Aniket Jagtap
LOKMANYA TILAK MEDICAL COLLEGE, SION
batch 2014
III YEAR Topper
I suggest revision is the key if you have done reading already
1.Congratulations on achieving such an amazing feat. Tell us a bit about yourself. Please also tell us your individual marks in each subject.
State rank – 120. 3rd minor –77%
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?
I also struggled initially but then I just read all textbooks and tried to revise them in time. And tried to participate in all quizzes which helped me lot.
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 from 11-12 std I had habit of studying acc to schedule. On an average daily 6-7 hrs of self study
4.Is there any particular way in which you study or any special notes that you make? Maybe a different approach than what students normally do?
I practice diagrams and flow charts wherever necessary. I made my notes in first and second year but later due to vast syllabus I relied on highlighting points and writing just important ones.
5.Do you have any tips on the Do’s and Don’ts of it? How do you manage to keep yourself motivated when studies start taking a toll on you? Are there any ‘distractions’ that actually help you in the process?
I think try to keep self study time consistent and engage in quizzes and group discussions. My motivation is I like medicine and knowing new things. When it gets too hectic I take bike rides or road trip or movies, that’s it.
I made my notes in first and second year but later due to vast syllabus I relied on highlighting points and writing just important ones.
6.Also how important do you think is attending lectures in college? Considering half of the students are either busy on their phones or sleeping, does it really help?
Lectures are very important. First thing if you concentrate on lecture you can get lot of things from it other than textbook which are teachers personal practical experiences. And that things are remembered longer according to my experience.
7.Was there any help that you acquired while preparing for the exams? 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.
I used some of softwares for anatomy. Then I took much of it from professors that what to remember when you read a book which helped me a lot.
8.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?
First we can’t remember everything. But I always say that first reading should be line to line (not in case of larger books like Harrison and bailey but all others you can do it). For exams yes, “imps” are must.
9.Could you suggest a method of studying or kind of discipline that should be followed during exam time?
Everybody has a unique method. But I suggest revision is the key if you have done reading already. And try to be specific in reading and take adequate rest during exams
10.What do you do to keep yourself kinda stress free? Go for a swim, go for a walk or just wiggle under the blanket and fall asleep or what?
I like wandering on bike and eat different things. That’s what I do and yes, Ganpatidarshan
11.Are you involved in any extracurricular activities, be it sports, cultural or academics? How do you manage it along with your routine academics?
Yes, I was Accounts Secretary in our council so by default I got involved in all the activities. It’s good for all round personality development but it takes your study time for sure. But you can manage with hard work.
12.Could you give some important pointers on Exam writing skills? And also how should one prepare for a practical exam? Any special tips for the people of your college who would be reading this?
Theory exams you need to be specific and focus on flow charts and diagrams
Practicals – try to attend all the pracs and clinical rounds. There you get an idea what is expected from us in practs.Go to hospital building see patients try procedures and practice clinical skills
13.What is the one major thing that you would like to change in today’s curriculum?
In today’s curriculum practical exams should be given equal weight age and also some percentile in PG entrance exams
14.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?
No secrets….enjoy,play,study! Thank you
Interviewed By –Prajwal Shetty (IMEDSCHOLAR College representative-LTMMC)