It’s been some months since the part 4 class resumed. After finishing their exams early September last year and taking a break for the rest of the year, they resumed officially in January to begin the clinical phase of their training. And with their resumption came news of the major overhaul of the system of the part 4 class. If you don’t understand what that means, don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you.
The part 4 class comprises two major segments: pathology and pharmacology on one hand (lectures and postings) and on the other hand, the medicine, surgery and community health postings. Usually, postings run concurrently with the classes. An average day would start with a class between 7:30am and 9:30am. Then students would go to the various postings by 10:00am and then come back by 3:00pm for afternoon lectures which would then end by 5:00pm. It was usually very strenuous and chaotic as students struggled to keep up with the many things happening all at once.
With the new system, clinical postings were to be completely separated from everything pathology and pharmacology. The first phase of medicine, surgery and community health postings would come first, followed by pathology and pharmacology(lectures and postings) from start to finish after which the second phase of the medicine, surgery and community health postings would follow. This news caused a bit of uproar and confusion among the members of the class and senior colleagues alike. Some were of the opinion that it would make things a bit less chaotic but they were also seriously concerned that the time frame for path and pharm had been overly compressed. But the ball had been set into motion, the part 4 class had no other option than to run with it.
It’s been almost seven months since work started and I reached out to some members of the class to hear what they had to say about what their experiences have been and the journey so far in the class. Here is what they have to say:
MediVoice: How has the part 4 class been for you so far?
A: Chill, I guess
B: Productively stressful.
C: It’s been interesting, engaging, and definitely stressful. There’s so much to take in, but it’s also been one of the most eye-opening parts of med school so far.
MediVoice: It is commonly said that the clinical years are tougher and more strenuous than the preclinical. Have you found this to be true?
A: Well, we’ve not started Path and Pharm so I really can’t attest to that yet, ask me again in the next 3 months.
B: Hmmm, not exactly.
C: Not really. I still feel like Part 4 hasn’t fully started for us. It feels more like we’re just knocking on the door and getting a glimpse of the real heat that 400 level holds.
MediVoice: Are there any significant adjustments you have had to make since you started?
A: Yes, learning how to communicate properly with actual patients not cadavers is something I’ve learnt to adjust to.
B: I’ve had to change my place of abode and my feeding habits.
C: Yes. I had to adjust my location to make it easier to access classes and postings. Moving closer has made the schedule a bit more manageable.
MediVoice: Have there been any major challenges you’ve had to deal with?
A: Transportation issues mainly
B: None that I can remember.
C: I wouldn’t say major challenges so far. It’s mostly been about adapting to the new pace and responsibilities.
MediVoice: Have you had any pleasant or memorable experiences so far?
A: White Coat Ceremony, Professor Komolafe’s classes
B: Yes. My whitecoat ceremony.🤭
C: Not one specific moment yet, but every day feels like an adventure. There’s always something new to learn or experience on postings.
MediVoice:: How are you looking forward to what the rest of the class holds?
A: I’m looking forward to having a great time learning and excelling in this class
B: I’m hopeful for the best that God has in store for me.🤭
C: I’m optimistic. I’m hoping to make the most of the class, learning, relearning, and growing through every experience it brings.
From the responses, it is evident that the members of the class have had to make some adjustments along the way. However, there’s a general consensus that the class is still yet to fully start until pathology and pharmacology begins. It seems the ongoing postings are like the proverbial calm before the storm. Well, I wish them all the best as they go further in the class. I hope that the new system works to their favour and the class comes out unscathed at the end of it all. That’s the most important thing at the end of the day, isn’t it?
Thank you so much for reading to the end. If you enjoyed reading this, then you can check out other similar posts here
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