Aula Conversations

Tag: study tips

  • WRITTEN STATE EXAM: MY EXPERIENCE AND SOME ADVICE

    Hey 6th years,

    It’s getting closer to the end. I hope you are as excited as you are nervous. This is one of the easier exams you will do in POTE. There is a whole bulk of material to study but you’re gonna have to have been absent the last three years to perform poorly.

    So let’s cut to the chase. By now, I’m sure you already set up your accounts on the state exam website. If you haven’t, it’s here. Typically, the question bank is being updated until 30 days before the written exam the test bank will be closed. Then the questions will not change. Unfortunately there is no proper way to check what questions have been changed and what are yet to be changed unless updates are posted on the website, which they are not always. So I actually did not start studying for the exam until 30 days prior when the questions were set. If I checked correctly, your written exam is on May 27th, so I really do hope you have all started.

    This process can be overwhelming. And some of you are probably burnt out from all the exams you have had to take over the year, PLUS the thesis and defence. I get it. Today, I just want to share some tips and tricks that massively helped. I was able to finish the question bank once and was on my 2nd pass of the Q-bank at the time of the exam, having only started studying within the 30-day period.

    For general medicine, there are 13 main blocks, covering material from as far back as 4th year. Still within some of the blocks are sub-blocks that are quite extensive. There are 17 within internal medicine alone and 10 in surgery, followed closely by gynaecology and paediatrics which have 9 sub-blocks each. I suggest you start with these. I think it goes without saying that the more extensive the question list, the more likely you are to get questions from those blocks.

    The types of questions, broken down

    You are going to have 3 main types of questions. There are your simple multiple-choice questions. These are the questions that go: “which of these is xxxxx?”, “All these are types of xxx except….” with your A-B-C-D(-E) answer selection. These are completely straight forward, and you get one point for each simple MCQ correctly answered.

    There are the combination MCQs. They are the ones with the answer list that goes “A) 1,2 and 3 are correct”, “B) 1 and 3 are correct”, etc. One point for each question as well but they are easier to fail if your knowledge is not thorough.

    Finally, we have the match/pair/associate questions where you have a list and need to connect a question to an answer. These are where you can gain or lose multiple points per question.

    How to prepare: my advice

    When studying, I suggest starting with the match/pair/associate question types. I call them high value questions because they carry higher stakes and if you make a mistake, there’s more to lose. Take a look at the attached sample question for this question type: it’s worth 5 points in total. If you don’t get all pairs correct, you will lose at least 2 points due to the pairing nature of this question format. Also if you study them first, you get to go over them again and again during your study process and they get locked in there 🧠

    Then get your simple MCQs down because they are easier to remember and carry the same point at the combination questions. Let the combination MCQs come last.

    Use the testing feature on the state exam website. You have the options of a short exam, a long exam or a long trial exam. You also get to choose what topics you want to feature in the test exam and this came in handy. I focused on one sub-block or block at a time, went through the questions and then tested when I wanted a break. Your scores will start out low naturally especially if you are not done with the sections you are testing but eventually, you will get there. I was using the testing feature everyday multiple times a day (around 4 to 5 times) and it really helped with retaining information.

    The elimination method while solving questions worked the best for me. I read a question, list out the options A to D, or E and cross off what I was sure was not right. This helped me feel more confident in my choice every time. Even if I knew the answer straight away, this was my way of double-checking.

    When reading your questions particularly simple choice, make sure you check for boldened and/or capitalised words. “The questions may go: “These symptoms are NOT characteristic of…”, or “These are possible risk factors of gallstones EXCEPT…”. I remember having a few stumbles during the study process because I did not pay proper attention to this. It’s such a silly thing to get tripped up by so don’t get got.

    Is there any value in attending the mock exam?

    Personally, I don’t think so. It’s not much different from any standard written exam you have taken before. If attending it to see what the format and atmosphere is like gives you peace of mind, by all means go ahead. But 2 weeks in, you might be discouraged by the score you get particularly if you are yet to finish the Q-bank at least once. That was the case for me.

    How long is the exam? How many points?

    You will have 150 minutes. Both in the mock and the actual final written exam. You can accrue a total of 180 points for 100% (at least this was the case for 2024).

    Some answers seem…wrong

    Yes, I agree that some of the answers you come across in the Q-bank are not always correct. I marked down at least 10 in the Q-bank I studied from where I didn’t quite agree with the answers provided. The popular advice from older students and alumni is to give it back as it was given to you, and I would say the same. Learn it as it is and mark down the Q-bank answer in the exam. You can note it down as wrong for your own personal knowledge.

    When do the results come out?

    Well we had ours on the 28th of May, 2024 and the results came out on the 29th.

