SURVIVING YOUR FIRST YEAR IN MEDICINE: tips and motivation

So. I survived my first year in Medicine.

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I was merely a few days away from freedom, and the final week was just pure torture. Everybody was feeling it, everyone was tired, sleepy, cranky, and just ready to get the exams over and done with. I wouldnt be surprised if a lot just kinda gave up on trying to finish reviewing everything, because, honestly, everyone seemed too tired to care.

BUT, we were always reminded, "ONE.LAST.PUSH."

One last push, and then summer vacation.
One last push, and you could burn all your reviewers and dance for joy.
One last push, and then you could sleep and eat as much as you wanted.

I was lucky though, I was exempted from several of the final exams, and it was such a relief that I didnt have to review all that bull-- and just relax at home.

I salute those who are still going to take the final exams and even removals. I seriously dont know how they hve the willpower to study all those topics all over again.

Honestly, I think that those who took the finals and removals have a headstart for the 2nd year, meaning, they have experienced the failures necessary to make them stronger and sturdier for the upcoming years.
I'm happy that I didn't fail any of the major exams in any subject this year, but I'm terrified about the upcoming failures I will be experiencing in the following years.

I don't know how to cope with failure. The one time that I "thought" I failed in an exam (I learned later on that I passed since they lowered the passing rate), I reacted like an immature piece of (expletive). I was depressed for several days, I was always thinking about how I would tell this to my parents, I thought how stupid was I to fail an exam?

I know, it seems a bit extreme for one exam, but Im just describing how terribly ill adapted I was to failure.

Looking back on the past year, I think I could have handled certain situations a lot better, especially in my academic life... so here are a few tips and words of wisdom to remember in surviving your first year:


1. In situations where you fail, remember this...you are not stupid, you are just adjusting.

from soulhunting.tumblr.com

This is Medicine. This isnt like your elementary/highschool/ college years where you could sleep, eat, poop normally, study for an exama night before and pass. There will be classmates who are smarter than you. They will ace every exam, every subject, they will UNDERSTAND EVERY WORD THE DOCTOR/LECTURER WILL SAY DURING LECTURES ( this is an astounding feat...), in all aspects, they are the ones who Darwin described when talking about survival.

BUT, then there is the rest of the class. Try talking to them. You will not be alone in your struggles. Take the time to look around and see that not everyone is doing so good in class. They may be honor students, summa cum laudes at their school, the math whiz, the top notcher in the Nursing/ PT/ RT/ OT/ Pharma boards.

Remember, this is Medicine. What matters is how YOU answer the challenge.
In the end, its just YOU who will be facing the patient.
It will be YOU handling the situation when you come face to face with a dying patient.

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Do what you have to to survive (except cheat, and other dishonorable means) in Medicine. Challenge yourself. Stop comparing.


2.Study when you have the free time.

Believe me when I say this. If the exam is a week away and you have a free day/ ISP (individual study period)/ weekend---study. One night--even one day--is not enough to cover all the topics you need to study for the upcoming exam.

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3. When faced with setbacks (take note...setbacks, not failures):

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4. Within your first few months, try to find out your most efficient study habits.

http://edufastonline.blogspot.com/2012/09/your-learning-preference.html

Know whether you best retain info by reading, listening to lectures, studying while moving around, etc.

If you dont know, try experimenting in your first few months. After a few exams, you'll finally settle into your natural academic groove for studying.

5. Don't be afraid to FAIL.

I've yet to successfully pick up on this, and one I'm hoping I can conquer this coming 2nd year in Medicine. If you've already covered this one, good for you. Hahahahaha

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. 

Medicine is like Jigsaw in the SAW movie, you never know what you're getting into, or what you have to exchange for freedom/ success/ a passing grade. 

I wanna play a game...its called....STUDYING.