The journey to medical school is often a roller coaster ride filled with highs and lows. The constant mix of emotions may leave you feeling frustrated. One day you are sure of your desire to become a physician and the next day you may wonder if you can truly accomplish this feat. Many pre-med students may begin to lose their confidence and motivation to pursue medical school. A low grade in a pre-med course, a low MCAT score, or unsupportive friends and family may cause you to doubt yourself. Despite these roadblocks you can push through and stay the course to accomplish your goal of becoming a physician. Here are some ways to stay motivated on your journey to becoming a doctor:

1. Create a collage with your name written in big bold letter with the title Dr., M.D. or D.O. For example, Dr. (first name) (last name) or (first name) (last name) M.D. or D.O. Include photos of doctors on your collage, along with other medical areas of interest. This is supposed to be fun so include anything that inspires you. Keep it in a place where you can see it every day!
2. Write down your goals in a notebook or journal. Everyday there should be at least one goal that will get you one step closer to becoming a doctor. For example, one goal maybe to complete 100 volunteer hours. Once you have achieved a goal mark it as completed. This simple process will be a huge boost to your confidence.
3. Celebrate all of your successes, even the ones you think are small. Once you accomplish a goal celebrate it. Don’t wait for the big accomplishments. Celebrate the small steps that you’ve made towards achieving your goals as well. Did you earn an ‘A’ in Organic Chemistry? A ‘B’ in Physics? These accomplishments may seem small but every step you make towards your goal of becoming a doctor is huge and should be treated as such.
4. Find a mentor. A mentor can be a great source of inspiration when you feel like giving up. A quick text or chat with your mentor can make a big difference.
5. Stay focused. Keep your eyes on the end goal and don’t quit. When approaching difficult times, remember that just on the other side is the prize of becoming a doctor.

We all face difficulties at various points along our journey to medical school, but you can overcome them. When you are having a bad day look at your collage, your goals journal, or reach out to your mentor. These simple steps can help you to refocus and rekindle your motivation to continue on your path to becoming a doctor. Don’t give up future doc, there is a white coat with your name on it.

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Summer break is over and it’s time to get back to school!  For many premeds, this time of year might be a bit daunting and worrisome.  Is this the semester that you have to get a 4.0?  Is this the semester you take the MCAT?  Is this the semester that you are premed club president? Is this the one semester that determines whether or not you will become a medical doctor?  We know you’re counting on this semester for a lot of things!  Don’t freak out, just plan!  Here are 5 things you absolutely must plan as the new academic year begins!

1. Plan your courses wisely! This perhaps is the second most important thing to plan (the first will come later).  Many premedical students begin the semester taking generic classes that their friends are taking or simply because, “they’re supposed to take those classes”.  That’s a mistake.  As a premedical students you need to realize that your goal is to get into medical school. Not all medical schools have the same requirements to gain admissions.  In other words, you need to have a general idea of which medical schools you may want to apply to, and make sure that you are meeting their prerequisite course requirements.
2. Plan your study! As the semester begins, you will have tons of distractions. A new club is popping up every week and you might be interested in taking on more leadership roles.  Intramural sports, research, parties; with so much going on, it’s easy to forget why you’re even in college.  Well, you’re there to learn and believe it or not, most of your learning in college comes from you and not from your professors.  This being the case, you must plan your study strategy.  This does not simply mean that you need to block out time in your schedule, but rather, you should sit down and really think about how you best learn, then create a strategy to maximize that throughout the semester.  After you have done this, you might decide to sign up for a tutor, study in a group with friends, study in a group with classmates who may not be your friends (some students are too easily distracted when studying with friends), or study alone.
3. Plan your well-being! Excelling in the premedical field is not an easy thing to do. This takes a lot of effort and taking care of your own health can easily be overlooked.  Remember, your mind performs at its best when your body is at its best.  Planning for your well-being includes eating right, exercising, and relaxing.  These 3 things will definitely help to keep your stress level down which in turn will clear your mind.
4. Plan your extracurricular activities. As mentioned in number two above, as the semester begins, you’ll be pulled in multiple directions to join various organizations and take on responsibility.  When choosing which activities to take part in, you must consider 3 things: 1) what you enjoy, 2) what looks good to medical schools, 3) what can have the greatest impact.  These 3 things will help you filter out the extracurricular activities that may not be right for you.  Depending on your year in college, your course load, and your leadership roles, the number of extracurricular activities you should take part should vary from 1-5.
5. Plan to be successful! This is the most important thing to plan for!  It is strictly a thing of the mind which with enough faith, prayer, and effort, can translate into reality. You need to start the semester believing that you will do well!  This means that you need to hype yourself up and prepare for that 4.0!  Hype yourself up and prepare for that 528!  Hype yourself up and prepare to get recruited to medical school! Believe in your mind that you can, and that you will do it!  If you don’t, it’s okay, but at least start off planning for it!  Remember, aim for the moon…if you miss, at least you’ll be among the stars!

