Disclaimer: The characters and events depicted are fictional, and any resemblance to real persons or events is purely coincidental.
“Let’s not put so much energy into this week, the bulk of the scores lies in the second and third weeks.” This was said in good faith by my well-meaning coursemate.
It was the eve of the Board Examinations. And as expected, I was deep into reading, even though there was some cloud of doubt and regrets hovering over me.
“Maybe I should have put more effort into the session,” I thought. Then there came that group message;
“Let’s not put so much energy into this week, the bulk of the scores lies in the second and third weeks.”
I can’t explain the surge of hope that I felt.
“Maybe, just maybe this first week wasn’t really worth the stress. Maybe I’m doing too much and should just save up all the energy for the last two weeks after all.”
You can’t really blame me, though; I needed something to make me feel better, and that message came in handy. That message was so hopeful, yet so dangerous, as the momentum I had before dissipated.
Fast forward to the practicals; that first week seemed like the only gleam of hope I had in sight. Those scores I almost discarded were to be the “buffer.”
“What if I relaxed too much? Would things have gone in the wrong direction?”
What am I driving at?
You should probably reduce the permutations in medical school, especially.
“Why?” you may ask.
They may backfire.
I remember vividly during Clinical 1, one of the major courses had this tradition of giving five marks for attendance. But the department decided at some point not to go in that direction. I mean, like every other person, I really looked forward to those marks. It was a 7:30 am class; that should mean something, right? What about the sacrifice of fighting sleep multiple times? Or having to struggle to hitch a ride? And you’re telling us barely weeks before the main exams that you won’t use the attendance?!
Listen! Medical school doesn’t always have rules set in stone, and they may decide to change “original” plans. That 10-mark incourse can become a 20, so what would you do if you didn’t prepare as much? Honestly, those permutations will end your career if care isn’t taken.
It’s better to prepare for every aspect of your examination with your best foot forward. Like your life depends on it (well, it does!). Remember, as the ‘age-long’ adage in medical school goes, “You’re not just preparing to pass, you’re doing all these to be a better doctor.”
This is just my opinion anyway. So, what’s your take on having permutations in medical school? Share your thoughts in the comments section. Don’t forget to leave a like, and share with that friend who likes to permutate.
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