Health Science Reviews

by Imaan Amien

Upon finishing my third year of medicine and a year of molecular medicine I was excited to be able to take a break away from the stress and anxiety that comes with being a full-time medical student (although I am sure this sentiment is common amongst all undergraduate programs).  I had heard from older students that there was a certain level of freedom associated with being termed a ‘postgraduate’ student, and that the Honours program would be like no other, although I was never really sure what I was getting myself into.

After the longest holiday period of my life, I couldn’t believe I was actually looking forward to class starting, and to hopefully meeting new people.  As the year progressed, I feel that I was able to build good relationships with my classmates, particularly those in the IDI stream, and I am looking forward to hopefully meeting them in person sometime in the near future.    

When comparing the honours program to the MBChB program that I came from, I can’t believe what a different experience it is.  One aspect that myself and fellow intercalated students found interesting and unique is that we now have time to digest the work that we are being taught.  The relaxed schedule gives us the time to enjoy what we are learning and take everything in, without constantly getting as much work done as possible before the next deadline arrives. 

Writing this post I cannot believe more than half the year has gone.  The thing I was most fearful of – exams, is now over, and the idea of starting fulltime lab work excites me.  I’m looking forward to seeing how the rest of the year pans out.