It is a known fact that MBBS is a really difficult and stressful course. Even the Guinness book of world records declares it as one of the toughest courses.
And it’s also one of the funniest. Here’s why:
Clinical postings keep you really healthy. You run around the hospital searching for either your unit, or cases. If you are lucky enough, you get to shuttle between the MCODS and Attavar buildings, that too multiple times, just trying to find a particular department. It’s way better than the gym! No wasting money, and, you have company.
Most medical textbook authors are hypocrites. Simple things are always made complicated, and it is not uncommon to come across phrases like ‘it is not uncommon’. A line will state that not much is known about that matter, but at least the next 3 or 4 pages will be filled with intricate details of that same unknown matter.
Confusion is everywhere. Professors are confused about what to make of the PGs and UGs, the PGs are confused about what their professors and the UGs expect from them, and the UGs are confused and clueless about what’s going on most of the time. And if they are not confused, they are probably at home, sleeping.
There comes a point of time everyday when common sense makes absolutely no sense. For instance, you start to debate on whether calcium, sodium, magnesium, etc. are metals. And that is when you start to question your choices, intelligence, sanity, and your very existence. Don’t worry, you will get used to it.
When answering questions, you start adding ‘I think so’ or ‘I am not sure’ wherever possible. It’s not that you doubt or question everything, it’s just that you realize it’s safer to answer that way.
Memory problems. Major memory problems. Too many Latin muscle names, way too many drugs and dosage regimens, juggling all those languages-English, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam. You are bound to forget things. And the first thing you will forget is commonly used English words. This happens especially during viva, when, of all the things, its basic English words that you are struggling with. 
‘How is it that doctors have passed this course successfully, without losing their minds?’ This is a question that you will be asking many times. But it soon changes to ‘If they can do it, so can we.’ Losing your sanity is the only way to stay sane. Just go with the flow; enjoy the confusion and don’t be tormented by it. Learn to joke about things that bother you, it helps, and never miss an opportunity to laugh, for laughter is the best medicine.
Despite everything, the medical profession is noble, for we lose our sleep (and minds) so that others can live, eat and sleep soundly.
PS: Read the Many More Perks of Being a Medico here!
About the Author: This article is written by Krishnapriya R, a 3rd year student at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore.
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