One question I get asked a lot, once people find out I'm a medical student is "how are you finding it?" I find it an unusual question - as if there is an ideal answer that we're meant to conform to. So far I've managed to stick with "It's fascinating, really interesting. But a lot of work!" Which if we're honest, is a pretty fair assessment!*
But what's it really like? Well, I can only speak for my own experience: It's fun!
The whole med student experience has so far been good to me. The people are nice, and being a post-grad course, there is never a shortage of interesting life experiences of tangible relevance to the current PBL case.
A PBL case I hear you ask? Well, if you've not heard of PBL before, I'll give you the gist. Basically, each week we get a new 'patient.' We follow the trials and tribulations of that patient. But because we know nothing, we have to ask and answer the fundamental questions, before we can decide how to treat. The case then plays out in front of you over three sessions, and every session you go away with 'issues' and spend the first half of the next session answering the issues.
Running concurrently (at least in theory) are lectures and practicals that support the material you cover in PBL. There is also a clinical skills element that teaches you the relevant physical exam techniques for the culprit organ system. All in all, a crash course in medicine ensues.
Other subjects get thrown in as well, and these draw the most ire of medical students. The touchy feely subjects are painful, and probably reflects the lack of objective assessment (I guess that's why I did science and not arts!) There are also maths subjects, law and ethics. Things that are meant to make you a well rounded doctor, but on the whole feel like they are getting in the way of you learning the finer points of counter-current multiplication.
The reality is - it's a lot of work. Jamming all of this stuff in takes effort. There are also a lot of people who have families, relationships, recreational activities, jobs or other studies happening simultaneously. So it's tough. Especially if you want to throw being social and partying a lot on top of it!
It's a fun system - and it works well when it works well. A functional PBL group is highly beneficial. But get stuck with a crap group and it can feel as though you are on your own. Luck of the draw I guess! My present group is a barrel of laughs. We have a good time and still learn a heck of a lot. Having two intensive care nurses, five scientists and a pharmacist, we're a well balanced group! But the composition does vary wildly between groups, and much like life it does encourage some group work. A lot of the arts students and mature agers have been out of the maths game for a long time. So having to relearn the concept of 'e' has been a real shock for many! Thankfully, there will always be the occasional PhD or chemical engineer floating around, ready to explain things. The theory is - it all balances out.
As for me? It's probably still a bit early for me to be giving tips out on how to get through medical school. Do the work, is probably the best advice I can give. In PBL, there is the danger of being quashed by vocal members, so never be afraid to ask a question, or write something up on the board. Even though I'm working pretty consistently, I'm still missing stuff, with the intention of going back to it but never getting there. I just hope the end of year exams are kind to me!
So if ever an aspiring doctor reads this post. Chin up! This aspiring doctor fell asleep during one of our histology pracs! Top bloke!
* I speak only of the educational activities in this blog. If you're up for student politics, societies, dating your class mates and more! There are heaps of these things happening too!
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