How failure changed my life
BMJ 2008; 336 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.0802085 (Published 01 February 2008) Cite this as: BMJ 2008;336:0802085
- Seye Abimbola, former Clegg scholar and medical student1
- 1Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, Nigeria
My only ambition at medical school was to pass with distinction. Nothing else mattered. True to purpose, I passed the second MB (preclinical exams) at the top of my class. I was hardheaded and arrogant, and I made friends with my fellow straight A students only. I was on my way to becoming a brash and brilliant scientist; another James Watson of the DNA double helix fame, radiating contempt in all directions. But medical school was only blissful while the scientific disciplines lasted.
Everything came to a grand halt when clinical rotations began. I had …
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