Medical School: Expectations vs. Reality (first year)
I’m now 4 weeks into my second year at medical school. I thought it was only right to look back on my first year. After winning a war to get a place, I inevitably had high expectations of one of the top academic institutions in the world. Before heading into my first year I kind of had a good picture of what to expect and having completed two degrees beforehand, I developed a tolerance of high academic demands.
Plus, I knew that it wasn’t a good idea to focus all of my time and energy on studying and grades to the detriment of everything else (I was once a victim of this philosophy — that’s for another day).
Despite this, a few adjustments in my views were needed along the way — especially with managing the extra-curricular activities I voluntarily imposed on myself.
Here, I will break down my expectations vs. the realities of medical school from my perspective.
Expectation: Enough time to keep up with all my interests.
Reality: Prioritisation is vital.
After reflecting on a succession of all-nighters acquired during my previous degrees and developing a personal time management system to ‘fit-it-all-in’, I thought it would be possible to fit in all my many hobbies at medical school. I soon found out that this was not possible. I had to choose what activities I wanted to focus on in my first year and schedule other hobbies or projects across the later years of medical school.
I found myself managing my energy levels to make sure I had enough for tasks that required laser-focus. However, prioritising made me look for ways to combine tasks and be more strategic with my time use. The 80/20 rule by Pareto states that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts meaning I figured out what tasks, hobbies etc. gave me most bang for the buck.
Expectation: Make 100s of friends.
Reality: Time for social interaction is limited.
I had an overambitious target of attending as many events as I could, especially non-medic events, and make many friends. But I soon realised that many of the events either ended when I got home or started when it was time for me to go to sleep or going to an event would postpone progress in my other commitments.
Again, it comes down to priorities. My priority for first year was getting work experience and building my business, which meant a lot of my time was spent at my flat or at university to keep on top of work — it was what it was. The fact of the matter is you’ll most likely be spending most of your time at the medical school building.
Maintaining self-discipline and a routine was important to me. Something had to give. Something had to go. It’s important to accept that as a medical student you can’t do it all.
My approach to covering as much as possible (university work, extra-curricular activities etc.) is having a theme for each year where you would immerse yourself in only a few activities or projects to make them worth your while. Focus on deep immersion with experiences instead of fleeting quick exposure.
Deep experiences make university memorable. Manage a few friends and develop deep relationships with them instead of juggling many people who you wouldn’t be able to keep up with. Also, accept that you won’t have many things in common with everyone but still make an effort to get along.
Expectation: Not much support for those who are entrepreneurial-minded.
Reality: The medical school has a strong enterprise focus integrated into the MBChB curriculum.
I went into my first year expecting a majority focus on clinical and communication skills and the rest of the stuff that makes one become a good doctor in the traditional sense. That’s what I had read on a prospectus. It’s well-known that in the medical field it can take a lot of time before today’s innovative ideas become tomorrow’s practice (although that is changing with the current technology revolution) — in many ways, tradition rules. I thought enterprise and entrepreneurship was taboo at medical school.
Then, soon enough, opportunities flew into my face. I was introduced to SPARK by one of my tutors and one thing that shocked me most was the new MBChB Enterprise Programme, of which I was fortunate enough to have received a place. Starting in my second year, I will be in the first intake of medical students in the world to personalise a medical degree with enterprise, which to me is a privilege and great opportunity. I was in the right place at the right time.
At first, I had a feeling that I would have to pretty much develop my business, MyStudentFitness, alone — I was thirsty for guidance. To realise that I will be getting world-class education and support in enterprise and entrepreneurship to help me develop my entrepreneurial inclinations once again confirmed that Leeds was the right place for me.
Expectation: Master a topic by just learning lecture notes and reading books.
Reality: You learn and remember more by applying knowledge to real-life patients.
As I came from an academic background that was heavily theory-based (which isn’t my preferred style), I thought much of medicine could be learnt by memorising textbooks (well that’s what you spend most of your time doing as any type of student right?). This was until I developed a stronger appreciation of the individuality of sign and symptom presentation during my clinical placements.
Whilst observing doctors and other healthcare professionals examine patients, I quickly realised that coming to a diagnosis wasn’t always easy. You can’t use a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. A lot of information is required that acts as jigsaw pieces to paint a complete picture.
Completing the puzzle requires a combination of specialist knowledge, application ability, pattern recognition and strong communication skills. These skills will take years to acquire and will involve far more than just reading textbooks for hours on end. Plus, textbooks can become outdated rather quickly so cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning is essential.
As a medical student take any opportunity to complete work experience and internships in your interests, especially in your earlier years of medical school when you have the most free time. Explore outside of your textbooks and lecture notes.
Expectation: Burnout will happen at some point. Just accept it as part and parcel of a medical career.
Reality: Balance can be achieved when you work at a good pace.
Burnout is defined as a ‘state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress’. This has been the case for a number of later-stage medical students I’ve spoken to, not to mention many doctors too. But after close examination a huge reason for burnout is habits.
If you have a tendency to overwork, and not take breaks when you can, you increase your chances of burnout.
If you have a balanced approach to work and relaxation you will reduce your stress levels and better cope with the demands. You’ll sense when your plate is full and learn when to say ‘No’ when you need to.
I spent my first year testing systems which allowed me to keep on top of studying, building my business, exercising regularly and socialising (within reason). It was successfully implemented, and I was able to cope with the demands of first year successfully with a lot left in the tank for an 8-week summer research internship.
As the years go by, I will keep refining my system to ensure I maintain high energy levels and focus. My tips would be to look at your priorities and split them up on your schedule to ensure you lead a balanced student lifestyle and make sure you listen to your body.
If you need a break, take a break. Never compare your stress tolerance to someone else’s; we all have different thresholds, and these should be respected. Taking a day or two off to recover or chill out won’t make or break you. That’s a promise. Remember marathon runners don’t sprint for most of a race.
Go into medical school with realistic expectations, develop a plan of attack and enjoy the ride.
Until next time.
