FMG Radar - Dr. Sai Vinthiyaa Gopinath
Name: Dr. Sai Vinthiyaa Gopinath
Birth Place: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Academic Qualification: Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia, (October 2018 - June 2024)
Languages you speak/write: English, Tamil , Hindi (l can understand)
Can you please introduce yourself?
I’m Sai Vinthiyaa Gopinath from Chennai. I’m a Foreign Medical Graduate currently awaiting Compulsory Rotatory Residential Internship (CRRI) allotment in Tamil Nadu. I’m also a NEET PG aspirant and a self-taught abstract artist. I cleared the FMGE January 2025 exam on my first attempt.
Can you share your journey of becoming a foreign medical graduate and deciding to take the FMGE?
My journey began in my teenage years and was truly transformative. It involved not just academic challenges but also the personal sacrifice of living away from my family. Eventually, I wanted to return to India and spend some time with them. To practice here, I needed to qualify for the FMGE — and so I decided to give it a try.
When did you start preparing for the FMGE Exam?
I started in my 8th semester, around February 2022.
How did you structure your FMGE preparation, and what study materials or resources helped you the most?
I subscribed to Marrow and planned to complete all the main video lectures and as much of the question bank as possible before finishing my course in June 2024.
Did you follow a specific timetable or strategy while preparing for FMGE?
Yes, I set individual deadlines for each subject based on my university schedule, social life, and moments of burnout. This flexible approach helped me stay on track.
What were the biggest challenges you faced while preparing for the FMGE?
The sheer vastness of the syllabus and trying to grasp all the concepts in time were my biggest challenges. A strong revision strategy was essential to manage it effectively.
How did you handle the vast syllabus and manage revision effectively?
I made my notes concise, focusing on clarity and ease of revisiting. That way, each revision became faster and more effective.
Did you attend any coaching classes or rely on self-study? How did that impact your preparation?
I relied entirely on self-study. My primary resource was the Marrow subscription, supplemented with question banks from platforms like Arise and Doc Tutorials.
Were there any subjects or topics that you found particularly difficult, and how did you overcome them?
Yes — pharmacology, microbiology, and biochemistry were tough for me. I used Arise faculty notes for all three, focusing strictly on the key concepts and sticking to them without overcomplicating things.
What role did mock tests, and previous-year question papers play in your preparation?
They played a crucial role. Mock tests helped me focus on key concepts, prioritize high-yield topics, and practice time management.
Can you walk us through your exam day experience? How did you feel before, during, and after the exam?
I was definitely anxious about the uncertainty. But having a prepared mindset and a circle of positive people around me helped me stay grounded. Overall, it was a challenging yet doable experience.
What strategies did you use for time management during the FMGE?
I practiced extensively using grand tests from Marrow, Arise, DocTutorial, and PrepLadder. These mock exams gave me good exposure to managing time during the actual test.
Were there any unexpected challenges during the exam, and how did you handle them?
Yes, the exam felt comparatively difficult — like one of those tough Marrow grand tests. I couldn’t recall a few topics, but I stayed calm and gave it my best shot.
How did you approach tricky or confusing questions during the exam?
I used the elimination method — ruled out incorrect options based on whatever knowledge I had, and took a logical guess when necessary.
How did you feel after seeing your FMGE result? What was your reaction?
There was definitely relief in clearing it, but I felt I could have done better. I wasn’t completely satisfied with my score.
How did you approach the internship process in India after qualifying for FMGE?
I’m currently in the middle of the process and navigating it step by step.
What advice would you give to FMGE aspirants to increase their chances of success?
Surround yourself with genuine, positive people who prioritize your mental peace and well-being. Start early so you can embrace both the highs and lows of the journey. Give yourself enough time to experiment with different study strategies and approaches — it’s all part of the process.
