FMG Radar - Dr. Zeel Shah
Name: Dr. Zeel Shah
Birthplace: Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
Academic Qualification: MBBS, David Tvildiani Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia (Graduation Year - 2022)
Languages you speak/write: English, Gujarati, Hindi
What do you do?
I am currently working as Medical Officer in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. I will pursue masters soon.
What’s the best part of your profession? What made you choose this profession?
The most rewarding aspect of my profession is the opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives. Whether it's diagnosing and treating a complex medical condition, providing emotional support during a difficult time, or simply offering a listening ear, I find fulfillment in knowing that my work can improve someone's well-being and quality of life.
When and why did you decide to pursue MBBS abroad?
I made the decision to pursue MBBS abroad during my final year of high school. After researching various options , I chose a university that aligns with my career goals and provides a high-quality medical education.
Which country did you choose for pursuing medical education and why?
I chose Georgia because of its strong reputation for medical education, state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced faculty. Additionally, the university's curriculum and teaching style align with my learning preferences, and I am excited about the opportunity to study in a diverse and international environment. Medical degrees from Georgian universities are recognized by many countries, including India l, making it easier to practice medicine globally.
College name and address
David Tvildiani Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia
How did you get to know about the country and college?
I came to know from a educational seminar.
How one can get admission to your college?
One can get admission directly by contacting the university or through education consultancy.
How was the mess food? Is Indian cuisine available regularly, or is it something you get on an occasional basis?
Mess food was ok, yes Indian cuisine was available regularly there.
How did you structure your FMGE preparation, and what study materials or resources helped you the most?
I concentrated on one primary source for my FMGE preparation and made sure to thoroughly revise it. I didn't disperse myself among several sources to prevent confusion. To further clarify issues, I also referred to my undergraduate notes, which were quite beneficial. I also completed a number of tests to evaluate my development and enhance my time management skills. Using this strategy allowed me to remain organized and focused during my preparation.
Did you follow a specific timetable or strategy while preparing for FMGE?
I used to study 4 hours a day with 2 hours of questions practice.
How did you manage stress and stay motivated during your FMGE preparation?
1. Create a study plan: Break down your study material into manageable chunks and set realistic goals for each study session.
2. Stay organized: Keep your study materials, including notes and practice questions, organized and easily accessible.
3. Practice consistently: Regular practice helps to build confidence and identify areas that need improvement.
4. Take breaks: Take regular breaks to avoid burnout and maintain focus. 5. Seek support: Join a study group or find a study buddy to stay motivated and get support from peers.
6. Stay positive: Remind yourself of your goals and why you're working towards them.
7. Seek help when needed: Don't hesitate to seek help from mentors, teachers, or online resources when you're struggling with a particular topic.
What were the biggest challenges you faced while preparing for the FMGE?
1. Volume of study material: The vast amount of study material and the need to cover a wide range of topics.
2. Time management: Balancing study time with other responsibilities and managing time effectively to cover all topics.
3. Staying motivated: Maintaining motivation and focus over a long period of preparation.
4. Adapting to exam pattern: Understanding the exam pattern and adjusting preparation strategy accordingly.
5. Managing stress and anxiety: Dealing with exam-related stress and anxiety.
How did you handle the vast syllabus and manage revision effectively?
1. Breaking down the syllabus: Divide the syllabus into smaller, manageable chunks, and prioritize topics based on importance and difficulty.
2. Creating a study plan: Develop a structured study plan, setting realistic goals and deadlines for each topic.
3. Focusing on high-yield topics: Identify high-yield topics and focus on those areas first.
Did you attend any coaching classes or rely on self-study for FMGE? How did that impact your preparation?
I relied on self-study, and it helped me a lot in preparation for exam.
Were there any subjects or topics that you found particularly difficult, and how did you overcome them?
I found PSM more difficult as it's different from what I studied in abroad as subject concentrates on Indian curriculum more.
What role did mock tests and previous year's question papers play in your preparation?
Familiarity with exam pattern: Mock tests and previous year's question papers helped me understand the exam pattern, question types, and difficulty level.
Time management: Practicing with mock tests and previous year's question papers improved my time management skills, allowing me to allocate time effectively for each section.
Identifying weak areas: Analyzing my performance in mock tests and previous year's question papers helped me identify areas where I needed improvement.
Building confidence: Regular practice with mock tests and previous year's question papers boosted my confidence and reduced exam-day anxiety.
Can you walk us through your exam day experience? How did you feel before, during, and after the exam?
Overall, my exam day experience was a mix of nerves and focus. I tried to stay calm and manage my time effectively, giving my best shot.
How did you feel after seeing your FMGE result? What was your reaction?
I felt anxious while waiting for the results and kept checking my scores. When I saw that I had passed, I felt a huge wave of relief wash over me. I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and excitement, knowing that all my hard work had paid off.
What was your FMGE score?
172 out of 300
How did you approach the internship process in India after qualifying for FMGE?
After passing exam I applied for internship in my state, further according to the merit list and choice you have filled you are allotted a hospital.
What advice would you give to FMGE aspirants to increase their chances of success?
Create a study plan: Develop a structured study plan, setting realistic goals and deadlines.
Focus on high-yield topics: Prioritize topics that are frequently tested on the exam.
Practice consistently: Regular practice helps build confidence and identify areas for improvement.
Where would you like to work in future?
I would like to explore various aspects of health care for now.
Finally, a Quote you relate to.
Never give up, keep up the hard work.