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what is the hardest thing about studying medicine and what advice do you have for students aspiring to be doctors?

i want to be a doctor but my biggest fear is that medical school will be too much for me to handle

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Jonathan’s Answer

Something that comes to mind for me is "you don't have to if you want to" - medical school and even work post-training can be hard at time but if you know yourself and you know why you are pursuing medicine or something else as a career/profession then you will find ways to make it work.

Functionally, I'd say some of the harder things about medical school training are figuring out how you learn best and working with that to get through what is required as a pre-graduate and graduate student. For me the group settings of lectures were not the best places I learned - for me I learned best reading through the information myself typically in coffee shops so I didn't have the emptiness of a library. It was also figuring out ways to not have my life completely absorbed by medical studies (because life is about more than your training/job).
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Kess’s Answer

Hello, Hema!

Great question!

Medical school is very challenging. The people who get into medical school are the ones who usually excel in undergrad. There are some exceptions but for the most part, these are the students that find undergrad relatively easy.

Medical school is not like that. It's hard, and stressful, and tbh, kind of terrible. If you do pursue it, the best advice I can give you is to schedule time off to take care of yourself. Don't use every waking moment doing school stuff. Try to take a day off a week or at least half a day.
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Mandy’s Answer

Training to be a doctor is very hard, it's true. But if you are passionate about taking care of people, you work hard at studying, and you have big goals for your life, you can go far in this field.
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Richeal’s Answer

Medical school is a wonderful place to be. The role as a human being you would learn to be sympathetic and you will learn to be empathetic. I can assure you that you will be stressed! There will be times when you would question whether medicine is the right fit for you, but at the end of the day, it is up to you to always remind yourself of why you wanted to become a doctor because you will need to do that on a daily basis to keep you going. There will be times when you will feel like quitting or you will feel like it is too difficult and then, the reason why he entered medical school would help you to get you going when he gets tough!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Hema,

The Biggest Challenge in Pursuing Medicine:

Embarking on a medical education journey is indeed an uphill task, demanding unwavering commitment, tenacity, and resilience. The most daunting aspect of this journey is the colossal amount of information that students must absorb and retain. The curriculum of a medical school is extensive, encompassing subjects from anatomy and physiology to pharmacology and pathology. The depth and intricacy of medical knowledge can be intimidating for many students, particularly when coupled with the stress to excel academically.

Additionally, the stringent nature of medical education necessitates long study hours, clinical rotations, and practical exams. Juggling academic obligations with clinical duties and personal life is a formidable challenge for budding doctors. The heavy workload and lofty expectations can trigger stress, burnout, and feelings of incompetence among medical students.

Guidance for Future Doctors:

Stay Organized: Cultivate efficient study habits, formulate a study timetable, and rank tasks to manage your time effectively. Keep abreast of your coursework and clinical duties to prevent lagging behind.

Seek Support: Don't shy away from seeking help when necessary. Be it soliciting advice from professors, forming study circles with classmates, or utilizing mental health resources, having a support network can significantly ease the rigors of medical school.

Practice Self-Care: Prioritizing your physical, mental, and emotional health throughout your medical education is crucial. Allocate time for activities you love, maintain a balanced lifestyle, and strive for equilibrium between your academic endeavors and personal life.

Stay Motivated: Recall the reasons behind your decision to pursue medicine and cling to that passion during tough times. Celebrate your accomplishments, regardless of their size, and stay fixated on your long-term objectives.

Embrace Challenges: Recognize that encountering challenges is an integral part of the learning journey in medicine. Treat hurdles as opportunities for growth and learning rather than insuperable obstacles.

Top 3 Credible Sources Used:

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): The AAMC offers valuable resources and insights into medical education, including details on the medical school application process, curriculum framework, and student support services.

American Medical Association (AMA): The AMA provides advice on various facets of medical education and training, as well as resources for aspiring physicians navigating the intricacies of the healthcare system.

Harvard Medical School: As a globally recognized medical institution, Harvard Medical School's publications and research offer credible views on the challenges of medical education and strategies for success in the medical field.

GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
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Derick’s Answer

Medical school in general is tough! It's long and arborious, stressful, frustrating and just down right Brutal. Now the hardest part will that right there is managing it, if you have a good work ethic, keep yourself motivated, believe in enjoying the fun moments and have a can do attitude when it counts and still able to manage it, I don't see why you can't get through it just fine. Remember, school is the easy part in health care.
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Scott’s Answer

Hello Hema. First of all, aspiring to be a physician is laudable. As an internist, I can tell you it is an extraordinarily rewarding life to lead and though it is a difficult path, it is one worth the effort. Granted it is necessary to be an excellent student but grades are not the only factor in being accepted to medical school. You do not have to choose a specific major though there are some required courses so you can choose a line of study that includes those classes but leaves you other options for your future. If you are accepted, rest assured you will be able to succeed in medical school as you have already passed through a tough gauntlet to get there. There are also many fields related to medicine and by taking a varied course load and studying other areas, you may unexpectedly find fields that interest you even more. Good luck.
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Amalya’s Answer

Every academic discipline has its challenges. So medicine is not an exception. If you are really interested in the field, just make the necessary efforts, keep going and stay motivated: You will succeed if you believe in your strengths!
All the best.
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