Hello medicos. Welcome to the crazy world of medical college, where the struggle is real, but so are the friendships and memories created. There are some unsaid rules of medical school in India that we usually find out after we’ve broken them.
There comes a facepalm moment in every medicos life, when they realize these rules. I’ve listed down all the unsaid rules. Think of this as your survival guide medical college:
1. Batch Unity is a Must.
If your batch decides on a mass bunk, don’t be that one kid who goes to class regardless and asks for that day’s attendance. This results in the entire class being marked absent and you being placed on the permanent ‘boycott’ list.
The mass bunk due to a college event might only be for a day and the professors usually cooperate too. They will reschedule lectures sometimes too.
Med school is all about sticking together. United we bunk, divided we…well, get singled out.
2. Do Not Read the Entire Textbook
The essence of reading Gold Standard books like Guyton and Robbins is not in reading and memorizing every single line. Don’t feel guilty about not reading the entire textbook.
No one has time to read everything. (except some people) Read the important topics thoroughly, you can go through the rest very quickly.
3. Never sit on the last bench
If you want to sit peacefully, sit in the middle benches. The professors can ask questions to either the first benches or the last benches, anyone they want to. Middle benches are the safest.
4. Look for the best seniors
For the first year, your relationship with seniors will be bumpy. But you need to keep watch on who is actually helpful and who is just trying to have fun. Some are great, and some are…well, not so much. The good ones can be your mentors later.
You need good relationships with a few seniors to get through medical college.
5. Explore the campus and map it out.
A first year is the easiest target anywhere. Being an oblivious and naive first year is like walking around with a target on your back. You should go around and memorize every single detail about your college as soon as possible.
If a senior asks a random question like ‘what is the name of the bridge that is located outside college?’ you must be able to answer it.
6. Dress the Part
Hostel Chappals in lecture halls? Big no-no. Some professors will expect you to follow the dress codes very strictly—shoes, decent attire, and clean-shaven faces.
Honestly, dressing professionally isn’t just about following rules, it’s about showing respect to the profession.
7. Learn the art of Vivas
In vivas, the more you beat around the bush, the deeper you dig your own grave. Answer directly, and if you don’t know it, just say ‘Sorry’. One “Sorry Sir” can save you from a lot of unnecessary trauma.
Learn the art of redirecting the examiner to the topic you know more about. This is smart, not mumbling and pretending to know the answer.
8. Make good friends
Medical college is full of snakes. People who will pretend to be your friends but will disappear when you ask for help. Make friends after a lot of thought.
Avoid the red flags of medical college, especially the ones who keep forcing you to do stuff that you’re clearly uncomfortable with.
9. Enjoy College Events
I know, most times the PR will fail. The event that was supposed to take place in the biggest concert ground will take place in the college audi. It will be more or less like a school annual function.
Still, don’t sit out of it. Go and have fun. These are the days that you will remember fondly in your adulthood.
10. Clinical postings
Don’t skip a lot of postings. Go to the ward, see the cases. The OPD is more of a classroom than any lecture you will have. Don’t miss out on the learning experience.
11. Respect Professors
Here’s a golden rule: professors are always right. Even if they are saying something that is factually wrong according to the textbook, they are right. Don’t argue. Just nod, smile, and say, “Yes, Sir. Sorry, Sir.”
A little smartness here will prevent unnecessary fights with professors.
12. The truth about lectures
Not every lecture will be great. Some professors will just read the PPT slides and you won’t be able to understand anything. You need to learn to utilize your time better, you can read the textbook during such lectures.
13. The truth about exams
In exams, how you present your answer can matter a lot. You can have the right content but you will still score less than someone else who writes better. Learn paper-writing skills, learn how to keep writing about a topic that you know little about.
14. Have your own stuff
Always bring your stethoscope, apron, roll number plate, and journals for exams. The examiner might fail you if you don’t have these, even if you perform well. And honestly, not everybody will lend you their stuff.
15. Not a doctor yet.
The moment you’re admitted to med school, your relatives will start considering you a doctor. They will send you reports, X Rays, blood tests and expect you to diagnose. Try to maintain contacts with seniors for help. Go to OPDs if needed. And honestly, when needed, just admit that you are not qualified to help yet.
16. Don’t Be Rude.
As an undergrad, you’re at the bottom of the medical hierarchy. Don’t disrespect the nurses and the staff, call them ‘Ma’am’ and ‘Sir’ as you would call a senior doctor.
Just have the will to learn and you will discover that everybody around you will teach you.
Conclusion
Follow these unsaid rules, since the start of medicine and you’ll not only survive but thrive. Build good connections, respect your professors, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey. Remember, every doctor was once a confused med student. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll get there.
All the best, dear friend.
NEET Counseling Step-by-Step Guide
Dissection: how to come to terms with it
