If someone had given me the ability to go back and make one change as a medical student, I would change this one thing first.
Starting to study early.
I wish I had started studying earlier. I’m in my third year of medical school, and after not studying for two of those years, I’m suffering from a headache. Thoughts of starting early come to me occasionally, which is disappointing given my circumstances. I’m still making an effort to complete my syllabus each day.
Do take a break: as previously mentioned, I wasted two years of my life and began studying every day. However, I made the mistake of not taking a break, which led to burnout and increased sickness.
Therefore, even though you have wasted years, take a break — a weekend break will be enough. I’m not talking about a month-long break.
Don’t follow the crowd: Sure, you may come across people who study for short periods of time but still receive good grades, and others who study for long periods of time but receive low grades.
This is because everyone has a different schedule; some may work for you and some may not. Make your own schedule and set your own time; don’t just follow people’s timetables; what may work for them may not work for you.
Don’t miss meals: You may now think what? Is it really necessary to say this? Well, it is. There are people, like me, who prioritise their studies over eating, so when I don’t have enough time in the day, I decide to skip meals.
However, this is bad because when I don’t eat and study, I occasionally feel so weak that I find it difficult to concentrate. So why create such a situation?
I try to cook every day, even if it can be difficult at times, but I still choose to eat.
Avoid comparing yourself to others: this is the last thing I want to say because we all occasionally unintentionally do this. As I mentioned before I started late studying, and I was caught up in the comparison trap at times.
Therefore, keep in mind that people to whom you are comparing yourself have different lives and experiences. I always have to tell myself that I started late and that my priorities should be more on my studies not on comparing.
Thank you!
