“In the midst of chaos, there is also an opportunity.”: Sun Tzu
The world around her was collapsing under the thunder of shelling and uncertainty. Meet Dr. Deepika, an international medical graduate from Ukraine, who made a quiet but powerful decision. She would not let war decide the limits of her future. What followed was an extraordinary journey of resilience, discipline, and courage. One that took her from a war-torn country to clearing some of the toughest medical licensing exams, including FMGE and AMC Part 1, both on her first attempt. In this blog, we will seek inspiration from unsung heroes like Dr. Deepika, who cleared the AMC exam amidst the adversities of life. Let’s read on.
How was the Situation in the Ukraine Medical College?
Dr. Deepika graduated from Kyiv National Medical University, Ukraine. Like many international medical students, she had moved abroad with dreams of becoming a globally competent doctor. By early 2022, she was in her fifth year of MBBS, fully immersed in clinical training, the most crucial phase of medical education.
Then came February 24, 2022.
Just a day before her birthday, the sound of shelling shattered normalcy. Windows shook. Sirens blared. Fear took over. What had once been lecture halls and hospital postings turned into survival zones.
“We heard shelling early in the morning. The windows were vibrating. Everyone was crying. It was terrifying.”
Students like Dr. Deepika, the Ukraine war was not a headline. It was a lived reality.
How to Evacuate from a War Situation and Maintain Calm?
The situation was worsening from time to time. But thanks to the Indian Army and the Embassy. Dr. Deepika was evacuated from the warzone safely. What makes her journey even more remarkable is that she had to travel alone, moving from Eastern Ukraine. This is exactly where the war was most intense. The western borders, followed by a long and exhausting train journey to Poland, and eventually back to India. Travelling for over 24 hours through a country at war, uncertain of safety, communication, or outcomes, tested her mental and emotional strength in ways no exam ever could.
“Travelling alone through a war-struck country. It’s easier said than done. The fear stays with you.”
Such trauma leads to academic discontinuity for many students. However, it became a turning point for Dr. Deepika.
In an exclusive interview with Dr. Ssnegdha Sharma, Academic Head of Medical Courses at Academically, Dr. Deepika opens up about her emotional journey. Let’s hear it from her in this video.
A Moment of Resilience: Completing Medical Studies Amidst War
Despite the psychological impact of war and displacement, Dr. Deepika made the bold decision to return to Ukraine to complete her medical education. Her university relocated classes to Ivano-Frankivsk, a relatively safer western region. Although air raid alarms were still a part of daily life, in-person classes resumed. She completed her clinical training, graduated successfully, and obtained all required documentation. This is an achievement in itself that speaks volumes about her mental resilience.
This phase laid the foundation for what followed next: FMGE and AMC.
Clearing FMGE in the First Attempt
Back in India, Dr. Deepika appeared for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). We all know the low pass percentage of this exam over the years. Despite the academic disruption and emotional trauma of war, she cleared FMGE in her very first attempt, scoring 190 marks. This success reaffirmed her belief that consistency and fundamentals matter more than circumstances.
Cracking AMC Exam on First Attempt
During her internship, Dr. Deepika strategically chose to complete in Maharashtra to save time. She began exploring her long-term options. Like many IMGs, she was dwindling between postgraduate entrance exams in India or international pathways. That is exactly when she came to know about the AMC (Australian Medical Council) exam through Academically’s Instagram page.
“I gathered information, spoke to friends, and thought. Let me give this a shot.”
That decision would change her life.
How to Prepare for AMC Part 1 MCQ Exam: 90-Day Strategy
Although Dr. Deepika enrolled in the AMC course earlier, her focused preparation began only after the internship, giving her just 90 days to prepare seriously. To create urgency, she booked her exam date in advance.
“Booking the exam gave me pressure and that pressure made me study.”
An Ideal Daily Routine for AMC Aspirant: Hear it From Dr. Deepika:
- Waking up around 5:30-5:45 AM
- Gym in the morning for mental clarity
- Study sessions starting around 9 AM
- Study duration varied: 6 to 10+ hours, depending on the day
- Facing procrastination, anxiety and self-doubt but never giving up
“Even if I couldn’t complete my targets, I made sure the next day would be better.”
Dr. Deepika emphasises that her success did not come from studying 15 hours every single day, but from showing up daily, even on low-motivation days.
“However your mood is, even if you’re down, you have to sit and study. That’s all that matters.”
This mindset became the backbone of her preparation.
AMC Exam Preparation Strategy: Videos, Revisions, and MCQs
Her approach to AMC Part 1 was structured and systematic:
1. Conceptual Learning
- First month dedicated to video lectures
- Subjects like OBG required 5-6 days per revision
- Focused on understanding, not rote learning
2. Multiple Revisions
- Completed four full revisions before the exam
- Each revision reinforced clinical reasoning
3. MCQs and Practice
- Attempted MCQs multiple times
- Realised that Academically’s mock series, handouts and recalls closely reflected the AMC exam pattern
- Balanced practice with conceptual clarity
This combination ensured retention, accuracy, and confidence.
AMC Exam Results
On the day results were expected, anxiety peaked. The email arrived earlier than anticipated.
“My heartbeat went high. I was scared, excited, nervous, everything at once.”
When she logged into her dashboard, she saw it. “PASS”: highlighted in green. Relief. Joy. Validation.
“I was so happy. All the anxiety just melted away.”
Clearing AMC Part 1 in the first attempt, after war, displacement, passing FMGE, and internship, was more than an academic milestone. It was a personal victory.
What’s Next after AMC Part I?
Dr. Deepika credits her success to her parents, friends, her faith in one’s own self and the structured guidance from Academically Now. With AMC Part 1 passed, she is preparing for AMC Part 2, with the same clinical foundations and disciplined mindset. She advises:
“Don’t lose your grip on basics and clinicals. Keep working consistently.”
To Conclude with…
In a world where uncertainty can derail even the most prepared minds, Dr. Deepika’s journey stands as proof that resilience, consistency, and the right guidance can overcome even war itself. Her story inspires not just IMGs, but anyone facing overwhelming odds. If she can rise from a war zone and clear AMC in 90 days, so can you. Dr. Deepika’s journey is not just a success story. It is a reminder that even in the darkest times, determination can light the way forward.