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How should i stay engaged and not give up during med school. What are some helpful tips for this? #Spring24?

I sometimes have bad study habits and often get waves of no motivation. How can i help with this?

healthcare biology
Thank you comment icon You have to evaluate yourself and figure out what you want to do with ur future and why? Trust me if you want it that bad, you will do whatever it take to succeed. Right now you sound like you are already talking ourself out of it. If your fiance really loves you, they would support you no matter what L. M.
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Dawn’s Answer

Good Morning, Ava,

Thank you for this question, and one I can totally relate to!

Congratulations on taking steps to becoming a doctor! It's a noble and well needed profession, and you will help countless individuals throughout your career!

I was never in med school, but I was in nursing school, and the amount of information that we're required to learn can be a daunting task when it comes to "hunkering down" and studying. At times, I found myself getting overwhelmed with the amount of material I needed to learn which led to not being motivated to pick it back up right away forcing me to "cram study" before exams (which I don't recommend as I found it to be more daunting than studying a little every day).

I get it.

This is normal. It's also part of the process of learning, growing, and finding out what works best for you to learn the material you need to be able to advance in your studies and career.

I recently read an article about "rituals", and how having a ritual can help with focus. This is something I practice daily, and found it has helped me.

For example, each morning I wake up, make coffee, feed my dog, and know that right after I do this, I sit down with my coffee and read two chapters in a book for 1 of the 2 courses I am currently taking (I also work 3 days a week). At 8:30 PM, I spend time reading a book in the other course for an hour or so before I go to bed. Now, depending on any assignments I have that are pending in either of these courses, I will "triage", if you will, and devote either one those times (morning or bedtime) to one or the other, or both. Either way, I have now established a ritual that keeps me focused on learning the material I set out to learn and on track to attain my goals of certification in both courses I am taking.

This is just an example of what I do. Now, what may work for me, may not work for you, but perhaps trying out different rituals of your own may have some benefit to help boost motivation and keep you engaged in your classes. You can practice your ritual anywhere: at home, in school, or outside. Whatever works for YOU.

Writing out a schedule on a white board or calendar can also help. This is something else I did when I went back for my BSN. It served as a visual motivator to look at daily letting me know which classes and reading I needed to devote my energy to, and also it provided accountability to myself to ensure I was meeting my goals in a timely manner. Each day I was able to check off a box next to my goal for that day, and believe me when I tell you, us nurses LOVE to check off boxes and see our completed assignments!

I invite you to think about these questions:

1. What's one small change you can incorporate and commit to each day that would help you stay engaged and on track with your studies? (ie: developing a ritual or another method that could work for you)

2. What visuals would you be willing to put in place to hold yourself accountable in maintaining your goals? (ie: Post It Notes, Calendar, White Board, etc)

Be patient with yourself. It took some time for me to develop a rhythm in devoting time to study, and it may take time for you as well.

Try different methods, and guaranteed you'll find what works best for you. YOU'VE GOT THIS!
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Hailey’s Answer

Through nursing school, I always found focusing on my goals always helped me to stay on task. Remember why you began this journey and where you plan to end up. You can do it!
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Nimi’s Answer

Focus on Your "Why":

Remind yourself why you embarked on this journey. Visualize yourself as a doctor, helping patients.
Is there a specific area of medicine you're passionate about? Keep that in mind during challenging times.
Study Smarter, Not Harder: Find your study style: Experiment with different techniques like flashcards, spaced repetition, or group study to find what works best for you.
Active learning is key: Don't just passively read – explain concepts to yourself, create practice questions, or teach others.
Prioritize Self-Care: Schedule breaks and relaxation time: A burnt-out brain is less efficient. Exercise, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones can help you recharge.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat nutritious food, get enough sleep, and manage stress through techniques like meditation or yoga.
Build a Support System: Connect with classmates: Form study groups, share resources, and commiserate with those who understand your struggles.
Seek out mentors: Talk to professors, residents, or practicing doctors for guidance and inspiration.
Don't be afraid to ask for help: Utilize your school's resources like tutoring centers or mental health services.
Celebrate Your Achievements: Recognize and reward yourself for milestones, big or small. This reinforces positive behaviors and keeps you motivated.
Maintain a healthy perspective: Focus on your progress, not comparing yourself to others.
Remember, everyone feels overwhelmed at times. These tips will help you navigate the challenges and stay on track for your future as a doctor!
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