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Have you always dreamed of becoming a doctor? Medicine is an exciting profession that provides personal satisfaction while being able to provide people with the care they need.
Before you start medical school, there are a few things you should keep in mind. After all, studying medicine is a major challenge. This is a field of study that requires tremendous discipline and focus, and not everyone is cut out for it.
In this article, we take a look at 9 things you should keep in mind as you prepare for medical school. Keep reading to learn everyone you need to know.
Be Aware of the Purpose of Studying Medicine
Before you leave for medical school, ask yourself why want to study medicine. Do want to be rich? Do you want to tell people you're a doctor? Are you seeking the approval of others? Do you want to live in a nice home and drive a fancy car?
These are not good reasons to become a doctor. Going into the medical profession should be a calling. Its purpose is to help others, to serve patients in need of care, and to heal them.
You're a Student, Not a Doctor
This is important to understand. You are in school. You are a student. Thus you are a long way from being a doctor. So resist the impulse to put the cart before the horse. The road to becoming a practicing physician will be long and difficult, so keep your head down and focus on working hard.
Take Time to Rest and Relax
When you're in medical school, it's very easy to burn out. You'll spend long days in class, and long nights studying. You're going to feel a ton of pressure coming from every direction. And you're going to put a lot of pressure on yourself.
This can lead to a breakdown.
The key is to take time each week for yourself. Get rest. Do something you enjoy. You've got to recharge your battery. Eat well, get some exercise, take a deep breath, and learn to take care of yourself even as you push yourself to your limits.
Keep in Touch with Friends and Family
Be aware that as you bury yourself in your studies, it's easy to feel disconnected and lonely. Studying medicine is a lot of hard work and you can easily get depressed when you don't have loved ones around you.
That's why it's important to stay in regular contact with the people who mean the most to you. Friends and family are there to encourage you. After all, these are the people who want the best for you and are cheering you on.
Keep in mind that they miss you as much as you miss them. Staying in touch with them helps keep you grounded, fills up your heart, and reminds you that you're not alone in this journey.
Avoid Cramming for Tests
When it comes to preparing for tests, there are no shortcuts. Cramming is a bad idea. Sure, everyone does it, but that doesn't make it an effective form of learning.
Contrary to the popular myth, cramming doesn't help you learn or retain information.
Keep in mind that the purpose of your education in medical school is to become the best doctor possible. This is valuable knowledge you'll need to carry with you for the rest of your career.
Avoid Joining Study Groups
This is another common mistake made by many medical students. Study groups seem like a great way to make studying for exams a team effort. And while there is some merit to that, the reality is that study groups often become a huge distraction.
Fellow students typically have the best of intentions when gathering to study. But it's far too easy to let the conversation drift to unrelated subjects. Then before you know it you're talking about your favorite TV shows and headed out for a pizza.
We suggest that occasional group study sessions are fine, but you'll see the best results when you stick to studying alone.
Find Copies of Old Tests
Here is a great tip for preparing for tests: find someone who's taken the same class previous to you and ask to borrow their old tests.
The fact is that the information hasn't changed, and there are only so many ways to ask questions about that information. Studying old tests allows you to see how questions were worded in the past so that you have a better idea of how to study.
You still have to learn the information, but this helps you to prepare for each exam more efficiently.
If you are interested in preparing for medical school, take a look at the courses here.
Stay Focused
There's nothing easy about medical school. You will be pushed to your limits, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Thus it can be easy to get distracted by other things.
They key is to learn how to remain focused on the road ahead. Remember your goal. This is your dream. And achieving your dream will be worth every ounce of effort that you put into it.
Don't Beat Yourself Up
This one can be tough, but try not to get down on yourself.
There will likely be moments where you doubt yourself, and perhaps even tell yourself that you aren't smart enough to be a doctor. Learn to let these voices go in one ear and out the other. Take time to meditate. Take plenty of breaks, and cut yourself a little slack.
Things to Remember When Studying Medicine
Studying medicine truly is one of the biggest challenges in the world. Only the best of the best survive. But if this is your dream, and you have what it takes, don't let anyone or anything hold you back.
If completing medical school were easy, everyone would do it. But it's not. In fact, it's one of the hardest things in the world. And you are up to the challenge. So keep your head down, take a deep breath, and keep working hard.
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