3 Things I Learned During My First Year of Medical School
On June 7th I wrapped up my first year of medical school and I haven’t done a single thing since.
The down-time was exactly what I needed but I’m glad to be back at my desk writing this post. It’s been too long. Thank you for still being here.
Today I wanted to share with you 3 of the biggest lessons I learned during my first year of medical school (in addition to a whole bunch of doctor stuff, of course). These are big picture lessons but don’t worry! I plan to share a whole lot more about my first year on here as well as on my YouTube channel in the coming weeks. If you have any specific questions, leave them in a comment and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can! Pinky promise.
1. Your med school #hustlefam is everything.
I don’t think I’ll ever be a group-study person and I’m definitely one of those extroverted introvert types, but the best way to get through medical school is with a squad. I think it’s especially true if you’re a first-gen, low-income, non-white person in a predominantly white, wealthy, and well-connected space. In the spirit of full disclosure, I went through a phase of feeling really freaking lonely in med school. I knew people, I socialized, I shared many laughs, but I still felt really alone. The people I hang out with haven’t changed much from the beginning of the year to now, so I think the resolution of that feeling came as a result of a mindset shift. It took me a while to figure out that all I needed were a real few. I’m happy to report that I’ve found my people, and I’m feeling more excited than ever to tackle the next 3 years with them by my side. My #hustlefam is everything.
2. You are always ‘capable’ of giving more… but that doesn’t mean you should.
This past year was the most time- and energy-consuming year of my formal education yet. The material isn’t anymore difficult but there is a whole lot more of it and everything we learn feels deeply personal. I’m studying medicine in the city I call home, in a neighborhood I adore, serving a patient population that reminds me of my family. Our seminar discussions are difficult, and switching between Harlem Mez and Columbia Mez is exhausting. So while I still feel so blessed to be on the path that I am on and for the opportunities I’ve been afforded, this year served up a painful reminder that all of it came (and continues to come) at an extraordinary personal price. And for that reason, I’ve implemented BOUNDARIES. I pour out only when my cup runneth over. I engage in difficult convos only when I have the bandwidth for them. I focus on doing my best. You are always capable of giving more, but that doesn’t mean you should.
3. Learn it. Don’t study it.
It felt wrong to leave those of you who might be looking for some concrete pre-med advice without a study pointer to wrap up this post. I’ve been a learner all of my life but med school truly tested (and often trumped) my capacity to learn and not memorize. There is so much material all of the time, and it can be really hard to keep anything beyond your final exams in sight. But I found med school far more enjoyable when I forgot about the exam and focused on my future patients. Instead of sitting down to study, I sit down to learn. Only then do I truly get to appreciate everything I am being taught. I haven’t perfected it, but I think a small shift in perspective can make a huge difference. Don’t study it. Learn it.
October 2019 - Studying from the top floor of our education center.
March 2020 - Transitioning into virtual learning with the start of our Cardiology block.
And with that… I’m 25% doctor and officially an M2. It feels like yesterday I was submitting my AMCAS and waiting for interview invitations. If that’s where you are, it won’t be long until you find yourself here. Keep going. I hope this post encourages you to reflect in some way, shape, or form. Thank you for reading. I appreciate you. xx
