Hi guys, It’s week 4 of the semester already. Can you believe it? Time does fly fast and won’t be slowing down either because it’s only a matter of time till you’re logging into NEPTUN to secure those exam spots.
Today, I wanted to feature one of our many inspiring students- Tobias Evason Fredriksen, a current 5th year student in the General Medicine English programme and a worthy recipient of the Outstanding Student of the Year 2024 award for the 23/24 4th years.
While we learn from those above us- the professors, doctors and researchers, it’s just as important to learn from those beside us, our fellow students. So today, Tobias will be sharing his journey as a medical student here in PTE and how he’s navigated the path to success.
Q: Thank you for agreeing to be a part of this interview. To start off, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
T: Thank you for having me! I’m from Norway. I’m currently in my fifth year of medical studies at the University of Pécs. Throughout my education, I’ve developed a particular interest in cardiology and infectious diseases. This has shaped my focus during clinical rotations. Like most of my fellow students, I’m really passionate about medicine and excited as to what the future brings!
Q: Excellent. So just to go back a little, what motivated you to pursue medicine and why at PTE?
T: Medical science has always piqued my curiosity. Even though no one in my immediate family was in the medical field, I was determined to be the first. A close friend of mine who intended to study here introduced me to PTE, and it was via this relationship that I became aware of the option. At the time, we could enroll in what was commonly known as the “Bjørknes Program”—which has since changed its name to ONH. Thanks to this, I was able to finish my first year of the basic module in Norway, even though the COVID-19 outbreak made a large portion of it online. This setup was ideal, giving me a solid foundation before transitioning to full-time studies at PTE.
Q: Oh so you didn’t have your first year here. Regardless, your first few semesters here had to have been quite a big transition. The transition can be overwhelming with the amount of material to learn and the demanding schedule. How have you experienced the educational system from your second year up until now, and how have you adapted to its challenges?
T: So the first year in Norway came with its share of difficulties but, all in all, went pretty smoothly. It wasn’t until I began second year here that I truly realised how challenging becoming a doctor would be. The volume of knowledge required, and the level of detail expected on exams increased significantly! I also realised that the examination procedure itself is nearly scientific in nature; you have to know not just the material, but also what your particular professor or examiner values. It’s important to respect the faculty members, as they usually know what’s best.
One of the biggest challenges has been the feeling of uncertainty about passing an exam or whether my knowledge will get me a good grade- rumours from other students, particularly those about failing due to an oddly specific question add to this uncertainty. My advice would be to take such rumours with a pinch of salt—most of the time, they aren’t as bad as they sound.
All in all, the most difficult part has been managing the theoretical requirements as well as learning how to interact with and comprehend various instructors. Some instructors are stricter than others, but that’s just part of the process; this doesn’t really change with time.
Q: This year, you earned the prestigious title of Outstanding Student of the Year in the English General Medicine program for your year, which is a remarkable achievement. Was this your first time receiving this award?
T: Yes, this is my first time receiving the Outstanding Student of the Year award in the English General Medicine program. I’m incredibly appreciative of the acknowledgment, and it’s an amazing honour.
Q: My sincere congratulations to you! It’s no easy feat. Was this a goal you actively worked toward, or did you simply focus on doing your best and happen to achieve it? What adjustments or strategies did you implement to secure this prestigious title?
T: To be honest, I didn’t even know this award existed! I understand it may come as a shock, but I have never been one to focus on awards or prizes. I remember witnessing some students being awarded at the Opening ceremony, and now I understand the reason! My focus has always been on working hard for my own growth and to become more knowledgeable for the sake of my future patients. Though I didn’t specifically aim for this title, I believe that my commitment to my studies has ultimately resulted in this achievement.
“When I study, I decide beforehand that I want to fully understand a topic, and I’ll keep going until I feel like I’ve grasped it.”
Q: That is a great mindset to have and definitely one that moulds a model doctor. For students who are curious about your process, could you share a bit on how do you prepare for tests and exams? What are your go-to study techniques?
T: I have never strongly supported any particular study method. I am aware of several widely-used methods, such as the Pomodoro Technique, but I think it is important for each person to discover what method suits them best. For me, the focus is on jotting down my own notes, frequently using pen and paper, and occasionally collaborating with my roommate. When I study, I decide beforehand that I want to fully understand a topic, and I’ll keep going until I feel like I’ve grasped it. If it takes three hours or more, I’ll take a longer break. If it takes less time, I take a shorter break.
