VOX POP: FIRST WEEK OF CLINICAL POSTING - "I WOULD HAVE ENROLLED IN A GYM TO PREPARE BETTER"

Just after crossing from Preclinical school, there are orientations, the White Coat Ceremony, block postings before the highly anticipated clinical postings. The hype around this posting emanates from the fact that this is when you really get to feel like a medical student in training or rather a student doctor. There is that pride that comes from stepping out daily in ward coats and walking along the corridors of the ward. Sometimes, you get the privilege of being referred to as doctor by some patients. You also get to post pictures of yourself on your newly sewn scrubs in the theatre and it all begins to feel real that one day, you’ll become a doctor. 

The first week of clinical postings began on the 19th of June, 2023 for the 2K23 class. They were grouped into four groups (A, B, C and D) where people in groups A & B were to begin with Surgery 1 and those in groups C & D were to begin with Medicine 1. Over a week has passed out of the six weeks posting and here are what some members of 2K23 class feel about it:

How did you feel on resuming Clinical posting on Monday?

Tope: I was pumped about it. I anticipated interacting with patients, being on the ward and having to be involved in the clinical practice.

Marie: I felt really excited because this is actually the most interesting part of the journey. I’ve actually enjoyed it more than everything I did in preclinical school.

Dami: After the marathon test on Friday, I just needed a longer weekend. I guess this had an effect on my excitement on Monday. I really anticipated this posting but I was too tired to show excitement.

Anonymous: I felt indifferent about it. It is an entirely different game and I was curious to know how it’s played.

After resumption, what experience came off as a surprise to you?

Tope: I wasn’t really surprised by anything because I had heard stories from my senior colleagues. It just felt more real.

Marie: There is no closing time! This was surprising as I’ve been used to an 8-5 schedule. Also, the long hours of standing surprised me. I had an idea that I’d have to stand but never knew how long. It’s always advisable to have breakfast.

Dami: The passion shown from some of my course mates is surprising. Quite a number of people are putting in their best to go the extra mile. Staying late in the wards, clerking more patients and staying longer in the theatres, All I can say is, they are doing well.

Anonymous: It was surprising the amount of work and time doctors had to put into their craft. It is more than I thought. I was anticipating the end of medical school but that doesn’t seem to be the end of it rather it is the very beginning.

What has been the highlight of this first week?

Tope: A consultant in my unit has been the highlight of this first week. No, don’t get me wrong; the reason is that it has been extremely fun working with him (oh, sorry. I’m being sarcastic).

Marie: Witnessing of death has to be the highlight of this week. We had a patient who we just wrapped up his ward round die a few minutes later. It was unexpected and quite emotional.

Dami: It has to be the struggle of getting our surgical attendance book signed. Although we received it mid-week, the past few days have entailed people hustling to get their books signed (maybe so they can miss ward rounds later).

Anonymous: The Morbidity and Mortality meeting held on Wednesday evening. It was interesting to see all doctors in the unit gathered together to discuss, learn, unlearn and relearn stuff with cases of patients who had unexpected complications or died during the course of the week.

Medicine or Surgery: what unit do you think is faring better?

Tope: I personally don’t think any unit is faring better. Each sub unit under these two have their peculiarities. Everybody will finally have a fair bite.

Marie: I’d actually say we are more relaxed in surgery. This is based on the reports I’ve heard from the people in Medicine.

Dami: In my opinion, I feel the Surgery guys are faring better, not only because they got to be the first to witness surgeries and show off their scrubs. I think their doctors in charge and consultants are more patient with them.

Anonymous: I think Medicine is faring better because they get back to the hostel quite earlier than the Surgery guys.

What would you have done better in preparation for this clinical posting?

Tope: I feel I should have watched more movies and acquired extra medical knowledge outside the curriculum. We are presently being asked such questions and its painful I didn’t pay attention to them.

Marie: I wished I got all the materials I needed for the posting in time. I also would have enrolled in a gym in preparation for the physical stress that accompanies this posting.

Dami: Not exactly sure of what I would have done better. I just feel I should have gotten more rest during the break and made more money. It’s getting really demanding at the moment.

Anonymous: I feel I should have done my preclinical courses more intentionally. Everything is related so having a full grasp of Anatomy and Physiology makes understanding concepts easier.

Different individuals with their peculiar experiences and reactions to their first clinical posting in Medical school. Senior colleagues say it doesn’t get easier but we really hope to maximally explore this privilege to acquire the necessary skills needed to practice in a Clinical setting as doctors.

Dagde-Kenneth Ewonubari