MBBS examiners (part II): the strong silent type
The strong silent but usually not hunky type
He (usually it’s a he) stands with his arms folded or behind his back, makes very few movements, and has a mask-like facie. (But don’t be fooled into thinking he’s bradykinetic in thoughts, he’ll as surely and as quickly zero onto your mistakes, and fail you, probably without you even knowing it!)
Examiner: Please present your examination findings.
MS: This is a ……… I say this because…….. (looks toward examiner for some sort of agreeing nod or twitch of disapproval)
Examiner: (blank stare)
MS: And so… my differentials are… (looks toward examiner for any slight encouraging movement)
Examiner: (poker face)
MS: (shit! am I on the right track at all?) So my differentials are…
Examiner: (look of concentration) go on…
MS: And the investigations I’d like to do are…
Examiner: (frowns a bit, looks like he’s thinking about something) Yes, go on go on…
MS: (holy cow! i’m dead la dead la… wrong liao la…) blubbers, messes up and goes into management…
Examiner: Hmmm… (sighs) ok, you can go now.
MS: (oh no oh nooo…. bell hasn’t even rung and he asked me to go liao… sure fail one!) Erm… thank you… (despondent look)
Recommended approach: Maintain eye contact, lean towards them when speaking, acknowledge their presence. Be logical, confident, SMILE (don’t do the IMF-smile) and don’t say anything stupid! The only way to pass is to know your facts. No haze no. 113 to smoke your way through this tough guy! Be prepared to give a very organised answer. If you’re on the right track, you’ll definitely pass and if the strong silent man asks you some sort of cheem question, you are probably in the running for a distinction.
