Experiencing Medical College Kolkata: Infrastructure, Academics, and Campus Life

As a student at Medical College Kolkata (MCK), I can confidently share my experiences in terms of infrastructure and academics, as well as my first day at MCK. This post aims to provide an in-depth look at what you can expect during your time at this prestigious institution.

Infrastructure

Medical College Kolkata has a rich history, dating back as the oldest medical college in Asia. While the infrastructure may not be on par with the most cutting-edge institutions, it still offers a solid educational environment.

Lecture Theatres

At MCK, there are five lecture theatres, of which three are air-conditioned. The rest will soon be upgraded to this standard. Here's an image of the General Lecture Theatre (GLT) during orientation day:

Laboratories

Laboratories are a crucial part of medical education. While the quality of microscopes could be better, the labs are well-equipped and offer a range of learning opportunities. One notable lab is the Anatomy Dissection Hall, which is one of the largest and best in the country.

Wards

MCK's wards are a testament to its status as a tertiary care hospital. With abundant beds, you will have ample opportunities to learn from proficient faculty members. In fact, even though clinical postings in the 2nd year might not be as frequent, the final year will provide you with plenty of hands-on experience.

Hostels

Hostels at MCK are divided into boys and girls sections. While the facilities might not be top-notch compared to private institutions, the new hostel offers well-furnished rooms, comparable to elite hotel suites. Here's an image of the new hostel:

Library

While the library is well-maintained, it can get crowded during exam periods. However, it's also a great place to socialize and escape the summer heat. The library can be a great resource for both coursework and social activities.

Academics

Ambition and competition are the driving forces at Medical College Kolkata. With a rigorous academic curriculum, you'll be pushed to enhance your knowledge and skills. The faculty is supportive, and even post-graduate trainees often provide excellent mentorship. However, lectures can sometimes feel monotonous due to the traditional reading of PowerPoint presentations.

Exams

Throughout your first year, you'll face a series of item and part completion exams. Semesters and professional exams will follow, alongside Class Assistantship and Gold Medal examinations for each subject annually. If you're interested in research, you have the opportunity to work on ICMR-STS projects under the guidance of encouraging faculty members.

Ragging and Senior-Junior Relationship

MCK boasts a strong senior-junior relationship, driven by the concept of the baba batch where 4th year students mentor 1st year students. The college takes a firm stance against ragging, a policy that is strictly adhered to. For more details, you can refer to Supratim Sarkar's answer on the prevalence of ragging at MCK.

First Day at MCK

My first day at MCK in August 2017 marked the beginning of my dream. My first lecture was taken by the HOD of the Department of Physiology, but I was too excited to pay full attention. The orientation ceremony a few days later helped me settle in and acclimate to the environment. Here's a glimpse of the day:

9 AM - First lecture by the HOD of Physiology

? - Diason and introduction from seniors, along with question papers from the last 10 years of the first professional examination

? - Lectures by the HOD of Department of Biochemistry and PGTs from the Department of Anatomy

A few days later - Orientation ceremony

Extra-Curricular Activities

MCK offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities to enhance your overall experience:

College Fest: Rhapsody

Rhapsody is the largest fest in any medical college in Eastern India. Renowned artists such as Salim-Sulaiman Papon, KK Rupam Islam, Anupam Roy, and Local Train perform every year. This fest provides a unique platform to experience the cultural diversity of the region.

Academic Fest: Aesculapia

Aesculapia is an academic festival where you get to interact with dignitaries from various fields. This fest provides exposure to current trends in medical education from around the world.

Other Festivals and Activities

Extra-curricular activities include Arthralgia Sports Fest, quiz sessions, debating sessions, Saraswati Puja, and CMEs (Continuing Medical Education) events. These activities not only enhance your skills but also help you discover new dimensions of yourself.

Perhaps the most significant change during my time at MCK was my newfound passion for ramp walking. Participating in these events, especially Rhapsody, helped me grow both personally and professionally.

In conclusion, MCK offers an enriching academic experience with a strong sense of community and a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional growth.