Exam Setbacks- From Flunk to Funk: The Mindful Surgeon

Examinations, an integral part of every medical professional's journey, come with their share of challenges—physically, mentally, and financially. The joy and relief of passing are unmatched, but what happens when success eludes you? In this blog post, we delve into the aftermath of exam failure and explore strategies for managing, analyzing, and overcoming this setback.

Root Cause Analysis

In a recent conversation with a colleague who just had a setback, we discussed the contrasting emotions of passing and failing. While success prompts us to share our joy with the world, failure demands a more introspective approach. Now, there is no cure or strategy to lessen the pain of heartbreak that comes after an unsuccessful attempt. But once the grieving is over, then you can look at the event objectively. We decided to embark on a root cause analysis to understand what went wrong and how improvements could be made.

All medical exams generally comprise three fundamental components: knowledge, presentation skills, and critical analysis. Once we understand these three elements, we can identify our lacking and take steps to rectify them.

1. Knowledge-Based Component:

If your failure stems from a knowledge deficit, the solution is simple—increase your knowledge. However, mere reading is insufficient; active recall is key. For multiple-choice questions (MCQs), actively dictate your knowledge before attempting the questions. Consider concise summaries or podcasts for reinforcement. For practical exams, engage in interview sessions and actively recall information when required.

2. Presentation Skills:

Presentation skills, especially in oral exams, play a significant role. Simulate exam scenarios through mock sessions to accommodate the time pressure and environment. Pay attention to body language, confidence, and the clarity of your responses. Mimicking exam conditions helps build the composure needed for success. For written exams, it might be how you are answering the questions. Does it come across systematically and logically?

3. Critical Analysis:

Mastering critical analysis is crucial for both MCQs and written exams. Identify confounding factors in questions and focus on choosing the single best answer in MCQs. In practical exams, follow the chain of thought provided by the examiner and learn to analyze what exactly is the examiner asking. Critical analysis not only helps in selecting the correct answer but also can steer the examiner toward topics you are comfortable discussing.

Get a Second Perspective

To effectively analyze your exam performance, involve a third person who can provide an objective perspective. Assess your reactions, energy levels, and overall experience. Identify the specific area—knowledge, presentation skills, or critical analysis—where improvement is needed.

Moving Forward

After a failed attempt, avoid repeating the same study routine. Consider alternative materials or approaches, such as trying exam-style questions or seeking guidance from mentors. Sometimes, a fresh perspective and a clear plan of attack are all you need to tackle your next examination successfully.

Exam failures are not the end, although they very much feel like it. By understanding the root causes, addressing deficiencies, and seeking guidance, you can bounce back stronger. Ultimately all success often follows resilience and a willingness to adapt our approach.