Exams

“Good afternoon, my name is Yang Chan, and I’m first year medical student”

No more I’m not! Exams are over, and I am now 1/5 of a doctor! Exams are a very interesting phase that we all have to go through, and hate it. During these periods, all sought of personalities arise. Some huddle up in their rooms, scurry into a secluded and quiet study spot, while others gather. I feel that I am a very independent learner, who doesn’t pay as much attention to lectures and details. So when a discussion pops up, I try to join in the debates but always find myself lost, as though I can’t remember anything. But when it came to revision, what took my friends almost a week for a topic (or system), took me 4 days. That only happens when the exams are here. Then, was I able to join in intellectual arguments :P

I am very pleased that I managed to discover a suitable study style. However, there is SO MUCH to learn in medicine, studying alone is very difficult. As much as I prefer to go at my own pace, I decided that it was necessary to sit down with friends and simply, trash out everything we knew. Most of the time, we get lost in a cloud of confusion and conflicting knowledge. But in the end, it helps to cover more ground. There were things that I could teach them, and vice versa.

The sun setting at 10pm, and rising at 4:30am, was a new challenge. Having optimal studying when the sky is dark has worked for me since O’s. Now, I find myself totally knuckled when I study through the whole night. Sleeping after breakfast, at 8am, was by far the most ridiculous sleeping habit I had.

Bad sleeping habits, terrible catered food, midnight snacks or starvation. So, I had to fall sick 2 days before the exam. The fever and sore throat kept me awake all night. I managed to sneak an hour of sleep before the first paper. Thankfully the first paper was not the most demanding. Still, once the exam began, my head cooled and nose plugged. Maybe it was the adrenaline.

In retrospect, the academic year was a very eventful one. I had many opportunities to travel: Loch Ness Hike, CNY in Glasgow, Acapella in St. Andrews, Conference in Manchester, and now heading to London with Uzzy. Aberdeen Medical School is an awesome place, and I have no regrets coming here. Top notch teaching quality, with amazing lecturers and a very well planned course.

Now, just to await for the results in 2 weeks, so that I can official conclude the year.