Hurray! Medical school, here you come. It is exciting to think about joining medical school. Perhaps you now feel like all your cards are finally falling in place, and can almost picture yourself practising what you love.
By now, most of you have some experience of what working as a physician is like. The lucky ones have shadowed various doctors, and you can’t wait for the period of being in a gastroenterology fellowship. However, you will soon realise that college and medical school require different approaches.
To alleviate some of the rude shock and self-doubt that you may experience, here’s what you need to know:
1. Consistent Studying is essential
Many people have gotten away with cramming in college. You wait till the last minute to go through the notes and pack whatever you can, then successfully transfer that in an exam. However, in medical school, you will only have a few days to go through extensive information for a test.
The best way to overcome this is by studying daily, as content builds off itself. Everything is interconnected, and in the end, all will be tested.
2. Be Involved
You need to find a balance between your studies and well-being. Otherwise, all your efforts will be to the detriment of your health. Interact with your classmates and get to know them. Participate in extra-curricular activities, too.
These activities outside class will make it easy for you to transition to life in medical school.
3. Adjust Expectations
Adaptability is vital in life. Say, you don’t find a suitable gastroenterology personal statement service, it won’t mean that there’s none that can meet your requirements. As for medical school, all the students will be as bright, just like you.
For some, this brings their competitive nature. Other times you may feel you aren’t good enough. Just because you don’t get the grades you expect, won’t mean you are a failure.
4. Consider your Living Options
You want quick access to resources and classes, consider living close to the campus. If you must have a roommate, find one who is like-minded. It will prevent issues in future, especially over petty things.
A medical school student as a roommate creates an environment of shared experiences. If you opt for some other person, then it may give room to increased social outlets.
5. Practice Self-care
Living a healthy lifestyle will prove useful in the long run. Get adequate sleep, every night. Set aside time for exercising. Eat health foods and don’t skip your meals.
The important thing is the quality of your studies, no matter how long you study. Taking time away from your studies to rejuvenate or have a social life, will boost your productivity.
Try to maintain healthy habits, right from the start.
6. Keep a Professional Image
As a student doctor, you need to present a professional image. That refers to your physical and online impression. Watch what you say or do, as it may affect you negatively later in life.
The same professionalism you showed in the personal statement for fellowship, should also reflect your behaviour in medical school. However, it shouldn’t get to your head; you are yet to become a licensed practitioner.
7. It’s Okay to Relax
It is a challenge for many med students, especially the perfectionists. If you were able to beat the cut-throat competition of getting into medical school, you could make it through this. So, don’t stress yourself over every little thing.
Conclusion
Prepare yourself mentally for medical school. Try to visualise yourself, having graduated from medical school, successfully, and finally matching in a residency of choice. It will go a long way in sailing through the obstacles that may come your way.