Being a chill and laid back kid before, I wondered how cool it would be to study MBBS in a foreign country and not to be concerned about anything else, as this is what most of us consider while choosing UV-Gullas College of Medicine. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE being a medical student! I still remember the initial days of my college as vividly as if they had occurred only a few days back. Since then, life has been a roller coaster ride for me. There are many challenges in terms of studying just like being an Indian student in UV-GCM. I had to prepare and keep up with the medical concepts to brace myself for any surprise tests our professors enjoy to throw at us, but of course, those are still ways to improve us. The lecturers are all experienced doctors in their specific medical fields and are really helpful and very knowledgeable, too. We have a very decent lecturer-to-student ratio which helps us to have a healthy discussion about the subjects which I think is credible as to why we love to attend the classes. As for the extracurricular activities, we have a lot to do. Being a student from India, we were always taught to impart extraordinary focus on academics but things are quite different here. We are equally encouraged to participate in fests and celebrations as much as we study in the college. We celebrate “Diwali” here, the Indian Independence day along with other cultural fests organized by students of other nationalities which we wholeheartedly enjoy as well.
It’s again a subjective feeling. If your interest levels are high and motivated, you will enjoy it. If you are totally unrelated to the medical field, you will be fascinated. If your parents are already doctors, you will still be fascinated or maybe the opposite as you have seen them go through their daily routine. The popular belief that says “you have to study 24/7” in this field, is literally a MYTH. Unless you only do mug up stuff (without understanding), a few decent hours (3-6 hours) of study per day is enough to have a great deal of medical knowledge. Yes, things get tense and stressful around examination times but you still can get through those.
Being a doctor is a huge responsibility but unfortunately, sometimes shouldering that responsibility will take a personal toll on you. I, for one, thinks it’s worth it because we have chances every day to make a positive difference in the lives of our patients and their families. To develop relationships with them. To care about them. Try not to let the tough ones burn you out or turn you off. Have compassion. As I hope you already know, not everyone had the advantages in life that you have. Some people just plain have bad luck. So good luck and thanks you.
Selvaraj, Ferlin
3rd year Medical Student
Team Leader – 3B AY 2020-2021