The MBBS experience.

Politically inclined, and a money-hungry management keeps them in the news and under the scanner for corrupt practices usually. Despite the heavy inflow of cash, the college infrastructure continues to downtrend yearly.

I had taken up the COMEDK exam, a Karnataka State exam for engineering and medical streams my rank was around the 5000 mark and with the limited options presented by my rank, I opted for ambedkar medical college.

A huge transition from 12th grade of school to the first year of MBBS, the course curriculum was at first tedious, but eventually less constraining. The first year involves the basics of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry. Following which is the second year spanning about 1.5 years involving Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and Forensic medicine. The third year (also designated as final year part 1) includes Community medicine, ENT and Ophthalmology. And finally, the 4th year involves the major medical subjects of OBG, Surgery, Medicine and Paediatrics.

As of present, I have not undertaken the college internship it is carried out post final year.It involves rotations for 1-2 months in a major subject, and 15-30 days in a minor subject covering premier medical skills to assist the professors. Internship is covered within the OPD and IPD of the college itself. Our college does not provide any stipend for the same however.

Regardless of being a basic degree, MBBS offers several opportunities to work as a general practitioner in major hospitals including FORTIS or Apollo. But a postgraduate pre-requisite is always more favoured.

Our college conducts a yearly cultural fest called synapse it is organised by the 3rd years of the college and usually spans 3 days. Prior to the cultural fest is a week long sports fest that involved both the staff and students. The sports week is an intra-college event and participation is limited to about 200-300 individuals. Whereas, the footfall for the cultural fest over 3 days usually comes out to about 7000.

The fees are on the higher side with an annual increment of 3.8 lakhs exclusive of the fee for books, exams and medical instruments. For management or NRI quota, the package gradually increases yearly and is at present over 1 crore. From the second year onwards, a clinical fee of about 10,000 is to be paid. With regards to books and instruments, a yearly expenditure of 8-10,000 is often required.

Scholarship is available on excellent academic merit to a certain few students. It involved covering the entire yearly fee and expenses for books and basic needs. However, a back-log during the course may rescind the scholarship.

The gender ratio in a medical college usually follows a 2.5:1 ratio in favour of females. Hostel parties are common in the boys hostel with there not being any restrictions of curfew, or 'habits'. The girls hostel have slightly constrained parties usually limited to the confines of one's room. A curfew exists as well, usually not exceeding 9p.m. Conferences, symposiums, and workshops are held regularly in the Auditorium for the benefit of staff and students. Certain cultural groups like Slumskaara involving new and old students have been created which participate in a wide range of events both in-state and nationally. Our college comprises of students from all parts of India with occasional foreigners from Iran and the Gulf region. Racial segregation is rarely ever seen an amicable consort exists within most members of the college.

The boys hostel is old, and run-down, but is extremely spacious, clean & comfortable with it being almost completely occupied by both UG's and PG's throughout the year. The girls hostel is relatively new, but poorly planned with some rooms offering good ventilation while others lack a proper window. Water and power supply are irregular as well when compared to the boys hostel. The mess food is regulated by the wardens. The food served in the boys hostel is better cooked and sufficiently more delicious than that served in the latter.

The seniors as a whole as very helpful in helping the transition into college life and progression of one's studies. After the initial few months of ragging, the seniors become an indispensable part of college life, whether having passed out or not.

As the years progress, exams become more frequent with as much as a practical and theory exam every 1.5 weeks.

The faculty of Dr.B.R. AMC are a mixed bag. Some are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, while others are less proactive, and involved in teaching the students adequately. Very few teachers aim to improve the basic understanding, practicality, and clinical skills of the students, while most render services to help one to pass the exams.