C. Maria Mimer mc topper

        Never think of cheating on yourself. Do your best and God will do the rest.

C. Maria

MIMER Medical College

I 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.

Myself, C. Maria, a student of 2nd MBBS at MIMER Medical College, TalegaonDabhade, Pune, Maharashtra. I had been an aspirant of medical education since my early childhood. I was always fascinated by the doctors and the miraculous healings they provided. Ever since, I had kept my goal of being a medical professional. And I am extremely happy that I am on my way of becoming one. Thanks to all  who helped me and are helping me now to live this dream. Hera are my marks of first year university exam (MUHS, Nasik):-                            

 Anatomy – 151 / 200

Physiology – 161/200

 Biochemistry – 161 / 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?

Be focussed. The professors are very much helpful. They made us understand the course of the year at the very beginning. Have a brief idea about the subject. It will then light up the way to handle it in your mind. It may take some time to adjust to it, but don’t worry. You’ll soon figure out a way for it. I had asked my seniors about the subjects and started slowly. Day by day, I understood how to learn and gradually, I could develop a routine habit of learning each new topic. For example, histology is never complete without diagrams. So learn the diagrams with all details first, then the key points will never be forgotten.

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. After my college hours, I spent a little time in rest and other activities. Every day, I sat to study at a fixed time. I took short breaks in between so that I wasn’t exhausted. When I felt quite bored, I refreshed myself by doing the writing works. I couldn’t do a combined study. So, I studied alone but always helped my friends with their queries and doubts.

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?

I read the textbook thoroughly for at least two times before the exam. Also, I do mark the important lines. Then, during revision, it is easy to figure out and saves a lot of time. This was my mother’s advice since schooldays and sticked to it and had no worries.

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?

Exams are a fearful factor for me too. I get worried up quite often. But, in this medical field, unnecessary worries are dangerous. They may even worsen your performance. So, I try to keep it aside and do as much as I can. I always plan my day out and divide time for each lesson or topic and try to complete it. Again, short breaks of a stroll, talks, snacks, etc. help you relax. Never think of cheating on yourself. Do your best and God will do the rest.

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?

Attending lectures is very much helpful in deciding the manner of study. Important topics are covered and we get an orientation of how to do it. Moreover, mechanisms are explained and we can devise methods to remember it easily. Also, we could make out how much is required for an answer and what are the key points to score well. Also, lectures are the best opportunity to raise our doubts and get them cleared off at the earliest.

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 come from a family where no one is into the medical field. But all of them support me and are very much desirous to know about this field in more depth. They encourage me to continue well and that’s the secret of my happiness in pursuing this career. Preparing for exams is always the same for me, be it a small test, a semester exam or a university exam. I always put in maximum efforts and the rest lies in God’s hands. Prepare well for every test and semester exams so that your burden for university exam is reduced. You’ll surely recollect things what you learnt a many times than those mugged up or crammed into your head on the last night before exam

 Be the person you are. Don’t run behind others.Make a space for yourself.

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?

Question banks are really helpful. They guide us about the pattern of exam. Moreover, they highlight the important topics which should never be left out. When there is a time constraint in reading the text material, resort to question banks and previous year question papers. It will open a way out for you.

9.Could you suggest a method of studying or kind of discipline that should be followed during exam time?

There is no specific pre – set discipline. Each person is different. Manage your time. Adjust your studies and daily routine activities. Never miss out on adequate sleep, food and rest. Be calm, cheerful and face the situation boldly. Take help of your parents, friends, teachers on reducing stress and focussing better.

10.What do you do to keep yourself stress free? Go for a swim, go for a walk or just wiggle under the blanket and fall asleep or what?

My stress buster is a short talk with my bestest friend, my mother. She always has a smile and that figures out a way for me. She has been guiding me ever since I was born and always has an answer for all my worries. I do listen to songs, watch movies and read books. A talk with my roommates is also refreshing. And I sleep well and eat well at all times. Also, I have never underwent any such great stress.

 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 am not good at sports. I only practice my hobbies of reading and watching movies. Currently, I am doing a few projects for research purpose. I adjust it with my college hours and study time. So, I never feel exhausted.

 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?

Exam writing is basically an art. Each one will have a different taste for it. My advice is that you better follow your taste. Attempt questions that you know well at first and save time for tricky and difficult ones. Don’t spend time cursing yourself for not recollecting well in the exam hall. Be quick. Write only what is necessary in a neat style. Don’t jump between two sections; complete one and then move on to another. Even if you aren’t a great artist, try to draw essential diagrams.

13.What is the one major thing that you would like to change in today’s curriculum?

The curriculum has been designed after much research and discussions. I would suggest that clinical subjects n=be taught to all at a better aspect than just dealing it as important questions for exam. Clinical postings can be made much more practical.

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?

Be the person you are. Don’t run behind others. Make a space for yourself. Do everything at proper time. Have enough time for family and friends. Stop panicking. You’ll definitely succeed.

 

Interviewed By- Dharmin Doshi & Shivani Indrekar 

 

 

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