how do i get through medical school without giving up?

i graduated med school in 1993. i was so spent that i took a year off before tackling residency. i'm well aware of the toll that 4 years of medical school takes on young minds.

my first advice is to know (and write down) why you're putting yourself through this ordeal. no one else knows why you're doing this. all of your professors, colleagues, and patients will assume that you've made a firm commitment. so whenever you're beaten down and waiver in that commitment you'll need something (or someone) to refer back to and remind you of your reasons.

it might be because of a previous medical experience. or a family member in the medical field who encouraged you. or it could be that you want to return to your community to offer your skills. or it could be the intellectual challenge. or maybe it's something more shallow like money or prestige.

secondly, find a group of friends. making it through medical school is exceedingly difficult when done alone. it's near impossible to stay on top of every subject and every medical condition. but a study group helps to bridge that gap. and it's also less lonely that way.

third, know when to focus. i loved to exercise and play sports. really, really helped with the stress. maybe you highly value time with your family, spouse, or children. maybe you cooking, or reading, or some other hobby. but remember that there will be crunch times, like right before an exam, when you must put those activities on hold.

fourth, i'll throw this out there but it might not be what you want to hear. you should have a fall back plan in case you don't make it. many don't. maybe you get EMT training. or phlebotomy training. or a pharmacy degree. or a physical therapy degree. or a nursing degree. etc, etc.

good luck!

Hi Daliah - yes, Medical School can be tough just like other goals you will set for yourself. It is not so much the school to get through, usually the Residency is the grueling part, long hours, lack of sleep, but just think of what you will have and continue to accomplish. You will be helping people, saving lives, find cures, who knows the wonderful possibilities. There will be many resources and you will be surrounding yourself in school with others going through the same thing. There are some great blogs and people to follow that are in medical school now and those who have obtained their medical degrees, they share some great tips and advice is awesome as they are in the trenches and loving it. Focus on the goal - Dr. Daliah S. and don't let anything break your spirit or stride, your strength and positive outlook comes from within and just feed yourself mentally the right stuff and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do this - you can do anything you set your mind to do!! Good luck and much success to you!