The reality of fear is that most of us are only afraid when we are not prepared.  We feel unprepared when we have no plan that we can believe in to lead us to success.  As this academic year begins, plan your way to success.  And remember, those who fail to plan, plan to fail!

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Medical schools are looking for the brightest and best premed students that are best fit for their program’s mission. Premed students likewise are searching for the best medical school which will allow them to thrive academically as well as in other endeavors.  The school you choose will not only dictate your academic path but will also lead to lifelong relationships. These are a couple of factors which one should keep in mind when researching and deciding on a medical program.

1. Geography: This will be highly dependent on the type of person you are. Medical school can be very stressful. If you have very supportive family and hometown friends that will understand why you’re often absent from events, then consider staying close to home but if the opposite is true then run for your life.  I have seen this go both ways. A friend of mine cried her way through her first year of medical school because she was homesick and yet another friend of mine nearly flunked out of medical school due to distractions from family and friends. If you are a disciplined and independent individual, you can consider an out of state school, but remember you will likely have to pay a higher tuition than your state public institution.  My personal choice was to attend a local medical school for lower costs and familiarity. Subsequently, I travel for fellowship which allowed a change in scenery and served as a great growing experience.

2. School Ranking: Attending a highly ranked school will certainly look good on any resume and increase your chances to enter a competitive residency. Many of these programs will offer you great opportunities to do cutting edge research and learn from some of the top physicians the country has to offer. At the same time, you can also become very competitive after attending a less prestigious program if you work hard, make very good grades, and especially if you earn entrance into the distinguished Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. Be realistic when applying to these highly ranked programs. Compare your MCAT score and GPA to the average acceptance scores at the schools you are interested in. Do not let these scores prohibit you from applying since these averages include numbers below and above that number. Be sure to research the residency match rate for the schools you are interested in.

3. Class Size: Small classes typically have about 50 students (Mayo- 53) while large classes may have up to 300 students (UIC- 315). Your experience in undergrad has probably allowed you to see if you do better in a smaller, intimate setting or in a larger, more diverse group. It is very important that you feel comfortable at your program so the student and faculty make-up may be important in your decision.

4. Costs: We can all agree on this one. Minimizing costs is a plus. Medical school tuition can be expensive but don’t forget to figure in those living expenses. Your cheapest option would most likely be to attend an in-state, public institution close to home. This was my choice and I came out with a lot less debt than many other students since I did not need to pay for flight tickets during holidays and I was always home for mom’s good cooking. Private schools do tend to offer more scholarships so do not let this be a deal breaker. Seek and you will find.

5. Curriculum: Spend some time researching prospective schools’ curricula. Most schools will provide similar content which will prepare you for your board exams and to become a competent physician. Schools will vary on the organization of the material. Some will use a block schedule (one course at a time) and split these into organ system (cardiology, endocrinology, pulmonology, etc.) or into subjects (pharmacology, anatomy, histology, etc). The first two years (preclinical years) of medical school are spent in class with didactic lectures. Some programs integrate patient care during this time and some offer problem-based learning (small student groups). Make sure to check if class attendance is mandatory. Some students do better if forced to attend lecture while others do better studying on their own.

