6 Ways To Fend Off Frustration Right AfterGraduating From Medical School

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6 ways to fend off frustration right after graduating from medical school

As a medical student, you might have been relatively sheltered and protected in the cocoon of medical school. Upon graduation, you step out of medical school fresh and bright-eyed, eager to make your mark in the medical industry and field of healthcare. However this is no easy route, and as soon as the rose-tinted glasses come off, you might start experiencing feelings of disillusionment and disappointment.

There are ways to circumvent this, and these 6 golden guidelines could be exactly what you need – regardless of whether you’re a young or an experienced doctor:

1. Planning

One of the most foremost things to do is to be proactive. This includes thinking and planning ahead of time for both short-term and long-term work. Everyone in the medical field knows that holding a bachelor’s degree i.e. MBBS alone is not enough to carve a place for yourself in the industry, and there is a long tumultuous journey ahead of you in order to become a specialist. So start planning what you need to do in order to get to where you want to from medical school itself, and keep an eye open for opportunities that appeal to you.

2. Networking

You might have graduated with top-class honours from medical school. But simply having the grades is not going to be enough to accelerate your learning and growth. For that, you need to network. Seniors are one of the best groups of people to approach. They have been through the same hurdles before you, and they understand what steps need to be taken. They are some of the best people who can guide you. Meet them, seek their counsel, and use your own instincts as well. Don’t be afraid to step out of your close circle of friends, and grab any opportunity you get to meet and build up your base of contacts. This will definitely pay off in the end.

3. Electives / Observerships

During your undergraduate years, make sure to do electives and observerships at various hospitals to acquire practical experience and knowledge. Spend time with the doctors and patients in order to get the maximum level of medical exposure as possible.

4. Medicine has a long learning curve

Medicine is not a profession that allows for shortcuts. It requires your time and attention, generally more so than in other professions. Medicine has a long learning curve that is practically unending; every one of the hurdles you encounter along this curve is a factor in moulding you into a polished physician. The sense of satisfaction and fulfilment that you will get at the end of the day when providing optimal care and treatment for your patients is definitely worth all those tears and sleepless nights.

5. Deciding which field you fit into

Try to learn about the many different specializations that exist out there starting from medical school. The first four guidelines mentioned above should help to direct you towards deciding at least which branch you would like to go into following your graduation and internship: Medicine or Surgery. Make a sound decision after careful research and contemplation, and channel all your efforts and focus towards the discipline that appeals to you the most.

6. Be prepared

The medical industry is unbelievably huge. Slowly prepare yourself for your time after graduation. Do not get disheartened or belittle yourself. There is a path which is designed for you and in which you are meant to be. It might take a while for you to find your anchor, but have faith in yourself and move forward; you will find it.

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