How to win a KUHS MS Ophthalmology Gold Medal!

Dr. Anoop Kumar Singh, MBBS, MS (Gold Medalist)

Dr. Anoop Kumar Singh is currently pursuing Cataract and IOL fellowship at Sightsaver India Programme.
He completed his MS Ophthalmology with a Gold Medal from Kerala University of Health Sciences in 2019 and is an alumnus of MES Medical College, Malappuram, Kerala.
He holds an MBBS degree from Government Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala.

Interview

Q1. Your year of passing, name of university and your score.

A1. Cleared the finals of MS Ophthalmology of the Kerala University of Health Sciences with 65.87% in the year 2019 from MES Medical College, Malappuram, Kerala.

Q2. Elaborate on the books you referred.

A2. Before mentioning the list of books, I would like to tell you that it doesn’t matter if you studied 100 books one time, rather what actually matters is if you study and re-revise one book a hundred times. “A half baked knowledge is tasteless.”

Parson’s diseases of the eye: I know that its basic textbook mainly for undergraduates but still it describes some of the anatomical details, general and community ophthalmology portion far better than any other book.
Kanski’s clinical ophthalmology: Ideally considered the atlas of ophthalmology. There are pictures of conditions like fundus photo, imaging, pathology and even clinical signs. It will make reading fun and will sharpen your visual memory.
Modern Ophthalmology by L C Dutta: gives a detailed topic-wise easy to follow content, especially for retina and posterior segment.
Theory and practice of Optics and Refraction by A K Khurana.
Shield’s Textbook of Glaucoma.
Yanoff and Duker Ophthalmology: For recent advances and surgeries.
The Eye basic sciences in practice by Forrester: For anatomy and development.
Strabismus simplified by Pradeep Sharma.
Articles from IJO, DOS, KSOS, AAO, EyeWiki and CME series by AIOS.

Q3. Tell us about your study plan.

A3.

My schedule was as average as any other resident.
1 hr of study in evening followed by 1 hour of recreational activity then post dinner I would sit for 3 hours with 30 min break for refreshment.
Then 2 hour study before sleep. This was my usual schedule.

Q4. How did you juggle between your study plan and hectic residency?

A4. Non-duty days won’t be much hectic and I would use that time for studies. During regular posting I would study after work.

Q5. Ideal number of revisions to write the exam confidently?

A5. As much as you can but a minimum of 3 revisions.

Q6. Tell us your preparatory leave time-table?

A6. During preparatory leave, rest of the schedule remained the same. The department posting time (i.e. 8am-4pm) was used for studying with 1 hour lunch break.

Q7. Practical exam – important tips and your study plan.

A7.

Try to complete your revisions and be thorough with the theory before starting the preparation for the practicals.
Go through your class and case discussion notes. It is wise to read every topic as being presented as a case and possible discussion.
FAQ by Aravind was of great help in that.

Q8. Quick checklist to follow in order to be a gold medalist.

A8.

The most important thing is revision, re-revision. Make sure that you have revised and understood the topic well.
You should have a clear picture in your mind about the pathology and fundus finding and also management part.
Try to make the flowchart of the classifications, procedures and investigations which will be easier to recall.
Keep quick notes handy with you to go through for quick revision just before the exam.
And don’t forget to sleep well night before the exam.
While writing answer on the sheet try to make it easy to read and systematic with suitable diagrammatic representation as much as possible and highlighting the key words.
Add a short note on recent update on every topic even if not asked for.

Q9. How does securing a gold medal give you an edge after your residency?

A9.

I don’t think marks decide anybody’s surgical ability and clinical skills but it definitely boost up your confidence level.
Also undoubtedly it’ll add up to your resume which will help you during your fellowship applications and interviews.

Q10. Mantra that kept you going!

A10.

Nobody has seen the future and success is no more defined by just a few numbers.
Try to learn the concept deeply enough to help you in clinical practice.
Study to improve your knowledge and keep updating it and remember “There is no shortcut to success”.