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How to succeed in medical school

I am planning on attending medical school but have heard that it can be mentally and emotionally draining. What is the best advice for not only doing well academically but also being mentally healthy in medical school?
#medicine #medicalschool #mentalhealth

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Thank you comment icon Consistent study habits and not cramming is helpful. Also, if you study better in a group find a study group and if you study better alone, find a quiet place to study. It’s also important to take breaks, get plenty of rest and occasionally celebrate! The first two years of medical school, my two best friends and I would go out and eat and to a movie after a big exam. Now granted we were often still hyper after the exam and chatted during the movie which I’m sure annoyed people but we did something fun together. You are going to be amazing in medical school! Congratulations 🎉 Candace Bellamy
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Sean’s Answer

Rachel, you already have what it takes to make it through medial school. Your motivation to make a clear decision of what career path you want to take is the starting point of being focused to complete medical school. Likewise, it is necessary for you to have a great deal of self-efficacy as you engage in your courser work. Never fall into the trap of thinking you are not smart enough for the course work. And, only focus on the positive outcomes of why you want to be a doctor. To help with mental pressures of school, you should engage in some sort of fitness activity on a daily basis, even if its for short amount of time. For example, you can jog in the morning, or take a quick walk before your day starts. Moreover, keeping in touch with family and friends helps you stay social, which is also paramount to mental health. Remember, negative minded people will also have an natural impact on your own mental outlook. To combat this, you should understand that other peoples actions and negativity can sway your emotions (Rock & Schwartz, 2006). Therefore, tell yourself that you are motivated, that you are in charge of your own emotions, and prepared to meet the challenges of school at all times.


Rock, D., & Schwartz, J. (2006). The neuroscience of leadership. Strategy+ business, 43.

Sean recommends the following next steps:

Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
Limit Netflix to almost nothing
Use your spare time to socialize with friends, take a walk, visit a national park.
Thank you comment icon Sean - Thank you for your answer. We need more advice like this, now more than ever! There are more than 1k unanswered questions on CV right now. Hoping you'll answer a few more this week! Jordan Rivera, Admin COACH
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Rachel’s Answer

I spent about 8-10 hours per day in class or studying. Wake up at 7, work out, be ready to start studying by 8 or 9. Eat lunch in the library while reading notes or listening to lectures online. I would study until dinner and then sometimes study that night if I hadn't finished preparing for the next day's classes.

That said, you should make some time for friends and community too. Otherwise, you can get depressed and feel very isolated.
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Richard’s Answer

Time management is key. Between lecture, lab and studying, the first 2 years will be grueling. Make sure to leave time for yourself to exercise, eat right and even some socializing.

There will be times during 3rd and 4th year when you will be frustrated by your continued lack of skills and knowledge but just remember that there will be plenty of time to master your specialty during residency.
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