{"id":44559,"date":"2019-05-07T13:38:19","date_gmt":"2019-05-07T12:38:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bmj\/?p=44559"},"modified":"2019-05-15T09:44:36","modified_gmt":"2019-05-15T08:44:36","slug":"laura-nunez-mulder-medical-school-exams-how-good-is-good-enough","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bmj\/2019\/05\/07\/laura-nunez-mulder-medical-school-exams-how-good-is-good-enough\/","title":{"rendered":"Laura Nunez-Mulder: Medical school exams\u2014how good is \u201cgood enough\u201d?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cWhat is <\/span>the topic<\/span><\/i> we need to discuss when it comes to medical students\u2019 wellbeing?\u201d I asked my classmates.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cApproaching exams, at what point do we say our knowledge is \u2018good enough,\u2019\u201d said one.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerfectionism when learning in a broad and deep subject area. Comparing ourselves to peers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Is that three topics, or one?<\/span><\/p>\n

Exams put pressure on medical students, and pressure brings out our flaws. Because entrance requirements favour students with an excellent track record in exams, many medical students have high expectations to live up to. Many have never failed. Fear of failure motivates many of us to study until we burnout, to isolate ourselves from our peers (the competition), and to feel like our self worth, based on achievements, is slipping down in value.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though you might catch me daydreaming about a parallel universe where I don\u2019t need to take exams for the rest of my life, I recognise that exams are necessary. For the sake of patients, we need to show that we have sufficient knowledge and skill to be safe doctors<\/span>\u2014<\/span>not only at graduation, but throughout our careers.<\/span><\/p>\n

If only we could take exams without the drawbacks. Having seen some of my peers unwind in their attitudes towards exams<\/span>\u2014<\/span>while others spiral into ever more disciplined suffering<\/span>\u2014<\/span>I believe that there are steps we can take towards better wellbeing in exam seasons.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some steps happen at a structural level. When Cambridge Clinical School decided to update its pathology exam, infamous amongst student for its high volume and niche content, the faculty saw an opportunity to integrate student feedback. Since 2016, the assessment of clinically-relevant pathology has been spread over several exams, with all questions framed in clinical scenarios. On top of this, examiners now deliver optional “Demystifying assessments” talks and Q&A sessions in each year of clinical school.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some steps happen at an interpersonal and individual level. Could we be more cooperative, rather than competitive? Could we embrace the uncertainty that comes with a lack of syllabus? Could we find worth in \u201cgood enough\u201d and not only \u201cbest\u201d?<\/span><\/p>\n

I invite you to join me to discuss this topic and share ideas in a Twitter chat hosted by <\/span>The BMJ<\/span><\/i> (@bmj_latest<\/a>). Students and doctors, join in using the hashtag <\/span>#BMJDebate<\/span>. Between 20:00 and 21:00 (BST) on Monday 13th May, I will be online as @StudentBMJ<\/a>, taking your answers to the following questions and discussing the topic of medical school exams and wellbeing:<\/span><\/p>\n