My Future:The Effects of Being a Med Student

The medical field is a career path that brings about many options and opportunities of great value. The noble idea of being a doctor tends to cloud the diligent studying and precise training that is actually required for this career. I have wanted to become a doctor since a very young age, and now that the opportunity is here for the taking, I have fully researched what it takes to succeed in this profession and various specialties of the practice. The road to a medical degree is one filled with thousands of notes, years of schooling, and many stressful nights, but the reward is one incomparable to any other. Saving people’s lives on a day-to-day basis has been one of my dreams for as long as I can remember, so the rigorous curriculum

Just as the institution is eager to continue embracing the ever-changing world of healthcare and medicine, I too embody this same distinguishing characteristic. Throughout my undergraduate experiences I have learned in order to be a steward and servant of the medical profession one must exercise teamwork, service, empathy, accountability, and optimism; all of which coincide with the tenets that are declared by the Meharry Medical College, School of Medicine culture. Attending this medical school would be one of the greatest rewards for my motivation and persistence. I know for certain there would be no greater experience than to be a part of the Meharry Medical College

3. In the practice of medicine, we have the amazing privilege to not only help our patients, but also to learn from them in very unexpected ways. Read the following 2 essays, written recently by students at the University Of Florida College Of Medicine. In the first, a student had a major impact on a young patient on the pediatric surgery service. In the second, the student describes her care for a noncompliant patient. Both made a difference in their patients and both changed and grew through the experience. Pick one, and describe the skills of the author that you notice and think are helpful, then describe how one or both of these stories relate to the kind of physician that you want to be.

For the longest time, the medical field has grown as a part of me. I have been inspired to become a physician since my dad has been a long time patient of type II diabetes and kidney failure. This affected me because as a little girl, I would watch after his health by monitoring what he eats, giving him his insulin shots, and making sure he stays actively up on his feet. My father was the first to detect my natural interest in medicine and taking care of others, so he always kept me involved. What started off as projects in science fairs, turned into knowledge seeking state-wide competitions. My hobby of taking care of other people became a two hour volunteering shift at my high school nurses office. I started attending summer camps that were competitive to get into, and now my major in college is what I will use to get me where I need to be. Although I want to be an Emergency Room Physician, the general ‘doctor guideline’ includes but isn’t limited to common courses in the Bachelor of Sciences (i.e; Chemistry, Biological sciences, Physics, Human genetics). 4-year undergraduate degree program, an addition four years in medical school and a variation of 2-7 years in residency and fellowship (usually split 4:3 years or less)— this varies depending on specialization. Before the admissions of medical school, the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) must be taken and a high score must be achieved.

For as long as I could remember, I have seen my father rushing to the hospital in a white coat, answering pagers in the middle of important family conversations and attending night calls even in the most terrible weather. I had always wondered; what could be so important that it belittles every other responsibility in his life. It was only after many years of anguish and protests that it finally made sense to me. This defining moment of realization occurred when I first met a patient in his office. I saw how the gratitude in the patient’s eyes can provide a sense of fulfillment that triumphs all other feelings in the universe. It was human life that was most important. Being a doctor does not make you a mere healer but also gives you the responsibility of a caregiver. I had never felt more proud of my father and that was the day I felt the urge to relive this feeling many times over. It was there in that moment that I decided to pursue a career in medicine.

When planning my pre-medical schedule at the University of Iowa, I found a first year seminar titled “Journey to Medical School.” All of the fears, ambitions, and everything I could think of regarding my journey to medical school was covered in the seminar. I left the class feeling terrified, but more than that, excited and prepared for what was to come within my next 8 years. One of the class periods was filled with the intellect of students who currently attend Carver Medical School. During that class period, I was mesmerized by the way the students carried themselves. They talked with poise and grace. Listening to them talk about how their journey was going made my heart putter – I was terrified, yet excited to continue on my own

I’ve found that my experiences laboring through three year of medical school to be surprisingly similar to learning another language. Being surrounded by patients, physicians and nurses at the beginning of my 3rd year, I quickly realized the vast amount of clinical knowledge that I have yet to master. Consequently, I found that my learning rate is nowhere quicker than on the

In college, a student must study courses to prepare for medicine, such as biology, chemistry, and some advanced mathematics (“Becoming A Doctor” 1). The first four years, the student would take pre-medical courses while earning their Bachelor’s degree and taking courses that are required for their degree plan. Then the college graduate will advance into medical school, where for four years the student learns about the area of medicine they choose (“Becoming A Doctor” 1). It generally takes seven to eight years to finish a medical doctor’s education (“Becoming A Doctor” 1). After medical school, the graduate will apply for an internship that would last about one year. Then after the internship, they become a resident and practice medicine under the supervision of a senior doctor (“Becoming A Doctor” 1). Altogether, it is about 11 years before one actually becomes an independent doctor (“Becoming A Doctor”

The author speaks upon the residents as, “Lazy and spoiled” (Johnson 2012, para.4). Residents overcome many obstacles along the road in order to achieve their goal with the help of their dedication. Many believe that it takes a high GPA and a slew of experience to get into medical school. Instead of overworking the residences, imposing stricter entrance requirements for medical school applicants should be considered. “Society has become too lax and undisciplined, so the young have no sense of dedication or responsibility as a result” (Johnson 2012, para. 4). However, university admission requirements are increasing every year so as a result it forces students to work harder in order to keep up with their competition. Overall medical residents are knowledgeable and well educated individuals who earned their respect post 8 years of medical

Every typical high school student is required to take math, science, and English courses to graduate to gain a sufficient amount of skills to go off to college and the big world that lies ahead; but college level classes held at a medical center taught by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals is anything but ordinary.

If there was anything I learned last year as a freshman is that the path towards medical school can be mentally deprecating. The classes I took last year challenged my intelligence and mostly challenged my confidence. It is easy to give in to pressure and your own insecurities, especially as an African American entering a career field that is underrepresented by people who reflect you and your struggles. It is trying and a constant battle to empower yourself.

Clinical Depression, or Major Depressive Disorder, is a well-known but little-discussed issue within the medical community. Mental illness is a medical culture taboo. Many people, such as myself, in this community learn to suffer in silence for fear of undermining the future of their own careers by stigmatizing themselves. It wasn’t until I had been out of medical school for several months that I even acknowledge the idea a problem may exist. This phenomenon isn’t even unique to medical schoosl: it carries into residency and even a physician’s professional career. When medical professionals suffer from any untreated illness, it is not only the individuals that bear the consequences but also their coworkers, future physicians, and, maybe most importantly, their patients.

The amount of material and the pace of medical curriculum can present difficulties for many students. Academic success in medical school can be dependent on several qualities of which I posses: adaptability, time management skills, stress and anxiety management, and analytical skills. All of these cognitive abilities are strong indicators of successful medical students.

Another obstacle that threatens success is health and emotional issues present prior to attending school. Fogg (2009) reveals that graduate school has a reputation for triggering and amplifying depression and mental illness, especially in those already afflicted by mental health issues. Depression may prevent the individual from fully engaging in discussions, completing assignments or even reaching one’s full potential. Strategies to overcome these obstacles include complying with prescribed mental health medications, seeking support from the university’s free resource center, and focusing on self-care activities.

I have taken stock of myself, considering my skills, experiences, and goals. I have looked to family and friends, some of whom are doctors, for advice. Because of this self-examination, I have decided to pursue a career in health care. The process has been difficult at times but always illuminating. Throughout it all, I have never lost confidence - the confidence that I will actively absorb all available medical knowledge, forge friendships with fellow students, and emerge from my training as a skilful and caring physician.