    Okay so that brings us to the end of this post. Here, I’m attaching the information sheet that we got in our final written exam. If you have any other questions, feel free to drop them down in the comments. I’ll make a document on the state oral exam next.

    Good luck!

  • USMLE STEP 1 in 5 months?

    Hello everyone. Hope you all had a restful weekend.

    If you followed my Update post, I mentioned that I had a friend who took her USMLE step 1 and got her Pass in December last year, a short 5 months after graduating. Today, I’m sharing a short interview with her on her process. We’ll be talking about the preparation process, useful resources and the exam itself. So onto the interview.

    Q: Hey girl, So congratulations on passing step 1 of the USMLE. How did you find it?

    A: Hey! Thank you. I actually found the whole process rather frustrating. The exam requires you to pay attention to little details so I had to really focus on these.

    Q: We personally talked about this before but for the audience, when did you first start seriously considering taking the exam?  What drew your attention towards the US as a possibility for residency?

    A: I started thinking about it as a possibility in my 5th year. I realised that I wanted to be near family, so after a lot of consideration the US was the best option.

    Q: Yes, of course. Honestly it’s the same for me. Having a support system close by can help make residency a more enjoyable process. So, let’s talk about the preparation period. What did that look like for you?

    A: Well, I officially started preparing in July 2024, and I took the exam in the 2nd week of December 2024.

    Q: 5 months is impressive, and certainly makes it seem less daunting. What did your study schedule look like?

    A: I typically split my week. I would start with First Aid for one subject, and later on in the week, I did the UWorld questions for that subject. I also followed a study guide for USMLE that I found online, so that was helpful.

    Q: Since you were no longer at the university, where did you usually study? – library, home, café, etc.)  

    A: I studied at home for the whole period.

    Q: What study resources did you use? Was any more useful or less so?

    A: First Aid and UWorld were absolute musts. I used Sketchy for Pathology and Microbiology. Dirty medicine was perfect for Biochemistry. Bootcamp videos were also helpful, and I did the free 100 questions on NBME to test myself. I would say most of these were useful and when one resource didn’t work, I was quick to check another out.

    Q: Did you take any courses or use tutoring services?  

    A: Not at all. I would’ve liked to but that wasn’t in my budget.

    Q: When did you schedule your exam, and how did you know it was time to schedule it? 

    A: There was no special landmark or study milestone, so to speak. In October, I just booked the exam. Having a standing date helped me focus a lot more- just knowing I had set that deadline for myself.

    Q: That’s a good way to look at it. Which subjects did you find the most difficult? How did you tackle them?

    A: Biostatistics, Microbiology, and Cardiology were my weaker subjects. I tried to answer as many questions on them as I could, which helped. Just more exposure.

    Q: And which subjects did you find the easiest or most enjoyable?

    A: Psychiatry and Neurology.
     

    Q: Did you have any strategies to help you retain information better?  

    A: I tried to revisit my study material from the previous day every morning before starting a new material.

    Q: Spaced repetition for the win! Love that. As the time came closer, I’m sure you were a bit more nervous. What did that final month of preparation look like?  

    A: During the first half of the month, I was mostly going over topics I found very confusing, but for the second half I spent majority of it on UWorld.

    Q: Did you take any assessment tests?

    A; Yes, I took one in November and passed, but just at the mark. It helped me identify my weak points at that moment.

    Q: How did you structure your last week before the exam?  

    A: I went through some review notes, and UWorld questions but I mainly rested. The day before the exam, I studied till around 2pm, packed my bag for the exam, and then rested till the next day.

    Q: So how did the examination process go for you?

    A: We were required to be at the exam centre 30 minutes before the exam time. I just needed to show my scheduling permit and passport/ID card. After the sign-in, I finished 3 question sets. I took my first break for 15 minutes, after which I did 2 more sets and took another break. At this point I was very tired, so I had to take a break after every question set.

    Q: How did you feel immediately after finishing the test?  

    A: Honestly, light-headed. I just needed to sleep.

    Q: Looking back, what would you do differently if you had to take it again?

    A: I wish I had started going through UWorld questions from my first day of studying. I also wish I had started doing questions with mixed subjects, rather than focusing on one subject per week.

    Q: How did you spend the time waiting for your results? I imagine that was a stressful waiting period.

    A: I checked my email everyday. I knew it was going to take a while for the results to come out but yeah, I guess you can say I was a bit anxious to just get the results.

    Q: After confirming your pass, how did you celebrate?

    A: The results arrived 2 weeks after my exam, just before Christmas, so I had a very lovely Christmas celebration.

    Q: Now that you’ve successfully passed, do you think PTE gives you all the tools you need to pass it?

    A: I would say we cover roughly 70%. Biostatistics seemed completely new and very different compared to how we are taught the equivalent subject, biometrics for example. But with a bit more studying, you will be able to easily catch up. Concepts are the same.

