23, 2023 | 1:41 PM
Dr Koyyala Ruth John Paul; Dr Ruth examining a person. (Supplied)
Breaking the glass ceiling, Dr Koyyala Ruth John Paul became the first transgender person to get admission to a postgraduate (PG) course in medicine in the country when she was selected to do her MD in Emergency Medicine at the ESIC Medical Colleges and Hospital in Hyderabad on Monday, 21 August.
Dr Ruth is currently working as Medical Officer at Osmania General Hospital (OGH) in the ART Section that deals with HIV/AIDS.
While she is happy about the development, she is not exactly thrilled.
“I wanted admission in gynaecology and obstetrics, but I was given options in Emergency Medicine and Pathology. I am happy that I’m getting admission as a transperson, but it is not a course which I preferred,” Dr Ruth, who has been in a legal battle to gain PG admission, told South First.
She was fighting a case against the National Medical Commission and Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS) as she was only recognised only as a Scheduled Caste woman, but not a transwoman.
“I was given this opportunity only after the recent interim judgement from the Telangana High Court which asked KNRUHS to notify admissions for third-gender students. Even though the court order has given me the chance to get admission in any department, by the time the counselling started, only two seats were open for the third gender — one at ESIC Medical College for MD Emergency Medicine, and the other for Pathology at Osmania General Hospital,” said Dr Ruth.
She said that she was looking forward to the second round of counselling which would start on 25 August and is hoping that an opportunity would open up in Gynecology and Obstetrics.
For Dr Ruth, hailing from the Khammam district, two significant experiences shaped her decision to become a doctor.
“When I was just seven years old, I encountered a group of transgender individuals, and among them was a person who seemed to be suffering from HIV and tuberculosis. Despite her desperate struggle and numerous visits to various hospitals, she was turned away each time. Witnessing her ordeal for an entire year, I eventually saw her pass away,” a resolute Dr Ruth told South First.
Dr Ruth while in practice. (Supplied)
“I remember, another transgender person expressing her anguish over the lack of access to medical care and how our society disregarded people like her. This deeply affected me and at that young age and I resolved to become a doctor to treat trans people.”
Another incident she recalled happened when she was in Class 8. After completing his high school education, her older brother expressed his desire to pursue a career in medicine.
“Unfortunately, our family faced financial constraints which prevented him from entering the medical field. It was evident that we lacked the means to support higher education. During that period, my mother took care of me, my brother, and my older sister. This further reinforced my determination to become a doctor,” said Dr Ruth.
Ruth believed that she could achieve her goal if she tried hard enough.
“I made the decision to diligently focus on my studies. I wanted to become a doctor so that I could serve my community and ensure that others wouldn’t have to suffer as that trans woman did,” she added.
On the other hand, Dr Ruth, who did her MBBS at Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences, decided it was time to open up to her family about her gender identity upon completing her MBBS.
“I believed it was important for them to know, even if their reaction might be filled with confusion and concern. I hoped that by sharing my truth, they would eventually come to understand and accept me,” she said.
“Initially, when I revealed my identity, it was met with a mix of apprehension and panic from my family members. It took them four to five years to truly comprehend and embrace who I am,” says Dr Ruth.
For Dr Ruth, too, it took four to five years to truly comprehend and embrace who she was.
After completing her MBBS in 2018, she made the courageous decision to reveal her identity openly.
“However, the harsh reality that I faced was rejection by at least 15 hospitals solely because of my identity. It was a challenging time as I actively sought employment opportunities instead of resorting to begging,” said Dr Ruth.
“Sadly, suitable job opportunities were scarce, given the limited options available for people like me. The weight of social stigma became overwhelming and, at one point, I even contemplated pursuing my career as a ‘male’ to secure a livelihood. However, I couldn’t bring myself to take that path,” recalled Dr Ruth.
However, in 2021, a significant development took place.
Mitra Clinic, the first transgender clinic in India, was established in Hyderabad with the support of USAID. This opened a door for Dr Ruth and one other trans doctor, Dr Prachi Rathore, who is also working as a medical officer at OGH, to be professional doctors serving people without being judged by their identity.
It was a part-time position, with Dr Prachi working for three days and Dr Ruth working for three days. But it was a breakthrough, as it provided a platform specifically tailored for the transgender community.
Dr Ruth during a medical camp in Hyderabad. (Supplied)
“Although the clinic offered a valuable opportunity, we still faced challenges when it came to job prospects in mainstream society. However, we persevered, working together for the past two years,” said Dr Ruth.
She shared that the people at Osmania General Hospital were incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Dr Ruth said that if family or friends were unfamiliar with gender identity, introducing them to knowledgeable professionals who can understandably explain the concept may help reassure them that being transgender was not a choice, but rather a natural aspect of human diversity.
“Sharing success stories of other transgender individuals who have navigated their journeys can also aid in a transitioning transgender understanding and acceptance over time. Counselling can provide a valuable resource for both you and your parents,” said Dr Ruth.
“It offers a safe space for communication, addressing concerns, and correcting misconceptions. Remember, every individual’s journey is unique and it’s important to approach each situation with empathy and an open mind. By embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity, we can create a more accepting and supportive society for everyone,” added her.
