Is It Mandatory to Study All 19 Subjects for FMGE Success?

Many aspiring medical professionals often wonder whether it is crucial to study all 19 subjects prescribed for the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE). Personally, I successfully cleared the exam with just 13 out of the 19 subjects. While some subjects might seem more challenging or less relevant, there are strategies and tips that can help you ace the exam with the subjects you choose. This article will explore whether all 19 subjects are indeed compulsory and share insights from my own journey.

Why I Chose to Skip Certain Subjects

Subject skipping isn't always a show-stopper. I opted to skip Psychiatry, Anesthesia, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, and Psychiatry. My strategy was to focus on subjects that I felt more comfortable with and that had topics I already understood well. Here’s how I approached it:

Strengths in Major Subjects

Surgery: I studied thoroughly, ensuring I covered topics that comprised around 30% of anatomy and 40% of internal medicine. Understanding the basics in these areas provided a solid foundation. Pediatrics: Although I could have skipped it, I found it manageable and useful in other areas. Small revisions clarified many basics, which helped in the long run.

Avoiding Subjects with High Memorization Requirements

I felt that Psychiatry required a significant amount of memorization, which was challenging for me. Instead, I focused on creating my own notes for Physiology, Pathology, and Pharmacology. These subjects are crucial and have many cross-referencing topics that helped me build a comprehensive understanding.

Preserving Essential Basics

Regardless of the subjects I studied, I made sure to keep up with the basics. Important subjects like Physio, Patho, and Pharma are absolutely mandatory. Additionally, having a basic understanding of Microbiology is also essential as it ties into many other areas of medicine.

Tips for Last-Minute Review

Before taking the exam, I carefully reviewed all the past year’s questions for each subject I left. This helped me identify key topics and prepare accordingly. Even if a subject is skipped, revising one-liners and key points can make a significant difference in the overall score.

The Shortlisted 13 Subjects

Major Subjects

Surgery Internal Medicine Pediatrics Pediatrics Physiology Pathology Pharmacology Obstetrics and Gynecology

These subjects formed the core of my preparation, and I focused on understanding the fundamental concepts and linking them with practical applications. This approach not only helped me manage my time effectively but also ensured that I was well-prepared for the exam.

Conclusion

In summary, it is not mandatory to study all 19 subjects to pass the FMGE. With careful selection and strategic preparation, it is possible to clear the exam with a well-chosen set of subjects. The key lies in understanding the basics, creating effective notes, and reviewing past year's questions.

Remember, the success rate in FMGE is a combination of preparation, strategic planning, and a focused approach towards the subjects you choose to study.