Want to study MBBS? Read this before you start your journey

By Adarsh Rajvir V.

For those who are wondering if you should take MBBS or if you've taken it already without much idea like I did, (I swear, I nearly lost my seat) this article might stir you up a little. 

What is MBBS?

Medicinae Baccalaureus Baccalaureus Chirurgiae, which I recently learnt from a web series, basically means Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery in Latin. It is a five and a half year-long professional medical course in India comprising four and a half years of undergraduate education and one year of internship to teach you the basics of medicine.

Now, "Why did you choose Medicine?" would be the first question in your classes on the first day. Most common answers include that it is a noble service, some would say that settled life and some being honest would say parental pressure. Regardless of the reasons, you're in now and you'll go out with “Dr.” prefixed to your name.

Does MBBS cause stress?

Well, maybe yes, maybe not. It is subjective and is usually anxiety for the vast syllabus you've got to cover or guilt out of not studying earlier. There usually is some amount of stress which drives you to study and is usually only around the exams. But it's okay. You will be a doctor in the next five years anyway. And, trust me when I say anyway, it means that you'll find your own way to tackle it in the due course of time. So just breathe out but learn to cope with it because that's the first step to becoming a doctor. Moving to the course MBBS, there are 19 subjects written and 14 papers over a duration of four-and-a-half years.

The current split up is 

I year 

- Anatomy (including, Histology and Embryology)

- Physiology 

- Biochemistry

II year (1 year 6 months duration) 

- Pharmacology

- Microbiology

- Pathology

- Forensic medicine

III year (Part 1) 

- Preventive and Social Medicine

- Otorhinolaryngology

- Ophthalmology

III year (Part 2)

- Internal medicine (including, Dermatology and Psychiatry)

- General surgery (including, Orthopaedics)

-Paediatrics

-Obstetrics and Gynaecology

How do medical colleges function?

It all begins with you entering the dissection halls in Anatomy during the first year to various clinical postings in the other years which require you to wake up early. While most of us get adapted, some take time. You'll eventually be fine and will have a lot of fun as well. Most of the colleges conduct lots of extra-curricular activities to entertain and also to distract you so don't fail to study. You'll have to take "Work while you work, play while you play" seriously and maintain a good amount of discipline. Be sincere and have good attendance (most important) and it'll make most of your days smooth while you have your seniors to your rescue. (Siblings from the course, literally in all aspects). For whatsoever reasons, never ill-treat or avoid your seniors, instead convince them with that extra respect and keep them close for they might be of great help at all times.

While you're busy with the course, you'll have days, where you're completely off the mood and days, where you'll feel like saving the world. At such times take a break, seek help whenever required and prioritise your mental health over anything and everything.

Are MBBS exams tough?

Yes, they're a nightmare but you'll pass eventually despite the anxiety that will nearly drown you. Prepare ahead and don't pile up. Make it a habit to study or learn something every day irrespective of the pages or paragraphs you complete. Sincerity and consistency with repetitive practice is the key.

Let's say you've passed all your exams with a decent score (always keep your expectations low), what now? The actual picture begins here. You have ocean ahead of you while you have hardly learnt to swim in a pool. 

What after MBBS?

Starting with the internship, assuming you've forgotten what sleep means, you'll have to learn the basics of practicing medicine, which is almost entirely different from passing theory examinations. You'll be posted in rotations to all the basic departments to learn to manage and treat ailments and provide essential care under the supervision of professors who'll love to mock you as they train and most importantly to refer the patient to the appropriate level and specialty of care. 

Now that you've graduated nearly giving up all you can and have thought of a great life ahead, I'll stop you right there and will ask you to postpone your dreams for a while. Because now, you're actually going to dive into the real world.

After graduation, people explore various choices, of which, pursuing a post-graduation or joining the central or state services for practice top the list. 

Now, if you're willing to complete your studies at a stretch and you can afford to clear NEET PG, an MCQ based examination of the entire UG syllabus. You can wisely choose the specialty of your choice in the institutions available according to your rank and toil harder for the next three years to drain all that is left of you to become a postgraduate. You can now expect better pay after nearly nine whole years of med school while you're friends from Arts or Commerce might be in completely different walks of life which might bother you a bit. But, it is pointless to compare apples with oranges, isn't it?

Let's say, you can't give three more years while you've just come out of six years of turmoil and have decided to practice under the Government or Corporate sector to start your income. Now, this is a good option usually chosen in cases where you want to start earning early. This will boost your confidence and give you stability for a period but might also have bonds that might delay your post-graduation. The corporate sector is not really advisable as the pay for freshers seems very low for the massive workload while the government sector requires you to clear an exam and gives you a better pay while demanding for more responsibility. You can always pursue PG or super speciality at your own time and pace just that the competition is raising manifold every year. 

How is the money?

Doctors are paid in hefty once they graduate, which is a total myth. We earn way less than one can imagine in the beginning unless you belong to medical background. The more you qualify or the more you're experienced (former over latter), the more you'll be paid. But as we say, it is not just about the money in this profession, it is the love of healing someone. No other profession can give you that job satisfaction given by the moment of a person's revival, childbirth, a successful complicated surgery, or a patient’s thank you. Forget not the respect that comes in hand with the pride of service.

With power comes responsibility, for which you might have to compromise on a handful like lack of time for family, hobbies, etc. adjustment with seniors and colleagues, risk of occupational hazards, risk of violence and such but again, no pain, no gain.

About the Author:

Adarsh Rajvir V. is pursuing MBBS from IRT Pendurai Medical College and is a final year student. He is a Bollywood fanatic who loves to socialize and dance. He takes interest in doing chores and cooking.