Medical student Kgothatso Legong gives a real-life example of his first week of fifth year at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.

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Medical school is notorious for making students to start their academic calendar earlier than other faculties. On the ninth of January, I was expected to be in class and afterwards go to the wards to see patients. I have to say, that week was the most stressful week of my entire academic life – and it was not because of academics, but because of the administration involved thereof.

Despite all the mess I had also been recently appointed the group leader for my rotation. A lot was expected from me academically and in my new found leadership role. I had to dig deep and come through for my colleagues and myself. Here is how I managed to keep my head above the water in the first week of academics.

1. Delegate duties

No leader can lead alone. And the moment you found yourself having to lead fifty-two people, you need to take a decisive action of dividing and conquering. Initially, I thought only having one deputy would be enough until we got extremely overwhelmed that my colleagues then agree on having a second deputy.

Having people who are by your side and can validate your executions is an important privilege as a leader. I was also able to decrease the weight on my shoulders by assigning them to execute some of my other duties on my behalf. This was I had more time to focus on academics.

2. Studying as the content comes

Already on first day we had two seminars and we were told that by the end of the block rotation we are supposed to submit a log sheet of which thirty patients must have been clerked. In the first few days I did not do much, but I then realised that the work load was pilling up.

From that point on I made it a challenge that I will revise and read through my notes for the day each and every evening when I come back. This technique requires lots of dedication. And I have to say, I did not always honour this commitment daily. However, the little I committed to, proved to be beneficial. I am in the process of sharpening my consistency so I can ace my tests.

3. Make time to rest

As much as the work load keeps piling and it feels like you do not have enough time, remember to take a breather. You do not want to find yourself drowsy and sleepy in class the following day just because you did not get enough rest.

Also remember that no amount of caffeine can be a substitute or an eraser for the sleep that you are still owing. Tiredness will eventually catch up with you along the way and signs will start to show. You also do not want to be experiencing burn-out so early in the year.

First week was done and dusted. I am looking forward to the next coming weeks. I hope the information above can help students also navigate their hectic lives of their medical school and be able to meet the academic requirements effortlessly.