Khushboo Savla Mimer mc 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 am Khushboo Savla, a student of III/I MBBS studying in MIMER Medical College.

I have always wanted to be a doctor since 3rd grade to be precise because it is the best and highest pursuit of a life’s work for someone who loves solving problems relating to and being encompassed by stories of humanity and is a curious interrogator of the smallest bit of information that is fed to them. That is who i am.

Due to medical reasons, I couldnt appear for my II MBBS University exams which I shall be appearing for in June.

Anatomy 156

Physiology 162

Biochemistry 165

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?

Well to start with, I firmly believe that the only way to truly master something is to enjoy what you’re doing.  The next big thing to do is understand the concepts well because a rote learned answer may fetch you temporary marks but a good concept fortifies your knowledge base. Besides, consistently being involved in the subject is also important. Involvement may not just be related to the syllabus, reading articles, newer advances keeps me excited and makes sure I stay glued to Medicine at all times.

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?

Honestly, to put it this way-contrary to what others may feel, I have no set schedule. I just ensure I am happy about learning. If at any point, I lose interest in a topic I keep it for later and switch. My hours of study range from 1 hour a day to 4-5 hours a day.    

4.Is there any particular way in which you study or any special notes that you make? Maybe a different approach that what students normally do?

My way of studying is reading 2 books for the same topic. For example for Physiology I read Guyton and AK Jain and then i made notes for the  topics once I understood the concept. The best way to learn Anatomy is through dissection. I took dissection as an opportunity to look into the human body in a way books couldn’t portray. This visual impression made it very easy to orient myself which most students find difficult. For Biochemistry, clinical correlation and practicals made memorising easier. However, with due course of time- you come to know what works for you and it is best to follow your own pattern.

5.Do you have 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?

The human body is such a fascinating entity. To look at it this way- this mere collection of bones, flesh and nerves works so meticulously and effortlessly and that in itself is so intriguing. There are so many avenues of the body that I haven’t explored  and this state of not knowing is what keeps me going. There are times when things dont go my way and I’m lucky to have my ever supportive parents who always have my back.

My only Don’t would be Don’t lose focus. Keep your goal in mind and the rest will follow. The passion to reach your goal should be intense enough to keep you away from any distractions.

6.Also how important do you think is attending lectures in college? Considering half of the students are either busy on thier phones or sleeping, does it really help?

Attending lectures is of utmost importance. Our professors have this ocean of knowledge and it’s in lectures that you learn how to read in between the lines. The knowledge and insight of the teachers that they have gained through experience makes us think, reason and remember things easily and retain them for longer periods. Also, it gives us an orientation as to which topics should be stressed on.

7.Was there any help you required 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 tend to see a lot of online videos and that helps visualize things better. Also I make sure to put across the smallest doubt that arises in my mind and my teachers are more than just helpful and clear all my doubts patiently