Today, not unlike a second-year med student, I planned to study at my house all day. When I told this to my friend, she said, “It’s beautiful outside! You can’t stay indoors.” I looked out my window and decided she was right. Clear blue West Texas skies beckoned me into my backyard, where I lay on a hammock with my iPad, gently swinging as I read about chronic gastritis and H. pylori. Music from my favorite soundtrack played from my headphones. I was happy. This is quite a different picture from the stereotypical med student, hair frazzled as she runs from lecture to lecture, cappuccino in one hand and five books in the other. Many pre-med students ask me if it’s worth it. I heard no one sleeps in med school, they say, or do you have a life? I know many students who love med school, but I’ve also spoken to a few who feel dissatisfied, stressed, and burnt out, wondering if medical school truly was the right decision. I’ve felt this way too, at times. It took me awhile to get used to medical school and find the study methods that are right for me. But I made up my mind not to burn out, and to actually enjoy medical school. One of my friends asked me how I do this, and I thought my response would be helpful for any other medical students who might be feeling discouraged right now, or for pre-meds who wonder what really lies ahead. Source
