The 5 things medical school taught me
I am NOT a superhuman. Jump back to me in my undergraduate degree determined to do my own notes for every single class and make my own flashcards and study materials…that Mel didn’t even know what was waiting for her in Naturopathic medical school! I’ve learnt to rely on others more, offer my own notes/study materials as much as possible and ask for help when I need it. When you really think about it, the more we raise the people up around us, the more efficient we can all learn the material, the better doctors we can become and the stronger our profession can be!
It is OK to question things. But seriously, it is. There was a point in my first year of medical school when I just felt like I absorbing the information being spoken to me and it was relatively mindless. Now, with more training and understanding under my belt, I’m not afraid to ask for research articles or challenge old thinking patterns in order to really learn where I stand on a topic. This constant questioning can be tiring but it leads you down some really awesome literature wormholes where you can really, really learn. So please, don’t shy away from asking questions just because you feel like its opposite from what is being presented!
This is a sacrifice. Let’s face it, any of us who chose to pursue more schooling after our undergraduate degree, or even after high school for that matter understand that this is a sacrifice. Instead of being out there in the world making money and enjoying Saturday parties and Sunday morning brunch, we are constantly working…BUT always remember why you chose to do what you’re doing and know that your glory is coming.
The work-life balance is an ongoing challenge. Every now and then I’m like, oh I totally have this figured out…and then other times I totally don’t (or at least my Apple Watch likes to remind me I’m not hitting my target…). Be patient with yourself, this isn’t a linear learning curve, we got a few highs and lows before we reach a steady state and that is OK.
You are NOT alone. I’m so grateful for the community I have built at my school and with some truly incredible doctors that mentor me both professionally and in my personal life, I wouldn’t be able to make it through without these people. We have each other through this and if you can do it then I can do it and we can do this thing called life together!