Failure

The result of my fellowship exam of the Royal College of Radiologists, London turned up yesterday noon. The minimum standard required was a score of 149. Mean score for the exam was 153. I scored 139. First attempt I was ten short of the mark.

It’s been a difficult exam preparation for me this time around. I could not adhere to a routine of my liking to prepare with my first baby due in the same month and me changing jobs and switching countries. Lot of things ran through my mind as I tried to tackle this exam.

Almost five years now since I sat for my MD examination in 2014. Studying has never been easy as time progresses. Commitments change. Focus is hard. And it requires a lot of patience and perseverance.

I still recall why I decided to pursue the FRCR. In three years of MD training, when I did pass the exam and walk out with my degree, I was not confident. I knew what I was getting into. This was a five year program. A slow learning curve. Sort of my own idea of a self tutoring way to keep reading my subject more and more.

As I switched three jobs in four years, this examination has always kept me focused to read more and learn more. As a meritorious student all throughout my study life, FRCR poses the biggest challenge and it is a challenge I gleefully accept.

I sulked out my day off yesterday evening knowing that I could do with some feeling bad about failing. But more importantly, now I am willing to confront failure in public and re energize myself to the battle ahead.

I have little over four months to have a second go at this exam and I am not going to leave a single stone unturned. Onwards and upwards!