    Q: Do you think this is an exam that is passable while in med school and if so, when would you recommend PTE students take it?

    A: If you can take it in your 3rd year, that would be perfect. So I would suggest to start studying for it in your 2nd year, this way you’re studying for your usual exams plus the USMLE step 1

    Q: Wow, well that’s an interesting take. I would’ve personally said 4th year as the earliest. Okay, I have one interesting question: as we all know, the societal and political climate in the US is now shaping up to be quite different compared to when you started your preparation process. It has made a lot of formerly-aspiring US residents change their minds on the decision. Has that affected your decision in any way?

    A: I’m a bit scared to be honest, but at the end of the day it’s not perfect in any one country. As I said, the plus here is that I get to be close to family and this is important to me, so I’ll keep going.

    Q: Fantastic. So what’s next for you?

    A: I’m currently searching for an externship or observership, while preparing for STEP 2 CK.

    Q: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any extra tips for out US residency aspirants?

    A: Yes! When practice your questions on UWorld, practice on the timed mode. It will help you adjust to solving the questions in good time. Sure you can fail if you get questions wrong, but you can also fail if you don’t get to finish all your questions in time. The night before your exam, make sure to get a lot of sleep. The exam is mentally tasking and you will need to be well-rested to perform at your best. One last thing- you’re not allowed to share the questions you got on the exam on any platform. If you’re caught, your exam may be cancelled.

    Q: Thank you! Congratulations again and I wish you all the best in your preparation process.

    There you have it! Step 1 done in 5 short months. It seems daunting; a whole different education system and testing style. But it’s absolutely doable. You are prepared for it at PTE. I personally have not come across many concepts in my own studying that are completely foreign to me. So don’t be fazed by the bulk of material. Start chipping at it as soon as you can. I’ve gotten the study schedule that she used, which you can access here.

    And this brings me to an idea. In the past few months, I’ve spoken with a few of fellow students who are also interested in the US route. One thing I’ve come to learn, accountability can be very helpful in this journey- being able to see each other students’ progress, co-ordinate study schedules and keep each other on track. I was thinking, how about we connect? If you would like to join a group solely for this purpose, kindly send an empty email to aulaconversations[at]gmail[dot]com with the title ‘USMLE’, or a DM on Instagram (@aulaconversations) with the word ‘USMLE’. I will set up a group and be in touch with details.

    That’s it for now. Next I’ll be talking to 6th years about my written state exam experience, so stay tuned.

  • I Took An OSCE and Here’s What Happened.

    On the 11th of March last year, a mass email was sent out from the registrar’s office, informing 5th and final year students of the possibility of taking an OSCE. This was supposed to be a no-stakes clinical exam for research purposes.

    The email called for 20 students from the English programme in the 5th and 6th years who were willing to take this no-stakes clinical exam. I constantly try to test myself and push myself out of my comfort zone, especially in academic settings, so signing up was a no-brainer. My next Google search? What is an OSCE? I had always heard of it. I knew my friends in medical schools in the UK took it, for example but I really did not know much about what it entailed and the process.

    OSCE stands for objective structural clinical examination. It is an exam format that aims to implement theoretical knowledge in simulated clinical settings. It helps to test not just clinical knowledge, but reasoning skills, resource management skills and more.

    Shortly after signing up, I received an email with all our instructions. We were asked to bring a lab coat, name tag, stethoscope, reflex hammer and notebook & pen (for note-taking). We showed up on the 4th floor of the main building in front of the MediSkills lab.

    There was a small delay, just by a few minutes and we were briefed in person on what would happen. We signed consent forms because recordings were to be taken for research purposes. We were directed to our starting stations and asked to stand in front of the door. Taped to each door was a clinical case that gave us our positions and the most general information about the patients. It went something like this:

    You are a first-year resident spending an over-night shift in the ER. A middle-aged woman, BMI 30 comes in complaining of severe abdominal pain which started after her dinner. She has no known medical conditions and has taken 2 painkiller tablets. Conduct a physical examination.

    We were giving 2 minutes to read this and take our notes and once we received the signal, we went into the room. There was a timer counting down from when you stepped in. Some rooms had actors who did a fantastic job simulating sick patients. We also had a nurse in one or two rooms to assist. In other rooms, we encountered dummies or phantoms. During this time, the examiners sat in the corner and observed, only interrupting to give a 1 or 2-minute warning on the clock. They watched our hygiene practice, interview skills, bedside manner, etc. One thing to note is that we had specific instructions. Some stations required only a physical exam, while some required just the anamnesis.

