Telemedicine. It's an unprecedented way of practising medicine as a result of a pandemic which has changed the lives of us all. At the beginning of my first year at Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine I was like a school-going learner, excited to stock up on textbooks and stationery. In my case I browsed my academic tools online, longing for my shiny Littman stethoscope, dissecting kit, and sphygmomanometer (also known as a blood pressure cuff).
My year began in turmoil but as much as it was a surprise to me, it became apparent protests on the campus of UKZN was an annual occurrence. This edged a dent in whether these uproar events were good for my well-being however there was no longer time to dwell over this because Covid-19 hit the shores of South Africa.
I recall our Physiology lecturer asking us "where is the coronavirus right now", to which some students replied, "in Hilton" or "in Pietermaritzburg". He exclaimed how incorrect our answers were (due to our mobile ability and innate habit to socialise). The stress levels in Lecture hall 7 seems to have risen that afternoon, students barely focussing on the properties of the cell membrane. With an abrupt stop, this was my last contact-class.
The year 2020 presented me with mixed emotions. I am appreciative of the measures put in place by the university to ensure the academic year continues, while on the other hand I'm saddened I could not experience the typical first-year experience. The critical part of me desperately seeked to experience getting 48% and 92% on the same day, perhaps to relate to the memes on UCT_justkidding.
I kept on hearing of the unescapable culture shock upon entry at university as well the common mark to obtain at university being 65%, so what is different? Towards the end of 2020 Dr Nzimande released a statement highlighting an improved performance of university students. Is for the better? Are university contact classes becoming redundant? Or are we in for a shock of our lives once we are thrust into the real world to apply what we learned virtually.
The second semester was anti-climatic, considering it is supposed to contain practicals. Our communication skills now formed part of theory and clinical skills were left on repeat to learn on YouTube. This left me with so many questions pertaining to how optimally we'll work as future frontline workers, but I keep my faith.
On a lighter note I am thankful my family's health and their company throughout the year. I expected a year of anti-social, sleepless nights. Instead, reality presented me with an opportunity to behave contrary to my expectations. I am blessed to have been guided by my mom. This undoubtedly guided my first year to maintain a healthy study life, reducing the pressures exerted by my fellow students to pull all-nighters.
The beginning of my medical school career was full of surprises. The relation between my expectation and reality could never have been more different till now. My hope is that the telemedicine mode of learning has inspired and created and positive way of caring for patients.
