Surviving Medical School
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Med school is not cookies and rainbows. It is not the white coat instagram photo ops and figs discount coupon codes. It’s a lot more lows than highs. You will be depressed at some point, you will question why you are here, you will struggle. You won’t always love what you are doing. You will sacrifice a lot. Having realistic expectations will make dealing with some of the not-so-great parts of medicine a little bit more tolerable.
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If you’re not best friends with your dean, you not doing med school right. Social capital is everything in medicine. Do not be afraid to connect with your deans and advisors. These are the people who will support you and vouch for you. Establish these relationships early one so when you truly need support and people to lean on when med school gets tough, you won’t feel uncomfortable reaching out for help.
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You need to have a solid understanding of who you are, your values and remain grounded in that. Don’t compromise your inherent values.
Pre-Clinical Years (MS1 & MS2)
The first two years of medical school are used to build your medical foundation through classroom learning. This is really where you are introduced to medicine by the “textbook”. I’ve complied resources as well as general advice for navigating and excelling through your first two year of medical school.
Clerkship Years (MS3)
The last two years of medical school are quite different from pre clinical years. For some students, it can be quite the transition from textbook learning, to being on the wards and treating real patients. You’ll find the patients don’t quite present as classical textbook presentations and you also face additional challenge of learning how to navigate interpersonal relationships with colleagues, other medical professionals and attendings all while being evaluated and graded. .
Career Exploration (Research Year & Residency)
So you’re contemplating a career in a competitive specialty, or you just need more time to explore your options before applying to residency during fourth year. Taking a research year is a great way to exhibit academic enrichment, while taking the time you need to make the best decisions for you.
USMLE & Mini Boards
Welcome to a career of lifelong examinations. USMLE & NBME is here to stay. I’ve complied resources to help you study.
Life Outside of Medicine
If there’s one thing that is true, it’s that there is no such thing as “work/life balance”. However, it’s important to find time to take care of yourself and do things to refill your cup when you can. Your mental health and wellbeing is important because without it, you will run out of steam.
Life in Medical School
Realities of being in med school