Are you about to send in your application for medical school but still wondering which faculty is the right one? No problem, we'll help you choose the right one. We have prepared a series of blog articles in which we will introduce each faculty in turn. And what's the best part? In each article, you'll find an interview with a student or graduate of that faculty, so you'll get an authentic idea of what it's like there.
Our first faculty in the series is the Faculty of Medicine at Charles University in Hradec Kralove. This faculty is a matter of the heart for us because we personally studied there. Let's see what you can find in Hradec.
The faculty has a rich history, the Hradec Králové branch of the Charles University was the first university ever established after the end of World War II. Why was Hradec Kralove chosen? The high scientific level of the heads of the then district hospital, the support of the population and the affection of the administrative authorities all played nicely into the hands. The rector of Charles University, Prof. J. Bělehrádek, was a supporter of President Beneš's idea to decentralise Czechoslovak higher education. The knowledge of the leading personalities of the Hradec Králové hospital was also a great influence. The combination of this and the great organisational commitment led to the creation of the Hradec Králové branch.
zdroj: https://www.lfhk.cuni.cz/Fakulta/O-fakulte/Fotogalerie
The university is located a short distance from the city centre, a stone's throw from the popular Šimek Gardens. The park provides a beautiful environment for students to study, especially on spring and summer days. It is also the venue for many local cultural events, such as the faculty's Save a Life charity event, the Food Festival and the popular music festival Majáles. You'll attend your internship at the University Hospital Hradec Kralove, which is easily accessible by bike or local transport.
Hradec Kralove offers Bachelor's and Master's education in the study programmes General and Dental Medicine, Nursing in the field of General Nursing. The city is also the seat of the native University of Hradec Kralove, therefore it provides a rich student and cultural activities. Accommodation can be arranged by halls of residence or private student flats, where you can share the joys and sorrows of studying medicine with all your flatmates.
So what do students and alumni have to say about the faculty? What led them to study medicine and what do they like most about the Hradec Faculty? We have prepared for you interviews with Ondra and Květka, who will be happy to give you a closer look at the study from their point of view.
What led you to study medicine?
Ondřej: I have a doctor in my family. At the same time, I was attracted by the problems of the functioning of the human body and the treatment of diseases/injuries.
Květka: I was attracted to studying medicine from a young age, when I was hospitalized several times. I liked to watch the work of doctors and nurses and everything interested me. What kind of examinations I would go for, what the doctors would talk about - I asked questions about everything and even looked up a lot of things myself. This is where I told myself that I wanted to work in healthcare and help people one day. Even when I was a little girl, I saw a lot of meaning in it. It's work that fulfills you. And that decision has stuck with me.
zdroj: https://www.lfhk.cuni.cz/Fakulta/O-fakulte/Fotogalerie
Why did you choose HK Medical School?
Ondřej: I like Hradec Kralove just as a city. At the same time I wanted to study at Charles University, but I didn't like Prague. Pilsen is far away from my hometown Sumperk, so Hradec was the obvious choice.
Květka: When I was deciding after graduation, the distance from home was quite important for me, so I decided between Prague and Hradec. During my final year, however, I liked Hradec a little bit more - I went there for a preparatory course. I also like the fact that Hradec is a smaller city - compared to the busy and big Prague. I'm very glad for that, crowds don't do me much good and here in Hradec I can pick up at any time and in 5 minutes I'm in nature. Otherwise, the faculty had a good reputation at my high school, so that also played a role in my choice.
zdroj: https://www.lfhk.cuni.cz/Fakulta/O-fakulte/Fotogalerie
What do you like most about the faculty?
Ondřej: Individual approach. Everyone will read that we are one of the smaller faculties. Which is true and it shows. We know a lot of each other in the class, even with a relatively large number of people. At the same time, I think the intensity and adaptation of teaching to current needs is well set. There is also quite good communication with the institutes and possible shifting of credit tests so that ideally nothing overlaps.
Květka: I like the fact that we are a smaller faculty, but one that is still developing and growing. We have a state-of-the-art teaching center at the hospital, and now we're starting construction on a new campus. Then the teachers - they are very helpful, they try to give us as much as they can, both in theory and in practice. What I also appreciate a lot, and as far as I know no other faculty offers it, are the textbooks that we get from the study fund on loan for the whole year. This saves a lot of time and money. And last but not least, Hradec as a city.
What would you like to know before freshman year? Any advice and tips on what to prepare for and what to avoid?
Ondřej: I think I knew everything I needed to know so that nothing would surprise me. I knew there was going to be a lot of learning that was going to be really sifted through. And also that there were going to be people who were going to be solving the same problems. Which came true :). You need to prepare yourself for the need for discipline. I think that's the key to success, and I probably have the biggest problem with it myself. And while learning to avoid all kinds of Facebook, Instagram, etc. This is evil and one of the biggest paths to procrastination.
Květka: Definitely take time off before school starts. There's no point in doing any preparation ahead of time. The first few weeks are really tough, you're in a new environment and right from the start you're bombarded with so much new information to learn that it makes you sick. But you get used to it and after a while it will seem normal. Try to concentrate on the smaller tasks you have in front of you (like preparing for a test) don't stress about what is yet to come (the exam). Step by step. Studying is insanely overwhelming, but it's still good not to wallow in it all the time and to be able to take a break too. I myself used to lay in studying nonstop for the first few weeks and then got crazy tired and frustrated. So I recommend not studying every spare moment, but also to switch off a bit.
