From Preclinicals to Clinicals (Vox Pop)

The journey from preclinicals to clinicals is anything but ordinary, and as the Tenacious class transitions from the intense grind of preclinicals to the more intense grind of clinicals, we believe this is a moment worth reflecting on. Preclinicals was filled with a lot of late-night study sessions and the occasional existential crises.

To capture the essence of this pivotal moment, we reached out to some members of the Tenacious Class to share their thoughts on the journey so far and their hopes for what lies ahead.

Let’s take a moment to hear from them.

MediVoice:

1. How did you feel after completing the preclinical phase of medical school?
2. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your experiences in Preclinical I & II, and what were the key reasons for your rating?
3. What are your expectations or aspirations for the clinical phase of medical school?

Their responses are given below.

“We get to chill with the big boys” – Ebunoluwa

1. Lol, Now we get to chill with the big boys.
2. I’d rate it a 7 out of 10. It was a wonderful experience—I made some great friends along the way, and even had the flexibility to skip a few classes when I could.😂
3. My goal for the clinical phase is to try and be the best I can be.

“I hope to do even better in the clinical phase by surrounding myself with good friends” – Mary

1. I feel free, happy, and—strangely enough—a bit bored now that it’s over.
2. I’d give it an 8 out of 10. I’m happy because, despite the ups and downs of both low and high scores, I managed to come out victorious.
3. I hope to do even better in the clinical phase by surrounding myself with good friends and helping others improve along the way.

“I’ve heard a lot about the clinical phase, and most of it hasn’t been great” – Taiwo

1. I feel happy and accomplished now that this part of my life is finally moving forward after being stagnant for so long.
2. I’d rate it an 8 out of 10. The overall class experience was enjoyable, though it had its rough patches. The pace was slow at first but picked up towards the end. After all, I just completed 300 level after being on this campus for over four years. 🥹
3. I’ve heard a lot about the clinical phase, and most of it hasn’t been great. However, I’m optimistic—if others have successfully made it through, I believe I can too.

“I rated it an 8 because of my family of friends who helped me get through it all” – Claire

1. Mehn, I felt like a huge chapter was finally over. I was just relieved because part 3 really stressed me out.
2. I’d give it an 8 out of 10. My preclinical experience was a mix of fun and valuable lessons. I rated it an 8 because of my family of friends who helped me get through it all—they were the cornerstone of my preclinical journey.
3. I have a lot of expectations. I’m excited to finally make sense of everything I’ve crammed from textbooks like Keith Moore. I’m also looking forward to getting into the clinic, seeing patients, witnessing surgeries, and just diving into it all.

“Part 4 will be one of the easier classes I’ll go through.” – Clinton

1. I feel like I’m genuinely making progress. I remember when I first started, the journey seemed so long, but now I can confidently say I’m moving forward and heading towards the finish line.
2. I’d rate it an 8 out of 10. When we resumed in 2022 after the ASUU strike, I had time to read most of the material beforehand, which made things much easier when classes started. I carried that same energy into part 3, and with God’s help, everything turned out well.
3. We’ve all heard about the infamous part 4 class. I’m looking forward to it, and no matter what challenges it brings, I’m facing it with my head held high, trusting in God. Part 4 will be one of the easier classes I’ll go through.

“I’m expecting the best but also preparing for the worst.” – Ademola

1. It’s kind of mixed feelings, to be honest—happy, sad, and everything in between. I’m happy that the phase where the school calendar and ASUU strikes affected us is finally over. But I’m also sad about the demanding clinical calendar and upcoming postings.
2. I’d give it a 6.5 out of 10. Honestly, nothing beats the free time we had during preclinicals.
3. I’m expecting the best but also preparing for the worst. I don’t want to be caught off guard.

“I know there will be challenges, but I believe that He who began this good work will see it through to the very end” – Rotimi

1. It always feels good to complete a phase and move on to the next. It’s definitely a great feeling.
2. I’d rate it a 9 out of 10. Preclinicals was a mix of many things for me. I had fun, I felt excited, and I experienced my share of ups and downs. There were moments of excitement and moments when I felt completely down. I even had times when I doubted myself. But overall, I thank God for the lessons I learned during this phase. So yes, Preclinicals was a good one.
3. I’ve heard a lot about the clinical classes, and now it’s my turn to experience them. That’s exciting in itself. I know there will be challenges, but I believe that He who began this good work will see it through to the very end. I’m staying positive all the way…😊”

“Preclinicals was actually fun” – Samuel

1. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders—thanks to God! 🙌🏽
2. I’d rate it a 7. Preclinicals was actually fun, and by fun, I mean it was a mix of anxious and thrilling moments.
3. This might seem a bit early, but my goal is to develop expertise in diagnosing and managing various medical conditions. 😂

As the Tenacious class steps into the clinical years, there’s a palpable mix of excitement and nervousness in the air. The stakes are higher, but so are the rewards. This is the moment they’ve been working towards—a phase where theory meets practice, and the impact of their hard work begins to manifest in real-life scenarios. It’s a time of growth, challenge, and immense learning, where they will not only hone their skills but also start to shape their identities as future doctors. The journey ahead may be demanding, but with determination and resilience, they are poised to thrive in the clinical phase, turning their dreams into reality.

Thank you for reading, check out our other vox pop articles here. You can also check out the Tenacious Class here.