Chess as training tool for medical students Dr Raj Chess coordinator Ripple Institute

History Probably originated in India or china around 1500 years back and spread across the globe by the Persians. Many different versions of chess had existed with different board size and pieces but we are aware the popular one with 8X8.

Chess in world today It is internationally recognised and respected world championship. Current World Champion is Carlson Magnus from Norway who dethroned Vishwanathnan Anand.

Chess as game The game has evolved from the pass time of king and courtesans to one that is played in school as a developmental tool. Now it is very easy to play chess with computer or an online friend either on a mobile or desktop.

Chess for medical students How can chess be useful to medical students or doctors?

Analogy of chess to clinical decision making The strategy in the chess can be compared to strategy doctor employs to treat his patients. Both want to win the game. The doctor wants to defeat the disease.

Doctor makes moves by taking calculated risks where he wants to conquer the pathology with minimum damage to the patient. In chess we learn to make moves which are at the least vulnerable to the enemy tactics.

He has to have foresight of the future implications of the present treatment choices. A good chess player will be able think of 3-4 moves ahead and look at the outcomes in his brain.

In chess we have thorough knowledge of standard openings which give early advantage. In medical field we should be aware of standard protocols which give better outcomes in the treatment.

Middle game in the chess is highly variable where the decision making and deep understanding of the subject is tested. Every patient is different and reacts differently to the treatment regime. The depth knowledge and skills are tested when the adjustments are required.

End game is the important part of the chess which will decide who is going to be the winner. One mistake you lose. Clinical decisions in critical care medicine will mean life and death to the patient. One mistake patient is dead or devastated.

End game

The Game requires focus and clear thinking and advantages or disadvantages of each piece. The Doctor requires to understand the side effects and benefits of each treatment option and interplay with patient body dynamics.

Taking a different perspective I can say that playing chess can not only improve analytical decision making ability of doctor but also improves emotional intelligence and psycho- social skills.

Chess tournaments in the island The Ripple Institute with establishment of Chess Foundation of St. Kitts plans to start open chess tournaments in the island particularly targeting the younger generation.

Intra-college and Intercollegiate championship It also wants to partner with various schools and colleges to organize intercollegiate championship.

Teaching chess to children The Ripple Institute also believes in starting early by proposing to the education ministry to include chess as part of the curriculum in the elementary school.

What can Windsor students do? Learn and play chess. Take part in the college chess championship. Take part in intercollegiate chess championship. Take part in open championship in St. Kitts and Nevis. Take part in teaching chess in school as community service.

Lets survey What my audience think of this presentation ? A. Good Idea. B. Maybe. C. Bad Idea. D. Dr Raj must be crazy.

Survey result looks biased!! A. Good Idea. 20 ( They like Raj) B. Maybe. 8 ( Senior Faculty ! Guess what always diplomatic) C. Bad idea. 3 (Of course ! They don’t like Raj) D. Dr Raj must be crazy. 2 (Classified)

So Friends!!! Lets Play some Chess