How to win a Tamil Nadu University MS Ophthalmology Gold Medal!
Dr. Thendral Velmurugan, MBBS, MS (Gold Medalist), DNB, FICO, MRCS (Edinburgh)
- Dr. Thendral Velmurugan is currently pursuing ‘Global Clinical Scholar Research Training Program’ at Harvard medical school.
- She completed his MS Ophthalmology with a Gold Medal from Tamil Nadu University and and is an alumnus of Government Tirunelveli Medical College.
- She holds an MBBS degree from Government Vellore medical college.
Interview
Q1. Your year of passing and name of the university.
A1. I have graduated from Tirunelveli government medical college, Dr Tamil Nadu M.G.R medical university in 2020.
Q2. Elaborate on the books you referred.
A2. Anatomy and physiology– AK Khurana and Snell’s anatomy
Cornea– Peyman, Zia, Smolin and Thoft, Vajpayee.
Glaucoma– AAO, Diagnosis and management of glaucoma by Dr Ramakrishnan, Shields
Lens– Peyman, Jaffe
Retina– AAO, Ryan, Kanski
Neuro-ophthalmology– AAO, Yanoff
Orbit and Oculoplasty– AAO, Dutta
Squint– Pradeep Sharma
Optics– AK Khurana, Elkington, AAO
Others: DOS articles, IJO articles, AIOC proceedings, eyelearn.in, Slideshare PPTs, eyewiki – AAO, Ophthalmobytes.
For practical exams, I used Aravind FAQ, Namrata Sharma Ophthalmology Clinics and my class notes.
Q3. Tell us about your study plan.
A3. The exam preparation starts on the first day of residency and more than 60 percent of the learning happens in clinics. Each day, upon returning from clinics, I reviewed the theoretical aspects of the cases that I have encountered. As I was getting ready for FICO exams, I covered the basics sciences in my first year. It helped me to understand the concepts better. I believe in learning by teaching. By teaching the juniors and undergraduates, I was able to gain a better understanding of the concepts and retain them more effectively. Prior to the main exam, I took two practice theory exams which allowed me to identify and understand my area of weakness.
Q4. How did you juggle between your study plan and hectic residency?
A4. Although it was bustling, it was manageable and achievable. It is important for me not to overplan or worry about portions that have not been completed. In my institution, they give equal importance to academics and clinics, which helped me to balance both.
Q5. Ideal number of revisions to write the exam confidently?
A5. A minimum of three revisions are necessary to appear for exams confidently.
During my initial revision, I felt the need to re-read certain portions again. However, by the second and third revisions, I was much more confident in my understanding. If become stuck or overwhelmed at some point, I break my task down into smaller steps to make it more manageable.
Q6. Tell us your preparatory leave time-table?
A6. I had one month of preparatory leave. I keep shifting between topics to make my study hours interesting. After every three hours of studying, I take a short break to rejuvenate. And at the end of each day, I spent an hour revising and recalling what I’d studied that day.
But there will be days when things don’t go as we planned and it’s totally ok just keep moving forward. A healthy mind and body help keep boredom and monotony at bay and help you achieve your goals.
Q7. Practical exam – important tips and your study plan.
A7.
- Be confident in your answer and no lengthy answers or no very short answers.
- Do mock exams before you appear for the actual practical exam.
- A neat case sheet and a good diagram will make a good impression.
- Be strong with the basics.
- Be confident when you answer your practical viva but don’t be overconfident to argue with the examiner. I feel the way you answer also matters.
Q8. Quick checklist to follow in order to be a gold medalist.
A8. First, you have to believe in your potential. Everything is possible if you believe and if you put your heart and mind into it.
- Be inquisitive in Clinics
- Solve previous 10 years question papers
- Know your weak area and work on it
- Revise 3-4 times
- Appear Confident
- To be prepared is half the victory and confidence comes from being prepared.
- And take a breaking and doing something you enjoy can help you recharge and come back feeling more refreshed and energized.
Q9. How does securing a gold medal give you an edge after your residency?
A9. It definitely boosts your confidence. When you’ve excelled academically, it gives you a significant edge in your carrier, opening up new opportunities, enhancing your reputation, and establishing you as an expert in your field.
Q10. Mantra that kept you going!
A10. Dream Believe Achieve is my mantra. Envisioning larger things and believing in our enormous potential! But we are humans and we feel gloomy at times, to get that fire blazing again, I tell myself ‘You didn’t come this far to only come this far’.