“…Lots of Materials to Cover:” – Thoughts on college electives (Vox Pop)

MediVoice is here with another episode on our Vox Pop Series. And today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the college electives experience.

Before diving into the full intensity of Pathology & Pharmacology, the part 4 class must complete the college electives, covering courses like behavioural sciences, medical biostatistics, and community health. While these courses are considered ‘easy’, this period comes with its own unique set of challenges.

How do students feel during this waiting period before fully jumping into clinical postings and the high-stakes world of pathology and pharmacology? From balancing the theory-heavy content of these electives to gearing up for what’s next, this time isn’t as chill as it looks, but a prep for what lies ahead.

Let’s see how the members of the Tenacious Class are holding up–and what they think lies ahead in the next chapter of their medical journey.

We reached out to members of the Tenacious Class to answer the following questions:

1. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the clinical electives we’re currently doing, and why?
2. How do you feel about this waiting period before starting Pathology and Pharmacology classes?
3. With Pathology and Pharmacology drawing closer, what are your thoughts or expectations on part 4?

Their responses are given below.

“While the waiting period is somewhat preparatory, I feel it contributes to the elongation of the class” – Brilliant

1. I would rate it an 8/10. It’s been insightful overall. While different lecturers have their own methods, the experience has been enlightening.
2. Well, while the waiting period is somewhat preparatory, I feel it contributes to the elongation of the class.
3. I expect to face new challenges in the upcoming phase, but I’m ready to learn a lot, overcome those challenges, and emerge well-rounded. I’m actually looking forward to the clinical postings.

“I am not moved” – Ebunoluwa

1. I would rate it a 7/10. The lecturers are actually quite good and interactive. Asides sitting for long hours, they have actually been quite okay.
2. Well, it is what it is.
3. I am not moved. One day one day I will finally start reading😅

“Make the postings no too choke abeg” – Lucas

1. 3/10! What is 9am-4pm? We could have had most of these classes online.
2. I’m grateful for it. It gives me more time to orient myself to the realities of part 4.
3. Make the postings no too choke abeg.

“God will help us” – Samuel

1. I would rate it a 7/10.
2. I feel good about it actually, it’s like an allowance to do other things to prepare for the tasking part of part 4.
3. God will help us(that meme🙂)

“I’m hoping part 4 is not as stressful as people say it is.” – Omojolaade

1. I’ll give behavioural sciences a 7/10 because I like it. I’ll give Biostatistics a 4/10 because I’m not sure I fully understand what we are doing there.
2. I don’t feel anything😂
3. I’m hoping part 4 is not as stressful as people say it is.

“I expect Part 4 to be a whole lot (physically, mentally, socially, and materialistically) so I have prepared my mind for that” – Taiwo

1. 8.5/10. I have been enjoying the electives classes but there’s a lot of materials to cover.
2. I feel like I’m in a “preparatory” phase😂. Plus sprinkles of anxiety and ‘God abeg’
3. I expect Part 4 to be a whole lot (physically, mentally, socially, and materialistically) so I have prepared my mind for that. One of the things I am also looking forward to is the percussion during postings. I have heard quite interesting tales of how brutal it can be 😭😂. I also look forward to getting closer to posting mates, having consultants as our lecturers and my classmates shenanigans 😂

“It feels like the calm before the storm anyway” – Lateefah

1. Maybe 6/10. As for the behavioural science, I found most of the classes interesting and the lecturers were quite chill. For biostatistics, I dunno. I find it a little boring since it’s almost just about numbers and calculations, which is not really my area of interest.
2. I’m enjoying it. It feels like the calm before the storm anyway.
3. I’m definitely expecting to be difficult, stressful, tiring and all but I’ll get used to it somehow and it’d pass eventually.

“I want to graduate so…” – Busola

1. Uhm, 4/10 for behavioral science. Didn’t enjoy it much! 7.5/10 for Biostatistics, I have found it quite interesting. So, mean? Uhm. 5.75? Yes. Lol.
2. I can’t exactly say I am so so so eager to start. Heard lots of stories–the 7:30am to 5pm talks. The intensity that would sure come with that time… But I want to graduate so… I think the waiting period is really cool. Gives you this opening to gradually ease yourself into the real work. I think it is cool.
3. I am quite happy to start postings. Maybe. I think I am. I think it’s a demanding class, so I am pushing myself to adjust to the demands. Nonetheless, I think I would find it interesting. It’s a whole new ball game, so let’s say I am ready to enjoy the ride.

“It’s kind of so unnecessary seeing that we won’t be needing some of the workload till Part 6” – Ademola

1. I would rate it a 4/10.
2. It’s kind of so unnecessary seeing that we won’t be needing some of the workload till Part 6.
3. Well, it’s looking like it’s going to be a long ride but I hope the main classes and postings won’t be like these electives courses.

“I don’t see it as a waiting period because I’m still reading” – Blessing

1. I would rate it a 7/10. I got to learn some new things and be reminded of what I’ve learnt before.
2. I don’t see it as a waiting period because I’m still reading. It’s more of a preparatory period for me.
3. I hope to get the very best from part 4. I want to see patients and learn new stuffs.

“This is the most peaceful I’ve felt since I started medical school” – Peter

1. 6.5/10. Honestly, there are some interesting parts of the electives lectures. Regardless, it’s still a block lecture, and no one likes to sit down for so long. It gets boring.
2. I feel at peace. This is the most peaceful I’ve felt since I started medical school.
3. I’m looking forward to taking each day as they come. I’m praying God grants me the strength to fight everyday and give it whatever it takes.

“I’m actually expecting something more practical that we can easily relate to” – Ayanfeoluwa

1. Personally, I really enjoyed behavioral sciences. If I’m to rate it, I’ll give it 8 out of 10. It was very practical, thought provoking and relatable. Biostatistics is not really my forte. It’s intriguing but not my personal favorite. I’ll give it a 6 out of 10.
2. It gives us ample time to study and prepare ourselves mentally for the journey ahead 😂😂
3. I really hope it’s not as stressful as our seniors said it would be. I’m actually expecting something more practical that we can easily relate to.

“It is honestly a boring class” – Timilehin

1. I would rate it a 5/10. It is honestly a boring class.
2. I prefer the waiting period as it helps us to prepare for what is to come.
3. I am praying and hoping everything works out for good

It’s clear that while the part 4 class is navigating a mix of excitement, anxiety, and preparation, there’s a shared sense of optimism for what lies ahead. With each lecture, the Tenacious class is one step closer to fully diving into the clinical world and all the ‘shege’ that comes with it.

If you enjoyed this piece, be sure to check out our previous Vox Pop article where we delved into the preclinical experiences of the Tenacious class.

Stay tuned for more as we continue to explore the experiences that shape the medical journey in our Vox Pop Series. You won’t want to miss what’s coming next!