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It’s no secret that the premed journey is rough. The stress of exams, managing time, and making life decisions can take a huge toll on you. Furthermore, these things all happen during some of the most important years of your life.  It is during this time that you will be away from your parents and begin to establish your own foundations. You will pick up habits (good and bad) that will ultimately make or break you. There is so much information out there pertaining to how premeds should study, how to do well on exams, and how to get into medical school, but we often neglect what is arguably the most important aspects of the premedical student’s life, his or her personal health.  Bad health equals bad future!  Here are a few suggestions to help you stay healthy:

1. Maintain a healthy diet. Multiple sources predict on average a college freshman will gain somewhere between 10-20 lbs in that year. If you are like me during college, your diet probably consists of ramen noodles, ravioli, hot pockets, pizza, sandwiches, and plenty of soft drinks. This is a very unhealthy diet. It will serve you well to begin adapting to a more balanced diet, even if you have to set aside a little time to incorporate this. I suggest you be very thoughtful while grocery shopping. If you have access to a stove, spend 1 or 2 days in the week preparing a cooked meal and save your left overs in the freezer or in Tupperware for the week. Buy nuts, granola bars, and fresh fruits for snacks. Limit or avoid soft drinks all together. Taking a stance on this will not only improve your health but also allow you to set a strong example for others around you as well as for your future patients.

2. Work out. It is recommended by the World Health Organization that adults age 18-64 should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or an equivalent combination of this. Doing this can improve heart and lung function, keep bones strong, and reduce risks of noncommunicable diseases and depression. I have always found this to be one of the best stress relieving techniques out there.

3. Pay mind to your mental health. This unfortunately is one of those areas that has been swept under the rug for far too long. There remains a stigma that keeps this issue from being dealt with appropriately. Doctors and med students are human beings who witness emotional loss of lives and failures which may lead to PTSD. Doctors offer a lot of time and emotional sacrifices for their patients day-in and day-out and some may feel this is not reciprocated. This is partly why the depression, divorce and suicide rates are higher for medical doctors than the general population. I recall two medical students taking their lives while I was a student. So does this trend hold for premedical students? Unfortunately, it does. Based on a study by Fang et al. looking at 647 premedical students at University of California, San Diego, there was a significantly increased prevalence of screened positive major depressive disorder in premedical students than their non-premedical counterparts. The pressures placed on you by friends, family, and even yourself can be overwhelming at times. Remember to take time for yourself, take care of your health and get professional help if you need it. You must be your biggest advocate because no one else will know exactly how you feel.

4. Don’t do drugs. I cannot stress this enough. It is again very unfortunate that statistically, doctors are more likely to suffer from substance abuse problems significantly more than the general population. We are much more vulnerable to this due to easier access to these potentially harmful agents but this dependence tends to start while in college. Drugs are anything that alters your normal state. This does include alcohol in excess, stimulants, and sedatives. The pressure of school can get to many students so much that they eventually begin to rely on external agents to function and to sleep. We have all seen the TV show’s Dr. Gregory House of House M.D. and his reliance on pain meds to get by. I have witnessed too many students and doctors damaging their futures this way. It would be best not to start any potentially addicting agents unless medically necessary and if so, only while under the care of a medical profession.

5. Don’t neglect your spiritual health. Often times this is put on the back burner for many premedical students when times get tough. However, I can attest to the benefits of spending time in prayer and attending church service. Sometimes, it is helpful to see past the premedical trees to appreciate how beautiful life is and how grand is the world in which we live!

Image Credit Pixabay

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Social media has gradually infiltrated our every day lives and continues to grow every year. There are currently 2.3 billion active social media users [1]. Users of social media check accounts constantly throughout the day. Social media has been instrumental in the success of many people by helping them to self-advertise and by providing information and resources to others. However, the constant feed from the lives of other individuals can become a major distraction. Observing snippets from the lives of other social media users can leave you feeling as if you don’t measure up. We often compare ourselves to those around us. However, comparing your destiny to other individuals’ can cause feelings of disappointment and unworthiness. Do you often wonder why it has taken you longer to achieve the same goals as your peers? What did they do differently? These thoughts constantly creep in and make us lose confidence in our abilities. Nevertheless, you must remember to focus on your goals and not anyone else’s. Your path may be different from your best friend’s. She may get into medical school on the first try, while you may have to wait another year. Should you give up? Absolutely not! In life, although, we may share the same goals, our journeys are often different. We all have different experiences that make us unique and give us a various viewpoints of the world around us. Keeping this in mind, we must avoid the trap of social media and use it to our advantage!  Here are some ways to use social media as a source of encouragement instead of a distraction:

Don’t measure yourself to someone else’s success. Remain focused on your goal. Do not compare yourself to other people. Your road to success may be different but you will achieve your goal, if you don’t give up.