What is the biggest scare of your freshman year and what was your least fear?
Ondřej: The biggest scare is probably classical anatomy. But then you are surprised that there is a lot of histology as well. But within a while you figure out which subject you are better at and you just have to work harder at the other one. I was least worried about Latin. It was fine. If one has the opportunity to take Latin in high school, I definitely recommend it. It helped me a lot.
Květka: We all know that the human body is complex, so I guess it's no surprise that anatomy is the biggest scare. The amount of information we have to learn there is insane. Then I was also quite worried about biophysics, because physics and I are not great friends and biophysics in Hradec is quite scary - there's a lot of calculus, formulas, etc. Actually, I was kind of worried about everything.
How did you prepare for the exams? What helped you most in your preparation?
Ondřej: I started studying during the end of the semester. It was more challenging, but it was worth it. I finished Anatomy on 7 June (the exam started on 25 May and I studied for it for a little over 3 weeks). I finished Histology on 22.6. and the reward was 3 months of holidays. And my friends helped me. We have a small group and we heckle each other, support each other and fill in information. That was a big help. Otherwise, everyone has to find their own way of learning. He has the whole semester to do it. :)
Květka: I plan my exams first - which one I'm going to first, how much time I need for it, etc. I usually give myself a little extra time because the studying doesn't always go the way I want it to. I usually put the exam I feel more prepared for first - I studied more for it during the year, it went better. I start with the questions I'm least good at - I have more time and energy for them at the beginning, I can learn them properly. I usually go through the questions 2-3 times. I'm usually motivated at the beginning of the exam, but that soon passes and then there are days when I have absolutely no desire to study. It helps me to always set a goal of how much I need to do that day - how many questions. Also, when I study, I have a big tendency to procrastinate on my phone - so I put my phone away and turn off notifications. I don't usually study late into the evening, I take my evenings off, and that helps me not go crazy too. A couple of days before the exam, I go at my fastest pace and repeat questions I'm not good at.
zdroj: https://www.lfhk.cuni.cz/Fakulta/O-fakulte/Fotogalerie
How do you rate the faculty facilities? What do you like the most?
Ondřej: I think it is sufficient. I wish the new campus was ready. Otherwise, I like the university campus near the hospital that we have so far. And also the "ECé" at the hospital. It's just a pity we don't spend more time there in our freshman year.
Květka: We have faculty at the building on Simkov - most of the classrooms and dissection rooms there are renovated and nice. Then for some classes we go to the campus that is shared with FAF, it's really nice and modern. Then we're in the teaching hospital a lot, where we also have a teaching centre. I really like it there, only it could be bigger - especially the study rooms. What I regret is that we don't have the option of eating at the hospital. I hope that will change in the future. Otherwise, there are two dormitories in Hradec I am staying in the dormitory Na Kotli. They are close to the hospital and the faculty, I walk everywhere. The dormitories deserve to be renovated, the equipment there is from the 80s, some of it is rusty. However, you get used to it, and I still like the dorm, we have a student center, gym, canteen, study rooms,...
How do you feel about your first year of medical school?
Ondřej: I think it was as good as possible and I am one of the few who can't really complain about anything. I couldn't have imagined it better. But the student societies were also a big plus. For me, especially the ASM (Association of Medical Students). That became a heartthrob for me for over a year. The events organized by it, the possibility to use the rooms (gym, music room, microscopy room) and the collective, which supported me more than once, were a good relaxation. I can also mention my favourite first aid training in schools within IFMSA. That was also a nice break.
Květka: My freshman year was pretty limited by Covid, but it didn't take away from the challenge. I remember it quite fondly, even though I had exams spread out over the summer and had almost no time off. I repeated a lot of things my freshman year - tests, credits, and even an exam (biophysics - I even took that one my sophomore year). So it was really hard for me and I didn't know if I could even do it. But I tried to focus on what was in front of me and not stress unnecessarily about the future. And even with the right amount of luck, I made it through, but it was really tough. It taught me that even failure is part of studying and you have to get over it and move on.
Do you have a message for future students?
Ondrej: Don't worry. Everything can be done. It just takes discipline. Everyone needs a different amount of learning and if you just need more, you have to give it that time for a successful conclusion. Otherwise it won't work. On the other hand, you need to relax. Sports, music, partying... anything. It'll get you back into the swing of learning. If one enjoys it even a little bit, medicine is fine.
Květka: I hope I didn't scare you too much. It's really challenging, but medicine gives you a lot - friendships, unforgettable experiences, a lot of opportunities, jobs, travel, the chance to help people. I wish you well in your studies and in life, whatever direction you decide to take.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Ondřej: Lemon belongs in the eyes! (Mongolian tequila is another Hradec ASM favourite).
Květka: If you have any questions, you can message me on Instagram @medickazhradce, I'd be happy to help.
So, is the faculty in Hradec Kralove your favourite? We hope you enjoyed the interview with the students and that it answered the questions you were looking for answers to. We would like to thank Květka and Ondra, who openly gave us their answers, and we wish them every success in their studies and subsequent path as doctors.
interviewed: Květka Vítová and Ondřej Hrubý
@medickazhradce, @k.vitova_
@ondrahruby
article prepared by Jana and Daniela
