4 answers
Connie
Student
1
Question
Updated
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How would you best describe the process of medical school ? What are some of the main challenges, and how did you overcome them?
I am a high school graduate hoping to go into medical school and would appreciate your advice on navigating the challenges of medical school. What are some of the main challenges, and how did you overcome them? How do you balance intensive study with other interests and spending time with loved ones? Is there a lot of study material overlap between medical assistant, nursing, and midwifery training? ?
Your thoughts are appreciated!
Thank you!
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4 answers
Rita Chuang
Physician
259
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
This is your timeline:
4 years college
4 years medical school
minimum 3 years internship and residency
Main challenges for me and what I would do now:
1. Volume of knowledge I needed to memorize-I would work as a medical scribe whenever you can. Some people say medical school was not difficult. I think it's how much you need to memorize. If you memorize fast, you should be fine. I was slow. If you work as a medical scribe, you are being introduced to medicine and how doctors think. You will see common diseases over and over again. When you go to medical school, it will be so much easier because you have already been introduced to the information.
2. Dealing with patients-My personality is a people pleaser and introvert. I tried to make everyone happy and then I seemed to make no one happy including myself. I would try to take classes on how to deal with difficult people. I would try to take classes to learn to speak up because they love those students in medical school. You need to learn to set boundaries with patients. Set your expectations on early. I have 15-20 minutes with you today so I'd like to address the 3 most important problems. Most patients come in with a laundry list of questions and it's exhausting and honestly, irritating.
3. Time management. I think I work pretty fast. I type while the patient is speaking to me but unfortunately, some became irritated because they thought I was spending so much time on the computer instead of looking at them. I think this will change for you because with AI, they will probably be able to generate a note without you typing by the time you leave the room. I work up early 6:30 to start refilling medications, answer questions, review documents. Between patients, I'd do the same thing. You need to learn to work fast because it's not just seeing patients. It's constant questions, notes, Xray, labs, refills. A recent article stated most doctors spend 60 hours a week on work.
I don't know how to say this but I think your loved ones will suffer. There are only so many hours in the day and you need to decide how you are going to spend your time. Are you going to be working or spending it with your family? You decide that.
There is overlap in medicine but there is so much medicine to learn that you cannot learn it all and you just need to keep reviewing.
4 years college
4 years medical school
minimum 3 years internship and residency
Main challenges for me and what I would do now:
1. Volume of knowledge I needed to memorize-I would work as a medical scribe whenever you can. Some people say medical school was not difficult. I think it's how much you need to memorize. If you memorize fast, you should be fine. I was slow. If you work as a medical scribe, you are being introduced to medicine and how doctors think. You will see common diseases over and over again. When you go to medical school, it will be so much easier because you have already been introduced to the information.
2. Dealing with patients-My personality is a people pleaser and introvert. I tried to make everyone happy and then I seemed to make no one happy including myself. I would try to take classes on how to deal with difficult people. I would try to take classes to learn to speak up because they love those students in medical school. You need to learn to set boundaries with patients. Set your expectations on early. I have 15-20 minutes with you today so I'd like to address the 3 most important problems. Most patients come in with a laundry list of questions and it's exhausting and honestly, irritating.
3. Time management. I think I work pretty fast. I type while the patient is speaking to me but unfortunately, some became irritated because they thought I was spending so much time on the computer instead of looking at them. I think this will change for you because with AI, they will probably be able to generate a note without you typing by the time you leave the room. I work up early 6:30 to start refilling medications, answer questions, review documents. Between patients, I'd do the same thing. You need to learn to work fast because it's not just seeing patients. It's constant questions, notes, Xray, labs, refills. A recent article stated most doctors spend 60 hours a week on work.
I don't know how to say this but I think your loved ones will suffer. There are only so many hours in the day and you need to decide how you are going to spend your time. Are you going to be working or spending it with your family? You decide that.
There is overlap in medicine but there is so much medicine to learn that you cannot learn it all and you just need to keep reviewing.
Thank you for taking the time to answer! I appreciate it! 😁
Connie
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
160
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
Medical school is a lot like college, actually. You have to go to classes (although far too many just use note services) and do homework and work to learn the large amount of information you need in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical medicine. You get to care for patients under direct supervision by attendings, and usually residents and/or fellows. All work hard to help you, and to make sure you do not harm patients. As a medical student you do histories and physical exams, and do your best to come up with diagnoses and treatment plans - but you are not allowed to actually write orders, so more senior people tell you if they agree or disagree with your assessment and plan, and why. Remember that some of our best learning is through making "mistakes".
