For medical professionals aspiring to excel in super-specialty training, securing a top rank in the NEET SS Critical Care Entrance Exam is a testament to dedication, strategic preparation, and resilience. Dr. Umadri Singh, who achieved an impressive All India Rank 6 in the 2021 NEET SS Critical Care exam, shares her inspiring journey of balancing rigorous studies, clinical responsibilities, and personal life.
In this exclusive interview with Go the Extra Mile, Dr. Singh provides invaluable insights into her study strategies, recommended resources, and how she overcame challenges—including preparing while on maternity leave. Whether you’re a NEET SS aspirant or a medical professional looking for structured study techniques, this conversation offers practical takeaways for mastering high-stakes medical exams.
Dear friends,
Go the Extra Mile would like to introduce Dr. Umadri Singh, who secured the sixth rank in the 2021 NEET SS Critical Care Entrance exam for admission to DM Critical Care in India.
I, Sumesh Arora, on behalf of Go the Extra Mile, had the pleasure of discussing with Umadri the things that helped her achieve success. Here is a transcript of my chat with her.
GOTHEEXTRAMILE
Thank you, Umadri, for taking the time out to chat with us. Please tell us a little more about yourself.
UMADRI SINGH
I did my MBBS from KMC Mangalore (2011-17) and MD from RRMCS Bengaluru (2017-20), and DNB in Anaesthesiology. I then worked as an SR at AIIMS in Rishikesh, did PDAF at SGPGIMS, Lucknow in India.
GOTHEEXTRAMILE
How did you prepare for the NEET SS Exam?
UMADRI SINGH
1. Revision of all the above books 10 times before NEET SS
2. Repeated revision of all wrong MCQs every weekend
3. Solving and revising medicine (important systems) MCQ from MKSAP
4. Multiple mock tests
5. Previous year AIIMS/NEET questions/Topic revision
I used the following resources for my studies.
1. Go the Extra Mile Critical Care Omnibus Test Series
2. UpToDate
3. BMJ Best Practice
4. Dr. Pradeep Rangappa 1000 MCQ Book (Exceptional Value)
5. MKSAP Medicine MCQ
6. MCQ books by Sandeep Agarwal and Steve Benington
GOTHEEXTRAMILE
Success in exams like this is a team effort. In addition to your own hard work, who are the people behind your success?
UMADRI SINGH
1. I utilised my maternity leave judiciously to balance between child care and exam preparation.
2. My husband and his colleagues from AIIMS helped me in choosing the right books and understanding the importance of multiple revisions.
3. My six-month-old boy, my persistently motivating husband, and my family’s support made this difficult job possible.
GOTHEEXTRAMILE
Now that the exam is out of the way, what is your next target? How do you intend to go about achieving it?
UMADRI SINGH
1. Physical fitness is my next target, and I plan on achieving it by eating healthier.
2. EDIC
GOTHEEXTRAMILE
Do you have any suggestions on how GTEM can improve and be useful for trainees doing EDIC?
UMADRI SINGH
By providing mock tests with negative marking.
GOTHEEXTRAMILE
Thank you, Umadri, for taking the time out to chat with us. I wish you the best in all your future endeavours.
Postscript
Dr. Umadri Singh’s journey to securing AIR 6 in the NEET SS Critical Care exam is a remarkable example of perseverance, strategic planning, and the power of a strong support system. Her insights into effective preparation, resource selection, and time management serve as a valuable guide for aspiring super-specialists navigating this demanding exam.
Success in medical entrance exams is not just about intelligence—it’s about consistency, adaptability, and resilience. Whether you’re preparing for NEET SS or any other advanced medical examination, Dr. Singh’s experience highlights the importance of structured revision, mock tests, and maintaining a balance between personal and professional responsibilities.
We hope this interview inspires and equips you with actionable strategies for your own journey. Keep striving, stay focused, and go the extra mile in your pursuit of excellence!
