Life as a Medical Student: 5 Things You Have to Know

The life of medical students isn’t simple and we all know it. Medical school is considered one of the hardest educational institutions a student can enroll into. However, it is rewarding both financially and mentally. Becoming a doctor is a life-changing endeavor that only the bravest and kindest people choose to undertake.

Since it is hard, most students give up even before testing the medical waters. There are so many myths about the life of a medical student that are simply off-putting. However, studying medicine can be the greatest and most fulfilling thing you’ll ever go through in life. If you know the five things below, you are definitely ready for the challenge.

1.    Yes, You Really Need All That Information

Everything you’ll learn as a medical student will serve you in your future career. Studying medicine isn’t like studying math equations that most people don’t ever use in life. When it comes to medicine, you need to know so much information.

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So, when you study dozens of difficult subjects during your medical students life, don’t just try to memorize them just to pass your exams. As a doctor, you’ll have an obligation and unique power over people’s lives. Your goal, job and promise will be to do your best to save and help people. For this, you’ll need that knowledge to last.

Studying anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology is important. There’s no subject that’s more important than the next one since you might need any of these when making an important diagnosis or treating a patient. So, starting with basic things like what home blood pressure machine to use to how to treat a life-threatening disease – you should try to keep your professional knowledge fresh and truly wide.

2.    It Won’t Be Easy

I’m not saying this to scare you off. In fact, a career in medicine is the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. But, be prepared for a hard, yet worthy journey. Medical students have more to study, more classes to attend, and many practicals that will take up a great deal of time. Out of all students, medical students have the least free time.

Be mentally ready for an exhausting period. If you are, you’ll find a way to juggle everything much faster and easier. With the right schedule, you can make everything happen.

If you can’t do it on your own, learn to delegate. Ask for help or get tutoring to be able to focus on the things that are more important in the moment. It won’t be easy, but once you’re certified and start working, it will be the greatest decision you’ve made in your life.

3.    It Isn’t All About the Medicine

Most students think that when they enroll into a medical school, it will all be about studying anatomy, biology, and basically – medicine. But, it isn’t that way. The scope of medicine is much bigger than this. In addition to studying the body of patients, you’ll also have to learn their behavioral patterns, boost your communication skills, and learn how to work under pressure and in complex situations.

Medicine requires a great deal of skills, so don’t be afraid to get yourself out there. Mingle with people, start relationships with people in the field, explore different opinions and points of view.  This is all vital to being a doctor and more importantly, it allows you to have a life outside of medicine, too. When you have to study real hard, you definitely need a break from all of it.

4.    Medicine Isn’t All about Pictures and Books

Subjects like anatomy can’t be learned just by watching pictures or others performing their tasks. If you want to be a success, you’ll need practice. You can’t know it all just from reading books. Unless you get involved with scalpels, even if it is on a dummy, you won’t be able to treat patients properly.

While at school, you must try to get as much hands-on experience as you possibly can. Practice makes perfect, especially in medicine.

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 5.    You’ll Never Stop Learning

Medicine changes every single minute. This means that, even if you get certified, you won’t stop learning. And you shouldn’t. There are amazing medical discoveries that change the world for the better. Be prepared to study for life. The more practice you have, the better doctor you’ll become. The more interested you are in learning about medicine, the more fulfilled will your life be.

Conclusion

Are you ready to hop on the medical train? It’s the most satisfactory job in the world, and not just in the financial sense! So, roll up your sleeves and start working on the greatest career you can ever pursue.

Author’s Bio:

Connie Elser is a career consultant for students who finished or are just about to graduate from college. She believes that people should pursue their passion instead of financial prospects. According to Elser, if the job does not make you happy, you’ll never do it well.