Hello, This is Dr. Tarun Puli, an IMG from India. I have recently cleared my PLAB-2 examination and registered with GMC. I am yet to start my role as a Clinical Fellow in the Academy of Surgery at the Barking, Havering, and Redbridge University Trust, Romford.
Today, I'm going to talk about the stress we all face during the PLAB-2 preparation and a few tips on how to face it.
What is Going on in Our Mind?
What if I'm not fully prepared? I fail the exam with a small margin? I panic and stop during a station? I'm unable to understand what the other person is talking about? I don't sound like a native speaker? I can't complete the station in the stipulated time? I forget the treatment of some easier diagnoses? I'm unable to recall the steps of a particular procedure? Am I really capable of clearing this exam? All the money and time invested up to now is wasted if something goes wrong?
What is Actually Happening Around:
Almost everybody giving the exam with you will share the same thoughts or something similar to these. The thing is, you'll enter the building, go to the GMC floor, everybody greets you with a smile (which you can't notice due to your obvious nervousness), you'll get all the pre-exam formalities done, and a small briefing will be given.
You see tensed faces all around, some feigning confidence, some giving away that they're scared. But the eyes give away the truth. The exam begins, and you won't realize 3 hours are over and you're out of the building in no time. Simply this is what happens on the day of the exam.
What Can We Do?
My buddies, is there anything that we can do to stop this feeling of impending doom?
Yes, embrace your fear. Give it a tight hug. Whisper in its ear, "You'll be done for good and bad."
Ok, I get that it's easier said than done. But have you ever thought about how thousands of doctors are clearing the exam? Why don't we see it from this perspective- If thousands of doctors are doing it, why can't I?
Maybe the answer is around us constantly; someone needs to remove the invisible cloak; why can't you be that one, at least for yourself? Do it for your sake, just for your peace of mind.
Don't forget the required documents, plan your ride the day before itself, have a decent meal before your exam. You are already a doctor; you need to be one during the exam as well. You are well prepared; now it's showtime! You need to answer yourself alone for your deeds.
YOU GOT THIS!! JUST GIVE IT YOUR BEST.
Speak to the little nervous child within- You are fine, you will be fine. All the preparation culminates here. I've been in your shoes already (at least for this exam). You might feel everything is falling apart, but it's just your mind testing your confidence and nothing else.
As you know, this is not the end. It's just a beautiful step that leads to something bigger.
Have a small talk within and be confident. You are who you are today because of your hard work. You know what to do, just be patient!
Need More Help?
Please let me know how your day went in the comments and how you felt before and after the exam. If you have something to speak out about, you can reach us at trewlink.com.
You can register and find me using this link: https://trewlink.com/?referrer=tar630001
I would love to hear your stories on how it went for you… Do let me know in the comments.
If you find our blogs helpful, we will hope you share them with your fellow IMGs so that we can be of help to as many people as possible.
Rise with confidence!
Love,
Dr. Tarun Puli
Embracing Fear! Very nicely put article, felt like hearing more than reading Dr Tarun.
Nice.... Thanks for the info and guidance Dr Tarun