Ogba 101: A Medical Student’s Guide To Surviving Christmas Breaks

For most people, Christmas break means cozy movie time and carefree relaxation. But for us medical students, it’s just a pause in the endless cycle of studying, ward rounds, or dissections. While others plan to binge-watch Seven Doors, we’re busy trying to cover Seven Slides. While they’re going to the Cinema to watch “Everyone Loves Jennifer,” it’s you and your “Hello, it’s Dr Adel Bondok, Doctor…Mousaro University Egypt”.

To further boost your productivity, here are five tips that will help you thrive during this period

Tip 1: Blend in with the Festivities

Our kind-hearted family and friends might be concerned about how much time you spend with your books. Convince them you’re enjoying the break by putting on your festive cap—literally. Pretend to watch a holiday movie while secretly studying or bingeing videos by Dr. Adel Bondok or Ninja Nerd. This way, you can appear like a functional member of society without neglecting your studies.

 Tip 2: Master the Art of Multitasking

Who says you can’t fry chicken while reviewing pathology slides? Wrap gifts with one hand and scroll through embryology notes with the other. Two things might happen next: your loved ones will marvel at your productivity or start questioning your sanity. Either way, you’re staying ahead of the game.

 Tip 3: Sneak Study Sessions into Family Time

As the Dokita in the family, you’ve got a reputation to uphold. Turn family dinners into anatomy lessons—use the holiday chicken to explain the musculoskeletal system or demonstrate the cardiovascular system with a bottle of wine. Not only will this reinforce your learning, but it’ll also impress (or confuse) everyone at the table.

Tip 4: Create a Flexible Study Plan

Draft a sophisticated study plan complete with realistic deadlines. Then, ignore it entirely when your favorite TV show calls. Repeat the process. But on a serious note, a plan helps keep you on track, even if you only follow it loosely. Balance is key—don’t stress if you don’t tick off every item on the list.

Tip 5: Find Time to Recharge

Amid the hustle, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Watch a holiday movie (for real this time), spend time with family, and recharge your mind. A rested brain learns better, so don’t guilt-trip yourself for taking breaks.

May your break be merry, bright, and sprinkled with the right dosage of studying.

Adeniyi Oluwadamilola Joy