MBChB III Reflection
Explore modules done in MBChB III and valuable insights for navigating medical school with ease.
Hello there! 🙂🌱
If you’re a regular Med Echoes reader, you’ve probably noticed that we’ve already covered module breakdowns and reflections for the first two years of the MBChB program, but not for third year. That’s why this edition is dedicated to all the third-year students. We know we’re a block late, but hey — better late than never! 🤪
But, if you’re not in third year, don’t stop reading! We’ve also gathered some fantastic advice and strategies that can benefit students at any stage of their studies. Plus, we have a surprise video at the end featuring the chairperson of Health House, sharing insights on balancing academics and leadership. So, skip to the next section and read (+ watch) along!
Third Year Unpacked: Ashley’s Reflection, Tips, and Module Insights
Third year in medical school was an intense and transformative experience, marked by significant shifts in both content and responsibilities. It served as an introduction to clinical modules, where we began to experience medicine in a more hands-on way. 🩺
For the first time, we went to the hospital and engaged in practical learning, directly interacting with patients and applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. From the surgery block to obstetrics and neonatology, it was a year full of real-world interactions and steep learning curves. Despite the challenges, the hands-on experience was incredibly enjoyable, as it allowed us to witness the direct impact of our studies and deepen our understanding of medicine 👩🏻⚕️.
Surgery Block: Navigating the Challenges ✊🏽
The surgery block, particularly abdomen and breast, was one of the most difficult blocks of the year. The content was heavy, and there were often delays in lectures due to doctors’ conflicting schedules or emergencies at the hospital. While the material itself wasn’t too difficult to understand, the sheer volume was overwhelming.
The case-based questions in exams really tested our ability to apply what we had learned. My advice here—though not great—would be to take a step back if it feels too much and focus on self-study. Sometimes taking a break can help consolidate the information.
Obstetrics and Neonatology: Hands-On Learning 🍼
In the obstetrics and neonatology block, patient contact becomes central to learning. The class is divided into large groups that rotate through hospitals like SBAH, Tembisa, Mamelodi, and Kalafong. We were further divided into smaller teams, each assigned different tasks for the day, such as working in the antenatal clinic or assisting in the labor ward.
One of the most memorable parts was being left to take an obstetric history from patients at clinics. Sometimes nurses would leave us to handle things on our own, which, though chaotic, was a valuable learning experience. The block also includes a logbook with tasks to observe and complete. Live births were particularly hard to schedule, but C-sections were more frequent, to the point of becoming a little monotonous.
One of the most incredible moments was at Mamelodi, where the head midwife allowed students to handle a birth from start to finish. Some students charted, others delivered the baby, and others examined the newborn immediately after birth. It was an amazing hands-on experience that really emphasized the practical nature of our learning. If you feel ready, I highly recommend asking to assist in a birth, as she’s very supportive and may allow you to take part.
Exams and Assessments: A Mix of MCQs and SAQs 📑
Most of the exams throughout the year were multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with a few short-answer questions (SAQs). I can’t remember the exact breakdown of which blocks had which exams, but it was a blend of theory and practical knowledge that we accumulated throughout the year.
Electives: Getting the Most Out of Your Experience 🌱
After the obstetrics and gynecology block, there are electives. The main advice here is to try and get hands-on experience with a doctor who is willing to teach and with patients who are open to having students involved. While private hospitals might seem appealing, you don’t get much experience there compared to academic hospitals like SBAH.
The biggest challenge is finding doctors who are willing to take you on, but SBAH tends to be the best option. However, if you can go beyond academic hospitals and private facilities, I suggest you do so. At smaller hospitals, you’ll likely be the only student, which gives you more opportunities to practice and learn. And as a third year, it’s okay to admit when you don’t know something—take the time to read up and grow from the experience.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Mess and Learn from It 🫂
Third year is challenging but rewarding. It can feel overwhelming at times, but as you start connecting the dots between theory and practice, the journey becomes more fulfilling. My advice: embrace the chaos, learn from every experience, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. It’s all part of the learning process.