I also recommend attending lectures. I understand that the quality of lectures may differ, but even if a lecture is not excellent, you can still passively absorb information while reading something else. Frequently, instructors have 30 slides, yet they use 30 minutes of the 45-minute session focusing only on two or three of them. That’s a clear sign of what will probably be included in the exam. Plus, being present at lectures helps build familiarity with the professors, which can be helpful when exam time comes around.
Q: Okay, and are there any special resources you use outside of university resources? Is there any you would recommend?
T: Textbooks are usually a reliable source of information, but they may occasionally provide excessive detail. However, I rely on them frequently to reinforce my comprehension. Besides that, I mainly depend on university resources and not much else. I primarily rely on my own notes, as well as notes that are exchanged with my classmates. In my opinion, these individual and joint notes are typically the most beneficial.
Q: It sounds like you have quite an efficient system in place. So outside of the classroom, are you involved in any extracurricular activities?
T: I’m not currently involved in any extracurriculars, aside from some TDK (Student Research) work with the biochemistry department, which is related to the thesis I’m writing.
Q: Oh wow. Could you share a bit about your thesis? Perhaps the working title?
T: Yes, of course. The title is still a work in progress, but my thesis focuses on evaluating the therapeutic potential of benzofuran derivatives in the treatment of breast cancer.
Q: And do you have any hobbies or activities you enjoy?
T: Currently, I don’t have particular interests, but I make an effort to remain physically active when possible. I usually prioritise spending time with friends to relax and cope with stress. Spending time with them gives me a break from the academic pressure and keeps me balanced.
Q: How do you prioritise between your academic schedule, extracurriculars, social life, and personal hobbies? How do you structure your semesters to maximise success?
T: I rely on my calendar to keep track of important dates and deadlines, but otherwise, I tend to approach each day and its challenges as they come. I aim to keep things simple and concentrate on what requires immediate attention.
Q: Have there been any courses that you have found particularly challenging?
T: I found Neuroanatomy and Pharmacology to be the most difficult subjects. I didn’t discover any magic formula for these challenges; I realised that the key to overcoming them is staying dedicated to studying and putting in effort consistently.
Q: Are there any specific professors or mentors who have played a significant role in your academic success?
T: Professor Rékási from the Anatomy department and my supervisor, Professor Kovács from the biochemistry department, have played significant roles in my academic journey. Professor Rékási helped me build a strong foundation in anatomy (which is essential), while Professor Kovács has been instrumental in guiding me through my thesis work and research.
Q: What has been your most memorable experience in PTE so far?
T: The white coat ceremony was definitely one of my most memorable experiences at PTE. It was a significant milestone that reminded me of all the hard work I had put in up to that point.
Q: If you could go back to the beginning of your academic journey here, is there anything you would do differently?
T: No, the only difference would have been that I would have been more confident from the beginning. Reflecting on the past, I understand that having more confidence in myself and my skills could have eased the journey
Q: With regards to the future, what are your future career aspirations and how have your academic experiences shaped those goals?
T: Even though I have certain goals and specialties in mind, like cardiology or infectious diseases, my aspirations continue to evolve as I progress through my studies.
Q: Fantastic. And finally, can you give a piece of advice for the first year students?
T: My advice for first-year students is simple: trust in yourself and work hard. The journey can be overwhelming at times, but believing in your abilities and staying dedicated will take you far. Staying consistent and being confident are crucial in overcoming the upcoming obstacles.
Q: Perfect. Thanks a lot for your time.
There you have it.
For Tobias, this award was the result of consistent hard work, driven by a genuine passion for learning and excelling. As Stephen King once said, “What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work” and Tobias exemplifies that perfectly.
There’s no magic formula for achieving your goals—no shortcut, no quick fix. Success is determined by the effort you put in and the results you achieve. So, start pushing and keep pushing. The decisions you make today will shape your future. And always remember: work smart, not just hard.
Congratulations to the all the students who were awarded the Outstanding Student of the Year prizes, including Tobias and Jessica, who was featured earlier this year on the blog.
Author’s note: My sincere appreciation goes to Tobias for generously participating in this interview and sharing his experiences to inspire fellow students in their academic and personal growth. I wish him the very best as he continues his journey into a very promising career.