It’s that time of the year again when young people, once carefree and unburdened by the world, prepare for an exciting journey...
COVER STORY
It’s that time of the year again when young people, once carefree and unburdened by the world, prepare for an exciting journey—soaring toward the heights of adulthood and navigating the shores of life’s endless challenges. Yet, this transition doesn’t mean they can’t find a sense of achievement and fulfillment with each step they take. All they need is a touch of self-awareness and a sprinkle of self-appreciation to blossom into remarkable individuals, brimming with passion not only for their own lives but for the lives of others as well.
Acceptance letters
It has been a while since the admission applications were submitted. Private schools have already sent out acceptance letters, one student at a time. Public schools usually release the results of their entrance exams after the admission process for private medical colleges has concluded. Some receive the joyous news of acceptance, while others are met with disappointment and words of consolation, but in the end, everyone comes face to face with what is believed to be their true calling.
Those who hear a "YES" from their dream medical institutes must pick up their satchels, heavy with ambitions and aspirations, step out of their comfort zones, and enter a world of sleepless nights and the constant fear of not doing enough.
Does that scare you? Don’t let it, because the world is a mix of positives and negatives. Med school is a blend of hard work and moments of fun. Those who balance both responsibly are the ones who succeed. At times, you may face unexpected failures, but they are merely steps in a grander plan—shaping you into a small fish capable of making a big impact while navigating the relentless, turbulent waves of a vast and demanding ocean.
The inanimate and the surroundings
The first thing you notice as you step inside your college building is always the inanimate: the chairs in the waiting area, a broken chair resting in the grass at the far edge of the ground, posters or paintings adorning the walls, pens sticking out of the clerk’s desk windows, and an abundance of indoor plants.
You walk through the corridors, letting your eyes take in the unfamiliar surroundings, trying to acclimate to the new environment. The windows of the lecture halls tempt you to peek inside. You overhear snippets of conversations and catch glimpses of tired, somber faces moving at a pace you once thought was beyond human capability.
The library, books and the café
The urge to check out the library and the café is strong, and you give in. The library greets you with the unique scent of old, well-read, and well-used books. Over the years, countless students have shed tears of stress — the real ones —over these books, yet they remain steadfast, ready to serve the next generation. You observe people studying, napping, and whispering about everything from the taste of café snacks to last-minute exam tips and strategies for dodging viva questions, all under the same roof. The library truly becomes a home away from home as you navigate med school life.
The café, on the other hand, tells an entirely different story. It’s where exhausted souls gather to feast not just on food but on the daily dose of gossip and drama.
The laboratories
Next in line to be explored are the laboratories, a place that can make you curious and scared. Whether it’s the unsettling sight of dummies and cadavers, the sting of a pinprick during physiology experiments, or the endless challenge of identifying pathology slides under a microscope, the lab experience is unforgettable.
But it doesn’t stop there. Soon enough, those lifeless models at practice stations are replaced by real patients you’ll need to diagnose and treat. When people say, “Time flies,” they’re not exaggerating—it truly does!
OSCEs and OSPEs
If books and laboratories were not scary enough, the exams and viva certainly are. Getting locked in a room, having your phone confiscated, and then being moved to another room until all your batchmates have completed their OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is an experience to dread.
And let’s not forget the nightmare-inducing ding-dong of a bell every 90 seconds — or if you’re lucky, every 120. OSPEs (Objective Structured Practical Examinations) are no different. The corridors are jam-packed with students strutting or stuttering, trying to act all-knowing or completely clueless — it’s hard to tell who’s who. After all, the tables are known to turn at the most unexpected times.
Clinicals
The most important part of learning in medical school will always be the clinicals, as this is the very reason you are in med school in the first place. Clinicals teach you how to apply your knowledge in the real world. You observe how seniors in your field interact with patients, the level of care being provided, and the protocols being followed. Life takes on a serious tone when you enter this phase of your medical journey. The hospital environment carries a unique atmosphere, allowing students to witness in real life what they’ve only seen in textbooks. Never forget the importance of empathy; while you may be excited to learn something new, the patient is living through it.
Research
They say it’s never too early to immerse yourself in the realm of discovery. Finding new aspects to research in any medical field is never easy, especially when you must also rationalize and defend what has already been discovered. Students are eager to contribute to the field through unique and innovative methods of treatment and protocols. And what better way to achieve this than by sifting through databases and exploring your niche and interests?
Volunteer work and camps
Giving back to the community is always a priority. Looking around, you find countless organizations serving humanity in different ways. Lending a helping hand, in any capacity, is a good idea — not only does it provide healthcare services to people in remote areas, but it also creates opportunities to interact with individuals from different communities and learn from their experiences. Volunteering for social events at your own medical school or interscholastic gatherings can also boost your confidence while enhancing your social and communication skills.
Sports galas and trips
As mentioned earlier, the "play" aspect of medical school goes hand in hand with the "work" aspect — only if you learn to manage your time early on. Sports play a crucial role in character building, helping shape you into someone equipped with the skills needed for navigating life's challenges. A variety of indoor and outdoor sports activities are part of these galas, and they all are equally fun depending on your preferences. These sports galas are always brimming with zeal and enthusiasm, along with a dash of valour.
Medical school trips are mostly always to the breathtakingly beautiful northern areas, starting with breakfasts at a roadside dhaba or a fancy café, depending entirely on the vibe your batchmates are looking for. The winding mountain roads, lively music, dancing, and an endless supply of snacks eventually lead you to a beautiful valley that makes you forget the worries of the world — at least for a while. Nights are adorned with bonfires, guitar melodies, and horrible horror stories, or if you prefer solitude, you can enjoy an extensive star-counting session for a peaceful "me" time.
Summers
Summer vacations in medical school are somewhat like they used to be in grade school, but it’s always better to explore new ways to spend them. Internships and electives at your dream institutes can motivate you to trade sleeping in and bingeing on junk food while watching movies and shows all night for something more purposeful.
No doubt we all secretly desire to have this kind of carefree summers, and it’s perfectly fine to dedicate half your break to do just that. However, using the other half for electives in a specific field each summer equips you with valuable knowledge and insight, helping you make an informed decision about your specialty when the time comes.
Summers are for internships, electives, and workshops, but it’s important to remember not to overdo it. Always set aside time for yourself, as well as for family and friends, to save your sanity.
Annual dinners
The events at medical school always hold a special place in your heart. The dinners at the end of each academic year serve as a farewell to the graduating batch and a welcome to the incoming students. These events are not just about dressing up, photoshoots, and food — they also feature students preparing a number of segments to entertain the attendees. Sometimes, Qawwali nights are arranged to set a melancholic, reflective groove. These, without a doubt, are the nights to remember.
Bonding and befriending
The part of medical school that stays with you forever is the friendships you forge along the way. These companions will be with you through some of the most hectic years of your life. They’re there to lift you when times get tough, but always remember, if you take something from their cup, make sure to refill it generously with something they need.
The bonds formed in medical school are for lifetime, because you’re likely to cross paths again during your career. It’s always a pleasure to spot a familiar face in a sea of strangers. Stick together and keep making progress. A good senior will never turn down the chance to help, so keep seeking out the ones who genuinely care. Those who learn to give back grow beautifully as it is rewarding not only career-wise, but also personality-wise. After all, this field demands a passion that must be sustained throughout the years.