There is a methodology to medicine. You gather objective data, get some subjective inputs from your patients, nurses, family members (and your own experiences as they grow), and synthesize those into a differential diagnosis (what could it be?), followed by a plan of action. This plan often includes getting more data through imaging and lab studies - but the more you learn, the fewer such tests you usually need. You will learn how to recognize emergencies and urgencies, and differentiate those that require immediate action from those that allow you to gather more data, do some reading, and hone your diagnosis before prescribing therapy. Until we discover therapies that don't have adverse side effects, we need to always question ourselves before "just doing things".
Being in any healthcare field requires similar basic learning about the human body and illness. Physicians just get a lot more training than others.
It is very important to care for one's self while embarking on this voyage. There will be sleepless nights and patients that don't do well and patients/families that get angry with you. Do stop to ask yourself humbly if you can/should do something different, spend more time learning, etc. - but also give yourself the grace to realize you are a human doing your best, dedicated to helping others. Find ways to get the sleep, good nutrition, and exercise you need. Find time to spend with those you love. I, at the end of my career, have far more wonderful memories of friends and family than I do of medicine, even though I had a wonderful career.
There is a methodology to medicine. You gather objective data, get some subjective inputs from your patients, nurses, family members (and your own experiences as they grow), and synthesize those into a differential diagnosis (what could it be?), followed by a plan of action. This plan often includes getting more data through imaging and lab studies - but the more you learn, the fewer such tests you usually need. You will learn how to recognize emergencies and urgencies, and differentiate those that require immediate action from those that allow you to gather more data, do some reading, and hone your diagnosis before prescribing therapy. Until we discover therapies that don't have adverse side effects, we need to always question ourselves before "just doing things".
Being in any healthcare field requires similar basic learning about the human body and illness. Physicians just get a lot more training than others.
It is very important to care for one's self while embarking on this voyage. There will be sleepless nights and patients that don't do well and patients/families that get angry with you. Do stop to ask yourself humbly if you can/should do something different, spend more time learning, etc. - but also give yourself the grace to realize you are a human doing your best, dedicated to helping others. Find ways to get the sleep, good nutrition, and exercise you need. Find time to spend with those you love. I, at the end of my career, have far more wonderful memories of friends and family than I do of medicine, even though I had a wonderful career.
Thank you so much Sir! I really appreciate this! You’re right, all of the learning is so that I can better help each patient.
I also hope that my family life surpasses my career in fulfillment.
I appreciate your thoughts!
Thank you for for your time!
Connie
George Onassis
Flight Medic
1
Answer
Kisumu, Kisumu County, Kenya
Updated
George’s Answer
Medical school presents challenges such as a heavy volume of material, intense academic pressure, and demanding time management. Overcoming these requires setting realistic goals, organizing time carefully with a schedule that includes both study and breaks, building a strong support system, and prioritizing self-care including sufficient rest and mental health.
Balancing intensive study with other interests and loved ones is critical. Scheduling personal time intentionally, communicating clearly about availability, and engaging in hobbies helps reduce stress and maintain healthy relationships.
Regarding overlap in study material, medical assistant, nursing, and midwifery training share foundational topics like anatomy and patient care. However, nursing and midwifery go deeper in clinical skills, and medical school covers broader, more advanced medical sciences.
These strategies and insights can help navigate medical education while maintaining wellbeing and connections
Balancing intensive study with other interests and loved ones is critical. Scheduling personal time intentionally, communicating clearly about availability, and engaging in hobbies helps reduce stress and maintain healthy relationships.
Regarding overlap in study material, medical assistant, nursing, and midwifery training share foundational topics like anatomy and patient care. However, nursing and midwifery go deeper in clinical skills, and medical school covers broader, more advanced medical sciences.
These strategies and insights can help navigate medical education while maintaining wellbeing and connections
Thank you Sir! I appreciate your thoughts!
Connie
Tina Hines
Medical assistant
3
Answers
Portsmouth, Virginia
Updated
Tina’s Answer
Medical science is always evolving and learning how it works is exciting! It is extremely challenging. I slept with my books (35yrs ago) in my bed from studying & even have scratches on my ankles to prove it, lol!! I want to share with you how rewarding it feels to help see patients improve from the care that they receive from caregivers..... it's priceless. As long as you have determination and dedication to your goal of helping others, you will find your way through school. Ask for help if you feel weak in areas as A&P was difficult for me and required more time. When you have a passion for medical science, it doesn't seem like a chore or work. You don't mind giving up free time to study and educate yourself. I would advise you to do it at your own pace so that you are not overwhelmed. And be prepared for all your friends, family and love ones to come to you with medical advice in any specialty. You will be empowered and you can do it with success. Good luck to a rewarding career that never gets old.
Thank you very much Tina! I appreciate your thoughtful response!
Connie