    This is where my details are hazy. If I remember correctly, we had 7 minutes to deal with the patient and 2 minutes to speak with our examiners and receive feedback from them. The examiners did not necessarily need you to make a full diagnosis but if you were able to make logical decisions and come to a reasonable conclusion, this was enough for most.

    We did 5 stations at a time with a 20-minute break and refreshments at the half-way point. Internal medicine, neurology, surgical techniques, general medicine practice all featured and we had a station where we had to break bad news to the family member of deceased patient. Altogether, it must have lasted about 2 hours.

    We had a short session where we gave in-person feedback. One of the more common sentiments was that we did not have enough time to complete our tasks. I do think this is moreso tied to the fact that we were unfamiliar with the OSCE format. In theory, we are taught this long list of questions during the interviewing process with a patient. In practice, as I am sure you know, there is barely ever enough time for that and that was really reflected in this OSCE. I had a hard time isolating just the questions relevant to the patient’s condition in such a short time.

    Another problem I personally had was that I did not really understand to what extent we had to be thorough. We had actors who played their role but ultimately were not actually patients and even dummies in some rooms, so in my first few stations I was unaware that I had to also wash my hands and glove as I would in real life. A few stations had imaging that I did not know was an option I could request. All in all, it was a rather fun and educational experience. I was nervous despite it being essentially no-stakes. I can say with a certain amount of certainty that this was the first time most of us were exposed to the OSCE; it definitely was for me. On my first station, I was rather confused on what to do and scrambled a lot, but by the 5th station, I was a lot more confident.

    Two weeks after the OSCE, we received our evaluation forms. Did I pass? No. If I am correct, passing can be confirmed when you meet the requirements for all stations and unfortunately I did not meet the requirements in my first station. I remember freezing for a good 10 seconds because the simulated patient was moaning and groaning in mock pain, and the nurse was just staring at me waiting for my instructions. A bit of a chaotic situation to be thrown into for the first time, so I didn’t expect much there.

    I believe in the long run, the plan is to implement the OSCE into our examining system and I believe this will be an excellent idea. I did some research and found that a medical school in France conducted a study that made some interesting findings regarding the OSCE. 6th year students were examined via the traditional testing methods and also with the OSCE. The study reported lower scores at OSCE exams compared to other evaluation formats, suggesting that the OSCE is able to test in a way that traditional testing formats do not. It also showed that students who had a single OSCE training session prior to the OSCE saw an improvement in their OSCE scores. So if you are unsuccessful based on these OSCE standards, try not to feel bad about it. A new testing method will always take some adjusting to. Another study from a sample group of final year medical students across a variety of UK medical schools found a positive connection between mock OSCEs and an improvement in student confidence and anxiety in future high-stake exams. The OSCE tests your clinical and theoretical knowledge, as well as your technical skills and medical competency. It is able to test a large group of students in a short period of time and because with a variety of examiners, it reduces the possibility of examiner prejudice or bias. Complementary to other forms of testing and provided that it is well administered, it will significantly improve our university experiences as students.

    So I encourage students to register for this opportunity and attend it. And if you missed it this year, it might come around again next year so keep your eyes peeled for that. It’s a great way to know how you reason in a clinical setting. And to those who have registered: At this point in the 5th or 6th year, you have all the knowledge to do well in the OSCE. Brush up on a few concepts if you need to prior to the exam. The Youtube Channel Geeky Medics has an OSCE guides series that can be helpful for you. Also remember to go through the SPIKES model for delivering bad news. Aside that, it won’t be anything crazy.

    In the spirit of sharing, I have attached my assessment sheets here. I encourage you to check them to see what is expected of you. Just an FYI: I have 11 sheets because 2 examiners separately assessed me in my first station. I also received assessments from the simulated patients and have attached them here as well. Why did simulated patients also give their assessments, you may ask… Their experience with you also gives you feedback on a patient’s experience with you as a potential healthcare provider, so this definitely matters.

    EDIT: I just remembered that we were able to get a certificate for this!

    Next up is an interview with a good friend that some of you are waiting on. Won’t be long now. Cheers!

  • The Power of Consistency: An Interview With the 2024 Outstanding Student of the Year.

    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.

  • New Semester, What Do I Do?: An Interview With the 2023 Outstanding Student of the Year.

    Since we are at the beginning of the semester, I’d like to think we’ve started mapping out our study plans, checking out the syllabuses and such. No pressure if you haven’t, but you should probably get to it soon- week 1 becomes week 5 real quick.

    (more…)

  • The Peer Programme: Your Secret ‘Weapon’ for Hacking Uni.

    Welcome to a new semester! I hope we were all able to get a week of rest and relaxation after the gruelling exam period. Back at it again and I am here to talk a bit about one of the University’s most important resources that you may or may not be familiar with- the Peer Programme, just in time for the start of the semester.

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