Leading While Learning: Why You Should Get Involved in Student Leadership 💡
Medical school is demanding, and it's easy to focus solely on your studies while neglecting other aspects of university life - one of the most rewarding being student leadership. There are numerous societies where you can join the executive or general committee, and if none interest you, consider applying for the PULSE EC or Health House EC.
Student leadership not only allows you to serve the student community but also helps you develop skills in teamwork, communication, and decision-making which are crucial for any healthcare professional. Plus, there are fun perks, such as hosting and attending socials, making lasting connections, and participating in outreach programs. In truth, some of the best experiences in medical school happen outside the lecture halls.
In the following video, Health House Chairperson and MBChB IV student, Precious Tlhwaele, shares how she balances leadership with her studies while being an amazing content creator (please check her out on YouTube).
Studying Alone vs. In a Group: Which One Works for You?
Not everyone thinks study groups are for them, but have you actually given one a try? Studying alone is straightforward - you control your pace, resources, and schedule. However, a well-structured and disciplined study group offers several benefits. These include minimizing procrastination, gaining new perspectives, filling knowledge gaps through discussion, and improving presentation skills. Most importantly, studying with others can make learning more engaging and less isolating.
In the following paragraph, Nkosi Nkantsu shares tips on how to have a successful study group:
When done right, group studying can be immensely rewarding for all individuals involved. Opponents of this method typically cite procrastination, distraction, and not meeting their goals as reasons for disliking this method. To circumvent these challenges, I will outline a few tips to ensure that this form of studying is as fruitful as possible.
Firstly, all study groups need a disciplinarian of sorts—the individual on whose discipline we collectively rely to ensure that we stay on track with what needs to be done. This individual readily stands out for this character trait (don’t look further than the person who ensured you stuck with the timeline for dissections).
Secondly, the study group number should not exceed five people—more than this number tends to create room for side conversations.
Thirdly, study group sessions need to be planned beforehand, and those who will be attending need to be prepared. The idea of these is to find the weaknesses in your knowledge that you will need to strengthen individually as you share information and explain concepts—NOT to reteach subject matter from scratch. Have a programme that guides the studying and what will be done, and be sure to minimize (scheduled) breaks to preserve your concentration and momentum.
Study groups facilitate a deeper understanding of the work we are meant to apply for the rest of our careers and foster camaraderie. After all, our degrees are a team job that needs the presence of community. Study groups are yet another thing that emphasizes this. Happy studying!
We hope this has inspired you to give study groups a try! If you’re unsure where to start, consider your dissection or LCAS groups. If you’re already part of a study group or were in one, share your experience in the comments - we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Embracing Growth and Gaining Confidence 💫
The amount of content we have to learn in medical school, combined with the fast pace at which it is taught, can often leave us feeling like we are not retaining much. It’s easy to wonder when it will all stick and whether we’ll ever reach the level of knowledge and expertise we see in real-life doctors or on television. The pre-clinical years can feel particularly overwhelming as we dive deep into physiology and anatomy, yet it’s sometimes hard to connect the dots and understand how all this theoretical knowledge will apply in real-life practice.
However, as we enter our third year, we begin to be gradually introduced to the clinical side of medicine. For many, this is when everything starts to come together, and concepts begin to make sense in the context of patient care. In the following paragraph, Munaka Mudalahothe shares her experience of third year and how things began to fall into place for her:
The highlight of my third year was truly understanding the essence of medicine through direct patient interactions. Throughout most of the year, I was frequently pushed out of my comfort zone, which I realized was crucial for my personal growth and development. This experience greatly improved my communication skills and boosted my confidence, especially since I am an introvert.
Another highlight of my third year was meeting some incredible people, many of whom have now become my dear friends.
Looking back, I wish I had known not to be so hard on myself during the learning process. Instead, I wish I had embraced and enjoyed the journey, understanding that I am walking my own unique path. Rather than comparing myself to others, I should have focused on personal growth and academic improvement.