TRANSITIONING FROM PRECLINICAL SCHOOL TO CLINICAL SCHOOL

There is a saying that, "There was once a time in our lives when we wished to be where we are now".

It is a reminder to appreciate the journey and progress we've made. Moving from preclinical school to clinical school is a significant milestone in the medical education journey, as it marks the transition from learning about medicine to practicing medicine on real patients.

Preclinical days were both enjoyable and exhausting. From the daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. classes and practicals to the tests and, finally, the much-anticipated MB Part 1 exam.

I remember when my problems revolved around Chemistry 127 and 156; they then evolved to biochemistry, and now they're evolving into something new. Truth be told, it was draining.

I still recall the day I entered the dissection room for the first time and saw the cadavers spread out across the various dissection tables. It was a memorable day. I was terrified and hid behind my friends the entire day. I wondered how I was going to survive being in there twice a week. It was a whole different level of fear and anxiety. The thought of cutting into a human cadaver made me nauseous, but I knew it was necessary for my education. 

Eventually, I overcame my fear and even found the practical to be fascinating. And there was histology practical, or as I call it, " The Pink practical”, which involved examining tissue samples under a microscope. It was challenging but also rewarding to see the intricacies of the human body at a cellular level. Every day, I asked myself why on earth I decided to be a medical student while struggling to get up from my bed. I kept reminding myself why I came to school and got up from my bed.

In any case, it was enjoyable. With people from various faculties surrounding you and hearing about their own daily challenges and how they were coping with them, discovering the numerous cafeterias and sit-outs that are literally everywhere on campus, meeting new faces every day, and attending various social events. There is really so much that happens on the premises of UI that it's hard to keep track of everything. It's definitely a lively and dynamic environment that keeps students engaged and motivated throughout their academic journey.

And then there was GES—how could a 2-unit course be so demanding each year? I continue to be perplexed as to why everyone must take that course; perhaps they want us to be well-rounded in all areas. Well, I'm now a GES graduate, which is a huge relief. I recall when that also began.

Every day, I wondered if I would pass. Well, God did.

It's important to take a moment to reflect on how far we've come and appreciate the hard work that got us here. It's been a journey, and the journey continues.

Now that I'm in a new phase of life, I'm still figuring things out. It feels like I'm starting a new journey, trying to get everything I need for what lies ahead for me. Again, I know it won't be easy—it never has been—but it will be successful.

Becoming a healthcare provider is a transformative journey. You spend your time in preclinical school learning about anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, but there comes a time when the learning transitions from books to real-life scenarios. The moment you resume clinical school is when the magic happens. As you start clinical rotations, you will find yourself truly immersing yourself in the world of medicine, where the lessons you learn apply directly to the lives of real patients.

Moving from preclinical school to clinical school marks a significant milestone as you embark on a path that will eventually lead you to become a seasoned healthcare provider who is able to care for those who need it most. Well, that's what I've been told, and I'm hoping to experience it.

Tarinabo Sounyo