If you are wondering how to prepare for MD Medicine, the best advice often comes from someone who practices it every day. Dr Sachin Agarwal is an MD Medicine and critical care specialist, and the in-charge director of the Jamnagar unit of Ayush Group of Hospitals. In a Medvyn podcast conversation, he shared six lessons for MBBS students who plan to specialize in medicine.

1. Learn From Your MBBS Clinical Postings

Start early. Clinical postings begin in the second year of MBBS, and that is where real learning starts. Dr Agarwal’s advice is direct: if seniors or residents are not teaching you, go to them anyway.

Effort decides how much you learn. This is true for medicine, but it is also true for every other field.

2. Build Strong Foundations in Four Core Subjects

Physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and pathology form the base of medicine. Together, they lead to pathophysiology, which explains how normal body function turns into disease.

In simple terms, physiology is how the body works normally. Pathology is what goes wrong. Medicine is understanding that shift, choosing the right tests, and then treating it.

3. Learn to Take a Good History

Every patient is a learning opportunity. Ask about symptoms, study the reports, and repeat the cycle when things do not add up.

Often, the answer is hidden in the past. Going back to ask about older illnesses can give important clues. History-taking, Dr Agarwal says, is an art, and it must be mastered by anyone practicing medicine.

4. Choose Empathy Over Ego

Ego, in his view, is a poor quality in a doctor. He advises staying away from it, since it spreads like an infection.

Empathy, however, matters a great deal. A smile and a greeting by name can change how a patient feels in your cabin. In the ICU, even two minutes of proper conversation can work like psychological medicine for a patient who has been alone for two days.

5. Stay Updated Every Day

Medicine keeps changing, so learning cannot stop after the degree. Dr Agarwal’s routine includes:

• Reading journals and published articles daily
• Discussing cases with colleagues and seniors
• Following monthly, six-monthly and yearly conferences, and reading the trials behind new drugs
• Using digital medical reference platforms
• Referring to Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, which is updated every few years

How to Prepare for MD Medicine Mentally: Do Not Settle Early

Dr Agarwal’s own journey carries a lesson. During counselling, he was offered seats in other branches, but his heart was set on medicine. After joining pediatrics in the second round, he went home and cried, because he had compromised on his choice.

Later, in a mop-up round in Gandhinagar, two medicine seats became available to him. His story shows why clarity about your interest, and patience through counselling rounds, can matter. However, seat availability can never be guaranteed, so always check the rules and notices on official sources such as the National Medical Commission.

The Takeaway

Preparing for MD Medicine is not only about exam rank. It is about strong basics, curiosity about every patient, humility, and steady learning.

Check out full podcast on Youtube

For more practical guidance for healthcare professionals, explore our Doctor’s Toolkit section, or visit the Medvyn Job Portal for your next opportunity.

Source: Medvyn Podcast, featuring Dr Sachin Agarwal.