This is a special post for people about to start or already started the final year in Dote/Hungarian University. Going straight to the point, I will tell you that 6th year is not easy and very draining. Thirty six weeks of practice is no joke, accompanied with six major exams you have to study for during the practice. Just a few points worthy to mention
- Even though you already have a plan, be open that it won't always go that way. I had a plan of when I would finish my practice and exams, it looked like the perfect plan you know. Finish everything by May 20th. Lol as at May 20th, I still had 3 weeks practice and 3 exams. So just have plans as something to work towards and not necessarily have it like it's the only way they should go.
- With the current foreign currency drama happening back home (my naija people) at the moment, my advice is that traveling up and down is not the best option except of course money izz not a problem.
- If you still want to travel, plan with friends who also want to travel. You can share accommodation with them.
- Don't hoard all the info to yourself. Especially the countries that accept student interns etc.
- I heard about an erasmus program for 6th year students. You get pocket money at the country you end up for the practice or something like that. Please confirm with Edu office/ Erasmus centre.
- For most people, Neurology seems to be the toughest one to prepare for. It's a lot trust me and I will advice you take it out in the 1st semester before 6th year starts to take it's toll mentally. After you take it out of the way, 6th year becomes something you can overcome.
- It helps to study with friends except you prefer to be a lone wolf.
- About thesis, start early and the best department for thesis is Pharm department (For Dote students) No unnecessary hassle. Straight to the point and easy to get in touch with via email.
- I can't confirm this info but I was told that if you write PLAB, you are expected to have a year experience before you can apply for jobs. Luckily, sixth year internship is accepted as a year experience only if it's carried out in one hospital for a year. Basically that means it's advisable you stay in your uni's hospital for the whole 6th year. Yes it doesn't sound fun because you don't get to travel but it saves you time in the future when you have to figure out where to apply to for a year's internship all over again.
- Have a plan for after school. If it's the US you are interested in, plan to write USMLE. If it's a non-english speaking country, enroll in a language school. If it's the UK, the previous advice is applicable to you. For Ireland, there's not much you can do until you get your certificate. Will post more info on that later. Perhaps you want to start Masters or PhD, look for a school as early as you can.
- Finally, always ask for help from people that have gone through it when you need to.
If anyone has any advice you'd like to add to these, pls comment below and I'll update. Wish y'all a successful 6th year, you are almost at the finish line.
Love,
Dedun
