Libbie
Is medical school as hard as people make it out to be?
I would appreciate a professional of someone currently attending medical school to answer this question. I also would like to know what areas make it hard. I am thinking about choosing that career path but I'm a little hesitant about all the school one must take, as well as which areas make it difficult. Your answer is greatly appreciated and will help me make further decisions in my path. Thank you! #doctor #medicine #nurse #healthcare #surgery #medical-education #mental-health #emergency-room
2 answers
Douglas Romney
Douglas’s Answer
I finished medical school in 2013 but I don't think too much has changed about the experience since then. Everyone handles medical school differently but yes, it certainly is challenging for everyone. The volume of material is overwhelming and you have to dedicate almost all of your time to studying medicine. This can be socially isolating and stressful, especially since everyone you are competing with is also extremely intelligent and motivated. Some people find the first part of training, which is mostly book learning, to be very challenging since they want to be working in the hospital. Once you get to the hospital though, others struggle because you have to be ready to work in the hospital nearly every day and your "off" days are filled with laundry, studying, etc. After medical school you will have a residency which ranges from 1 year for general practice to a decade or more for subspecialty training. Residency can be even more difficult than medical school for many trainees.
However, medicine is incredibly rewarding, you meet and associate with incredible people, and get to touch lives in a unique way. I wish you all the best luck!
Thank you for answering me, Dr. Romney! I found this answer to be very helpful. I'm thinking that I'll give it my best shot, and if that doesn't work out, I'll have a backup plan, because I am willing to sacrifice a lot but if I just can't do it I think it'd be good to keep another field in mind. How did you keep yourself so focused on studying? Do you have any tips for me?
Libbie
