Make notes such that one day before the exam you can simply go through them and revise the syllabus.
Raghavendra Pandit
seth gs medical college, mumbai
Iii YEAR 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 come from a school in Mumbai, Rajhans Vidyalaya. Regarding myself, I just want to say that the reason behind doing well in studies in my case is constant hard work and optimism. ENT- 85/100, Ophthal 77/100 and PSM 156/200.
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?
Key is to complete the syllabus during the first 8 months of the year. For ENT and Ophthal, complete syllabus during their respective postings of 1 month each. For PSM, study continuously throughout the year. Read each topic at least twice for better remembrance. Make point wise notes (don’t rewrite the textbook!). Make notes such that one day before the exam you can simply go through them and revise the syllabus. (During PL, revise notes and solve mcqs to brush up knowledge. If you feel you’re weak in a topic, open the textbook and revise it)
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 ?
To be frank, having a set schedule is tough because most of us have joined PG entrance coaching classes or are preparing for MLE. So, whenever and wherever you get time, in college and at home, study. You might have other commitments, so manage them well.
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?
As mentioned earlier in point 2.
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?
Yes, whenever you feel low and can’t cope with studies, simply TALK to your parents and friends. Ask them where you’re going wrong. They serve as the biggest source of motivation and optimism. (Be careful about the kind of friends you have, you need to have good company). When you talk to them or discuss any study related topic, you’ll feel better. Also discussing studies in groups helps remember better. Another option is to spend some time doing your hobbies like I love watching cricket and also playing if time permits!
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?
College lectures are helpful when you selectively take information from them. You’re not expected to write an LAQ after listening to a lecture. But what you can surely do is take down certain explanations and concepts or brownie points that are told in a lecture. That’ll help you in vivas. Also try to read the topic beforehand and attend a lecture, you’ll understand and remember more.
If we have a definite schedule for our ‘postings’ along with real life simulations of cases/ emergencies, we’ll be able to learn more in less time and also develop good practical skills.
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.
Oh. I just mentioned it above. In addition to that, try to read notes that you make in your PG coaching classes. Those also help you understand few things (but certainly not all). For ophthal, check the site ophthobook.com. Really helps you understand ophthal well (its text and videos). Nothing specific for ENT or PSM.
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?
Well, in the PL, try to solve the question bank. But before that you should have completed 2 readings of the syllabus. One day before, run through pages of your textbook (you already remember most of it by now) or revise your notes (better option)
9.Could you suggest a method of studying or kind of discipline that should be followed during exam time?
Have mentioned it all above. Especially, revision one day before is important to write answers. Remember this revision is not for building concepts or solving mcqs. Try to come back home early after exam (don’t waste time discussing the previous paper). Have a good nap of 30 mins to feel fresh and start revising for the next exam.
10.What do you do to keep yourself kind of stress free? Go for a swim, go for a walk or just wiggle under the blanket and fall asleep or what?
Taking a nap is a good option, music is always the best. When you listen to music you escape from the world!
11.Are you involved in any extracurricular activities, be it sports, cultural or academics? How do you manage it along with your routine academics?
I haven’t been involved much in extra- curriculars. Reason being the time spent in travelling everyday (I’m a localite)
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?
Write point wise. Make headings and subheadings. Try to be precise, underline important words. Avoid grammar as far as possible (though I find it difficult to follow it myself, but can be helpful for some). Divide your time well between SAQs and LAQs. Even if you know a lot, write only as much as is needed in that time frame. In contrast, if you don’t know an answer, do attempt the question and elaborate on whatever knowledge you have (but don’t try to fool the examiner!). Practical exam isn’t much different. Your theory base is going to help you everywhere. So do your theory well. In the PL before your practicals, revise your notes and continue solving mcqs. But don’t stray too much away from core pracs (Instruments and drugs need to thoroughly studied. For cases, you should have a proforma ready in your mind).
13.What is the one major thing that you would like to change in today’s curriculum?
I think a structured training programme to develop our practical skills is needed. We try to attend clinics and observe procedures, but it can be time consuming, reason being it’s not well organised. If we have a definite schedule for our ‘postings’ along with real life simulations of cases/ emergencies, we’ll be able to learn more in less time and also develop good practical skills.
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?
Have faith in yourself. And if you believe in God, do pray before exam. Don’t feel that it makes you weak or you have to do it because of the fear of exam. It rather helps u consolidate your thoughts and put together your energy at the time of exam. If you don’t believe in God, think of your parents/ all people who want you to perform well. They have faith in you. And finally, be optimistic and hit the target!