1.Congratulations on achieving such an amazing feat. Tell us a bit about yourself.
Please also tell us your individual marks in each subject.
Avantika Thombare , NKP Salve institute of medical sciences .
Total-468/600
Anatomy- 152/200
Physiology- 153/200
Biochemistry- 163/200
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?
In the beginning the excitement of entering the medical college masked the vast heap of syllabus which is in store for a first year student.
I would say that the first thing which needs to be done is getting ourself acquainted with what the subject is and the most important, what the subject demands from us. Once you are clear with it managing the studies will be easier.
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 ?
Following a set schedule was rather difficult for me, even the daily hours varied but maintaining the pace with topics thought in the college was my way.
4.Did you have a different methodology of tackling the subjects? Any special notes that you prepared?
All the three subjects have different requirements , for me like others Anatomy was the toughest, and the most volatile subject,and I invested maximum of my time studying anatomy . Eventually anatomy grew out as my most loved subject. Rest I invested equal time for physiology and biochemistry. The notes taken down during the college lectures help a lot to me.
5.Do you have any special pointers for specific subjects? The do’s and don’ts of it?
For Anatomy , dissection and atlas proved very beneficial for understanding the subject ,
For physiology , getting the basics clear is very important , that will help not only in making a strong foundation for pathology and medicine ,but also to tackle the university exams .
For biochemistry no other bypass than understanding the mechanisms , once they are understood learning becomes easy.
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.
Attending regular lectures was the most important part of my success. Those little tits and bits that my professors told us , were my strongest tool during the practicals and viva.
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 would not suggest question bank because by doing so you will divert your energy.Reading the text and having the confound knowledge of the subject is more useful during the exams.
8.How do you propose the students study and what kind of discipline should be followed during exam time?
I suggest a regular study from day 1. Dealing with such a vast syllabus is not easy , the exams will be scary and also will hit you hard on your face . But never panic. From my experience I say that panicking would only add up to the misery. Instead, talking to my parents at such time was the greatest support and thrust during the exams.
9.Could you give some important pointers on Exam writing skills? And also how should one prepare for a practical exam?
Managing the time during writing exams is very essential. Flow charts and diagrammatic
presentation would aid to the writing pattern. The year round preparation will help you for the practicals .
10.Any special tricks and tactics for the students of your college who would be reading this?
Specially for students of my college, nothing would be as beneficial as attending the regular lectures both physically and mentally.
11.So, do you have any parting thoughts? Like disclosing that secret mantra that you chanted or that special brand of energy drink you savored? Just kidding. Seriously though. Anything at all?
Sincerity, regularity, and my professors .