Interview with NavpreetKhurana IGMC NAGPUR 2015 BATCH TOPPER
1.Congratulations on achieving such an amazing feat. Tell us a bit about yourself. Please also tell us your individual marks in each subject.
I’m Navpreet Khurana, second year student from IGGMC.
Anatomy- 149
Physiology – 159
Biochemistry- 164
2.So, when all of this is new and the rest of us are still busy figuring the head and tail of the subject, how did you tackle and master the syllabus?
While being confused for the most part of your first year is completely normal, the key is to take small steps everyday to reach your goal. Persistent efforts and hard work don’t go in vain. The most important part in my experience was going prepared for the lectures and be completely focused while attending them. This really helps in the consolidation of memory.
3.Did you have a set schedule,a time table that you stuck to? What were the daily hours that you put in self study ?
Yes I did have a schedule. A perfect distribution that gave me time for self study as well as other activities that I like to engage in. I found 2 hours everyday for self study sufficient.
4.Did you have a different methodology of tackling the subjects? Any special notes that you prepared?
Nope. Just the books. Although the method of studying is different for every person, I believe that understanding the basic concepts on the first go rather than reading the books again and again is the vital part.
5.Do you have any special pointers for specific subjects? The do’s and don’ts of it?
I would just like to say that Anatomy is considered to be the most difficult subject and hence is the prime focus of every student. And while this may be true, it results in lack of concentration towards the other two subjects. Once the ball has set rolling, Anatomy doesn’t seem that difficult. So try to put in equal efforts towards all the subjects. Attending the lectures were of great use to me for Anatomy. For the other two subjects, you need to build up your concepts. And as these are the preclinical subjects, the foundation lies here. So it’s imperative to master these subjects. There’s no running away!
6. Was there any help that you acquired while exam preparation? Like any visual aids any professional guidance? Or those little tit bits that the professors tell us but none other than the toppers pay attention to? Please share with us.
No I did not go for any external guidance. Just the daily self study was the key. Also, participating in events like quizzes helped me to understand the subjects well.
7. How vital is the Question bank during exams? Does it come highly recommended or you advice thorough reading of the text and having confound knowledge of the subject?
I recommend reading the text completely to make most out of your studies. Question banks are just for the quick review before exams so as to be sure that you have covered every topic.
8. How do you propose the students study and what kind of discipline should be followed during exam time?
Studying daily right from the start is the key. During exams, make sure to be thorough with the syllabus. If you’ve got the concepts right there won’t be any fear of the exams. The aim shouldn’t be to study for the exams, instead study for the curiosity that led you to choose the stream of medicine. Gaining knowledge about the things you love doesn’t seem to be a difficult task.
9. Could you give some important pointers on Exam writing skills? And also how should one prepare for a practical exam?
For theory, writing long essays won’t grant you extra marks. Writing precise answers along with appropriate diagrams is the chief aspect. For practicals, refer to the journal and the specific practical books for the viva. Also, watching a few videos online might help you to revise the topic.
10. Any special tricks and tacts for the students of your college who would be reading this?
Everyday efforts will lead you towards your goal. Just stick to the basics. Small steps turn into miles. 🙂
11. So, do you have any parting thoughts? Like disclosing that secret mantra that you chanted or that special brand of energy drink you savoured? Just kidding… seriously though..anything at all?
Haha yeah caffeine is certainly everyone’s saviour. 😉
For me it was the extra curricular activities that saved me. Let’s get real nobody wants their life to be only about studies. Just remember to enjoy the journey and make it worth remembering. In the end, the problems you encounter now will just be a reason to laugh at.