Reach out to the people that you admire on social media. For example, instead of secretly following those that you admire, become active on their social media forums. Everyone wants a mentor, however, the best way to get insider information is to simply ask questions. Many current medical students and doctors recall their pre-med years and are happy to give advice and encouragement.

Limit your time on social media. Just as you manage your time for other areas of your life, do the same with social media usage. Commit to specific times to check your social media accounts. For example, every three hours or 8 am and 8 pm daily. Strategically scheduling social media time helps you to get the most out of the time you spend on social media.

Join social media accounts specifically for pre-meds. Become an active member of a pre-med site like PreMedStAR.com and connect with other premeds. You are likely to meet other students who understand many of the things you are experiencing and have had similar questions to your own. Stay active on the forums and ask questions! Make sure you pay it forward by answering questions posted by other premeds as well.

Stay in your own lane and  don’t give up on your dream to become a physician! Your future patients are counting on you to succeed!

To Submit a Blog, Email it to Newsletter@PreMedStAR.com.

Reference: Smith, K., (2016). Marketing: 96 Amazing social medial statistics and facts for 2016. Retrieved from https://www.brandwatch.com/2016/03/96-amazing-social-media-statistics-and-facts-for-2016/

Image Credit: Pixabay

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What is holding you back from pursuing a career in medicine? What keeps you from going in 100%? Have doubts creeped into your life and destroyed your premed dream? Is there someone whispering in your ear that you are not good enough or this is the wrong career option for you? There are many misconceptions about doctors and often times these are perpetuated by individuals who have never walked in a doctor’s shoes.  Let’s address some of these.

1. I am not smart enough. If you can successfully make it through college then you are capable of succeeding in medical school. As much as society places doctors on an intellectual pedestal, many if not most physicians at one point or another also questioned if they were smart enough to become a doctor. Even upon entering medical school, it is very common for new medical students to feel inadequate as though they were somehow selected by mistake. Physicians are regular folks but what tends to separate them is their dedication and hard work ethic. Don’t let this hold you back.

2. My scores aren’t good enough. This doubt cannot and should not be sugar coated. Getting into medical school is very tough and scores do matter. MCAT and GPA scores are extremely important but they are not the be all and end all for matriculation. We love to root for the underdog who may not have had a great score but came out on top of his or her class. There are plenty of stories like this. If medicine is what you want to do for the rest of your life then you must proactively find a way to get there even if you must take a couple of detours. Consider a post-baccalaureate program, graduate school, or repeating your MCAT. If medicine is your ultimate goal then the extra time and effort it will take you should be well worth it. PreMed Star is now a novel way to develop a more holistic score and a chance to increase your exposure. Take advantage of this opportunity.

3. I can’t afford medical school. Medical school can be pricey but do not let this discourage you.  As a physician, if you are able to work and do not live beyond your means, you will be okay financially should be able to repay your loans. There are scholarships, grants, and loans available to assist you with costs. Be proactive and seek out these opportunities. There are also opportunities for free education through MD/PhD programs. You may also investigate loan repayment programs through the military, federal programs, or practicing medicine in underserved areas. When you finally do begin to practice, a huge chunk of your loan may be paid off through a stipend or bonus if negotiated well in your contract.

4. Doctors work too hard. You do need to know what you are getting into. It is true that as a physician you will most likely work very hard during your training as well as during practice but the same can be said about many other professions that offer less job satisfaction and pay much less. You also need to understand that this is dependent on the specialty you chose to enter. Some physicians take call while other don’t.  Some will arrive to work very early in the morning for rounds and leave late in the evening while others work a 40 hour week. More and more, doctors are getting bombarded with paperwork and nonclinical duties but there still remain many pluses that still make this a great profession at the end of the day.

5. It’s too late. Currently, the average age for entering medical students is 24. However, more and more students are entering medical school at later stages in their lives. This may actually be beneficial to them since many programs appreciate students with diverse backgrounds and years of “real world” experience. The wisdom, experience, and resilience you bring as a mature applicant can carry you a long way. It is never too late to get started.

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