The Taboo of Writing Exams in Medical School
Tackling the sense of failure and embarrassment associated with not promoting and having to write exams in medical school.
Hey, there! This feature is published especially with YOU in mind. Writing exams at the end of a term has always been a norm for all of us until we got to medical school, and it became a taboo - something met with great social disapproval. In line with this, we understand the shame, fear, sense of failure, and embarrassment associated with not promoting and having to write the exam. Hence, we featured two incredible individuals to be beacons of hope and voices of reason should you find yourself in this situation.
First up is Mr. Marius Loots, who has been a staff member at UP in the Health Sciences for some time, making him well acquainted with an array of student challenges. He is famously known for his well-meaning slogan, “Eat, sleep, and exercise,” as a means of helping students take better care of themselves. Our final feature is Thando Ndlovu, an MBChB II student at UP, who has firsthand experience of not promoting and consequently having to write the exam. Thando shares his account brilliantly, as well as how he rose from the detour for your encouragement. We hope you take heart and enjoy the read.
Voice of reason: Marius Loots (Q&A)
1. Why is writing an exam considered taboo in medical school?
Well, it's because students generally try their best to avoid taking tests or exams whenever possible. The promotion system significantly contributes to this aversion, and its implications, while not immediately apparent, are quite significant. The primary reason for this aversion is fear of failure, which is a prevalent concern among students.
Exams represent a critical juncture because the stakes are high and there is a potential point of failure. Tests, on the other hand, are seen as steppingstones toward the ultimate exam. It's comparable to a rugby world cup analogy—either you progress directly to the quarterfinals or need to meticulously calculate points and bonus points to advance. Naturally, the latter just like writing the exam is more stressful.
In summary, the fear of failure is deeply ingrained and considered a normal sentiment among medical students, contributing to the perception of exams as taboo in the medical school context.
2. What would you like to say to medical students who do not promote and have to write the exam?
For medical students who didn't promote and have to write the exam, here's an important point: Believe it or not, in the long run, you may outperform those who did promote. It's attributed to something called the testing effect. Taking a test, in any format, facilitates quicker retrieval and longer retention of knowledge. By not taking the test or exam, you're missing out on this valuable benefit.
3. Are there any benefits to writing the exam?
Yes, writing the exam has significant benefits. It enhances your memory retention by improving how quickly you can retrieve information and how long you can remember it after studying. Unlike daily minutiae, the knowledge tested in exams is essential and contributes to promoting and passing. Taking tests optimizes your neural networks, ensuring long-term retention and swift retrieval of information when required.
4. What advice would you give to someone who is specifically afraid about other people finding out that they did not promote?
Navigating this concern can be challenging. Our natural tendency towards competition is undeniable, and accepting this reality is tough. Let's attempt to break it down. Consider the Two Oceans Marathon, a daunting 56 km run to be completed in 3 to 3½ hours for record-holders. Can you imagine achieving it in 7 hours? The latter seems more achievable, right? We inevitably make comparisons, but the key is to compare ourselves to a realistic and measurable benchmark—our own progress.
Ask yourself, "Am I doing better than I was yesterday? Do I see growth compared to my previous self?" Show compassion towards yourself, recognizing that while you may not have progressed in a particular aspect, you're maintaining consistency and adhering to your plans. Finally, surround yourself with friends who value your journey, rather than expecting you to replicate someone else's success. You don't need friends who push you to be another Gerda Steyn (ultramarathon athlete); you need friends who support your unique path and progress.
You don't need friends who push you to be another Gerda Steyn; you need friends who support your unique path and progress.
5. Why does not being promoted feel like failure?
Not being promoted feels like a failure due to the way the system positions promotion as an incentive. When a measure like promotion transforms into a target, its effectiveness as a meaningful measure diminishes. Originally, the concept of promotion was introduced to alleviate the burden of marking on a reduced staff dealing with a higher volume of students. However, this shift occurred without thorough consideration of the consequences. Consequently, students now place significant focus on achieving promotion, viewing it as an attainable prize, which intensifies the feeling of failure when it's not accomplished.
6. Can you speak to the mindset that is required to make it through medical school?
To succeed in medical school, cultivating a mindset that prioritizes essential aspects of life is crucial. This includes focusing on maintaining a balance in your routine—ensuring you eat well, get sufficient sleep, and engage in regular exercise. Moreover, carving out dedicated time for yourself amidst the demanding schedule is vital.
In conclusion I recommend watching the TED Talk by Robert Waldinger titled "What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness". While not all TED talks are correct, this particular one has undergone rigorous scrutiny by peers, making it a valuable resource in understanding the keys to a fulfilling life, which is beneficial during the challenging journey of medical school.
Beacon of hope: Thando Ndlovu (Personal reflection)
As introduced, I am Thando Ndlovu (MBChB II student) and I am reflecting on my experience when I found out that I did not qualify to promote block 1 in my first year. I know that there is a stigma surrounding writing the exam – even though it's not explicitly stated. There's an unspoken belief that if you don't promote, it implies you haven't put in the necessary effort or worked hard enough. This can make anyone feel like they don't deserve to be in the medical program but before being dejected, read more on what I have to say. At the end, I hope you come to the conclusion that being accepted into medicine already indicates that you are capable, regardless of whether you write exams or not.
Overcoming Isolation: Seek Support and Share Experiences
The most challenging aspect of not promoting is that most of your peers likely did. It can feel isolating to be in the position of writing an exam – almost as if you've failed. And this is what I experienced when I was doing my first year, but I found that sharing my promotion status with friends was beneficial. Many of my friends faced similar situations, and we supported each other. Instead of competing, it's crucial to seek assistance and guidance from both peers and educators.
Instead of competing, it's crucial to seek assistance and guidance from both peers and educators.
Avoiding Denial: Coping with Disappointment and Embracing Effective Study Methods
How I came to know that I had not promoted was after a block test. It was disheartening but I gave myself a break and I could suggest the same for you. For instance, engage in activities that uplift your spirits, whether it's going out or shopping. If you enjoy dancing, go for it. Take some time to pamper yourself and rejuvenate. Afterward, focus on exam preparation with renewed energy.
I would like to mention that one common issue is denial. When people realize they may not be promoted, they often delay studying. Needless to say, effective studying involves resolving issues and learning from disappointments. Even more, statistics show that around 95% of people struggle to grasp the material and denial of your academic standing can be a huge determiner of whether you can grasp learnt material or not. In summary, avoid being in denial and embrace effective study habits while there is still time between now and the exam.
If you did not promote, it is important to identify the sections in which you did not perform well, both on the block test and the other tests you took during the course of the block. This will help you determine what to focus on when you are studying. I would advise starting with the challenging sections first. As fatigue sets in, switch to the sections you find enjoyable or easier. Additionally, tutorial notes can be very helpful as they condense key information, and practicing past papers will give you a sense of what might be assessed. Remember, with sufficient effort, every person can pass an exam.
Embracing Individual Progress and Resilience
Looking back at the time I had to write the exam, the experience was indeed a defining moment in my academic journey. It taught me that progress does not always unfold how we plan. At the end of the day everyone moves at their own pace, and it's essential to accept this. I now approach future challenges with a mindset of acceptance and resilience. This is why I would like to remind you that you have not failed. Not promoting does not determine if you are going to be an excellent doctor in the future. Take this as an opportunity to refine your knowledge and improve your marks. It is important to note that we all have different learning styles while some may grasp information quickly; others need more time. So, go ahead and write the exam. Remember that with determination and effort you can succeed.
At the end of the day everyone moves at their own pace, and it's essential to accept this. I now approach future challenges with a mindset of acceptance and resilience.