Don’t keep subjects separate. Link everything. They all integrate clinically.
Nidhi Nair
MIMER Medical College
IV 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.
Nidhi Nair. I’m from Mumbai. Batch of 2013 MIMER MEDICAL
Marks: Med 204/300 surgery 212/300 OBGY 139/200 peds 75/100
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?
Really boring to say but pay attention in class. Make decent notes. Don’t mug.
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 ?
I tried to set a schedule. Never really stuck to it but that’s the most normal thing ever. A few hours of good honest study is way better than a day long thing. About 2-3 hours in the start. It increases as you near exams
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?
Don’t keep subjects separate. Link everything. They all integrate clinically. You can write Medicine papers with a good Patho base.
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?
Distractions are important. If you get overwhelmed, it’s good to take a breather. I personally read a lot. So that helps
6.Also how important do you think is attending lecrures in college? Considering half of the students are either busy on their phones or sleeping, does it really help?
It depends on the lecturer. And your ability to assimilate information in that classroom. All in all attending lectures is good. It gives you a feel of the subject before you try to attempt it yourself. Plus attendance never hurts.
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.
Youtube has videos. I learnt a lot of Pharmac off of youtube. Tidbits are good too. Especially in clinicals. Professors like that you paid attention and remembered.
Presence of mind is just as important as knowledge in viva.
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?
Read first. Question banks help you keep your sanity intact. Gives you an outline. But it’s not EVERYTHING. Seniors ke markings are great for college exams
9.Could you suggest a method of studying or kind of discipline that should be followed during exam time?
Study comfortably. Don’t force yourself unnecessarily. Agar bohot bohot neend aa rahi hai toh taking a nap is not a crime. Keep alarms when you’re on your phone. To remind you to get off it.
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?
Read. Write. Watch shows. Music is a lifesaver.
11.Are you involved in any extracurricular activities, be it sports, cultural or academics? How do you manage it along with your routine academics?
Culturals I have dabbled in. My hand eye coordination is terrible so sports are out. You can always find a balance just plan for it.
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?
Points and charts and tables. Always. Paragraphs are tedious to read. For practicals make sure you’re rested. Presence of mind is just as important as knowledge in vivas.
13.What is the one major thing that you would like to change in today’s curriculum?
Less ratta more experience
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?
Sleep. It’s ridiculously important. Read thr chapter on memory if you want. Sleep helps your brain work.