5 answers
john
Student
Arlington, Texas
2
Questions
5 answers
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
One of the answers on here is a little more questionable. I’m currently in medical school. It is absolutely hard. I am currently in third year and I work 10-12 hour shifts M-F, and then I am expected to do a little bit of studying when I come home on top of that. It is hard, but it is also amazingly rewarding. I have learned so much in just two years and I am always learning something new. Medical school is hard, but it is all about learning to prioritize your timing. If you are efficient you will be good to go. Do well on your MCAT and get into a reputable school and you will be able to make it through. Going to less reputable schools can hinder your chances for the future so try and get into a good school and go from there. It is a great experience and you will do well half the battle is getting in you got this.
Mustafa Khan
Neurologist, Theoretical Physicist
36
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Mustafa’s Answer
Our minds are truly remarkable. They have the power to turn minor issues into major ones or the other way around, all based on our mental conditioning and the habits we've formed. Often, the solution to a problem lies in how we frame the question. For instance, instead of asking if medical school is difficult, we could ask, "how challenging can medical school be when thousands of students graduate from it every year?" By reframing the question in this way, our minds begin to see potential and opportunities. We realize that medical school can't be that difficult; if it were, we wouldn't have thousands of students enrolling and graduating each year. It's clear that it's not as tough as going to the moon, a feat accomplished by only a handful of people to date. Yet, even that is not impossible, as proven by successful lunar missions, making the journey to Mars a reachable goal.
Cultivating the habit of reframing questions and viewing problems from different angles is a key skill to make life more engaging, interesting, and fulfilling. The notion that medical school is extremely difficult is just that - a notion, and notions can be altered. Another beneficial habit is becoming comfortable with hard work, perseverance, persistence, and resilience, which calls for self-discipline.
Rather than believing that some people are born to be doctors, it's healthier to believe that people are born with potential and talents that can be applied to a variety of activities. There are doctors who are also excellent artists or musicians, and these talents have helped them in their medical careers because they were able to see the similarities between being a doctor and an artist or musician. Some of the best surgeons even play specific music while operating, as it helps them perform the surgery. The operation becomes a physical expression of the music they hear.
Cultivating the habit of reframing questions and viewing problems from different angles is a key skill to make life more engaging, interesting, and fulfilling. The notion that medical school is extremely difficult is just that - a notion, and notions can be altered. Another beneficial habit is becoming comfortable with hard work, perseverance, persistence, and resilience, which calls for self-discipline.
Rather than believing that some people are born to be doctors, it's healthier to believe that people are born with potential and talents that can be applied to a variety of activities. There are doctors who are also excellent artists or musicians, and these talents have helped them in their medical careers because they were able to see the similarities between being a doctor and an artist or musician. Some of the best surgeons even play specific music while operating, as it helps them perform the surgery. The operation becomes a physical expression of the music they hear.
Hey Mustafa, I like the idea of reframing challenges but it doesn't answer the question of if medical school is difficult or what the student should expect. Do you have any advice around that?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Mustafa Khan
Neurologist, Theoretical Physicist
36
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Mustafa’s Answer
Many people have already discussed the necessary preparation and commitment required to enter and succeed in medical school, and I wholeheartedly agree. Preparing for medical school is a full-time endeavor that requires complete dedication if you aim to gain admission into a reputable institution. This commitment involves adopting a new lifestyle, distinctly different from others. This transformation is eloquently conveyed in the oaths physicians take upon entering or graduating from medical school, such as the Oath of Maimonides and the Hippocratic Oath.
Prospective students must be prepared for long hours of intense work and limited social activities. The competition is fierce, and the acceptance standards are high, designed to attract those capable and willing to endure the demanding life of a medical student and, eventually, a physician.
Preparation should ideally begin as early as middle school or at least high school. It's crucial to maintain an excellent or near-perfect GPA and aim for a perfect score on the MCAT. While perfection might be unattainable, striving for it will yield a competitive score.
The sheer volume of information to be memorized and understood can be daunting. However, as you progress from the first year to the clinical years (3rd and 4th), you'll start to apply this knowledge. It's not just about keeping up with textbook knowledge; staying updated with the latest research and developments through journal reading is equally important.
Memorization might initially be stressful, but it gets easier over time as information across different medical fields is interconnected, aiding recall. As you advance through the years, your mind adapts to this new lifestyle, and with increasing experience comes a growing sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. This prepares you for your role as a practicing clinician upon graduation.
Reading about the history of medicine and the lives of great physicians can serve as a morale booster during the overwhelming days and nights.
Prospective students must be prepared for long hours of intense work and limited social activities. The competition is fierce, and the acceptance standards are high, designed to attract those capable and willing to endure the demanding life of a medical student and, eventually, a physician.
Preparation should ideally begin as early as middle school or at least high school. It's crucial to maintain an excellent or near-perfect GPA and aim for a perfect score on the MCAT. While perfection might be unattainable, striving for it will yield a competitive score.
The sheer volume of information to be memorized and understood can be daunting. However, as you progress from the first year to the clinical years (3rd and 4th), you'll start to apply this knowledge. It's not just about keeping up with textbook knowledge; staying updated with the latest research and developments through journal reading is equally important.
Memorization might initially be stressful, but it gets easier over time as information across different medical fields is interconnected, aiding recall. As you advance through the years, your mind adapts to this new lifestyle, and with increasing experience comes a growing sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. This prepares you for your role as a practicing clinician upon graduation.
Reading about the history of medicine and the lives of great physicians can serve as a morale booster during the overwhelming days and nights.
Scott Adler
Physician (recently retired)
30
Answers
Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Good morning John. So I will be honest, medical school is a grind! But by the time you have made it into medical school, you will know that you have the ability to make it through as it has already been a tough path to get accepted. That it is a grind is not to say there is no fun, there is plenty but the rigorous studies clearly come first. At times it can be intense but you are going through it with other people, people who will turn out to be lifelong friends. I do not know where you are in terms of school but if medicine is really something that calls to you, don't let the fear of a lot of hard work dissuade you. Good luck!
Kathan Patel
Doctor
10
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Kathan’s Answer
Medical school is indeed a rigorous journey, but it's an enriching one if you're truly committed to the field of medicine. Here are some strategies to help you thrive:
Maintain Order: Adhere to a disciplined study routine and always stay ahead of assignments and deadlines.
Establish a Supportive Network: Create a circle of supportive friends, family, and peers. Participating in study groups can be advantageous.
Prioritize Self-Care: Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and balanced nutrition are crucial for sustaining your energy and concentration.
Leverage Available Resources: Make good use of professors, tutors, and resources provided by your institution. Never hesitate to seek help.
Keep the Flame Alive: Always remember your ultimate goal and let your enthusiasm for medicine propel you during tough times.
Remember, your perseverance and dedication will pave your way to a successful future in this gratifying field!
Maintain Order: Adhere to a disciplined study routine and always stay ahead of assignments and deadlines.
Establish a Supportive Network: Create a circle of supportive friends, family, and peers. Participating in study groups can be advantageous.
Prioritize Self-Care: Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and balanced nutrition are crucial for sustaining your energy and concentration.
Leverage Available Resources: Make good use of professors, tutors, and resources provided by your institution. Never hesitate to seek help.
Keep the Flame Alive: Always remember your ultimate goal and let your enthusiasm for medicine propel you during tough times.
Remember, your perseverance and dedication will pave your way to a successful future in this gratifying field!