ADVICE FOR MEDICAL SCHOOL.

Thinking of starting that career in medicine?  Here are a few tips that may help guide you:

1. KNOW WHY YOU ARE THERE.

Do you love being a doctor and caring for the sick? Or were you just the best Science student who naturally drifted towards medicine? Or was it your parent’s decision? This is fundamental in determining your attitude to the course.

2. SIX YEARS IS NOT A LONG TIME.

Take it from me, six years goes by in the twinkling (or two ) of an eye.

3. IT IS NOT HOW FAR, BUT HOW WELL.

You don’t have to be perfect and know everything, but what you do know, know it well.

4. DON’T PROCRASTINATE.

Don’t wait till tests and exams are coming up before you prepare for them. Read in convenient little bits after each day’s lecture rather than a fire brigade approach when exams are near.

5. DON’T DEPRIVE YOURSELF OF SLEEP.

Except absolutely necessary. Even when necessary, sleep. Your brain will reward you with excellent recall, but you should have been following tip 4.

6. USE MNEMONICS OR CODES TO RECALL COMPLEX STUFF.

There is no Doctor that remembers absolutely everything, but we do have a way of recalling important details either by codes, diagrams, poems, or even songs.

7. HAVE HOBBIES.

This is essential to keep you balanced, hobbies and positive extra curricular activities keep you sane and may come in useful as alternate sources of income in the future.

8. KEEP EMOTION IN CHECK.

Positive or negative relationships have the potential of either building the medical student or totally destroying him or her.

9. HAVE A FAINT IDEA.

Of what you want to do after you graduate. Often times, this is a cross roads for most young doctors. ‘To be or not to be.’

10. HAVE A ROLE MODEL.

Someone that inspires you, that you want to be like, for example Dr Ben Carson.

11. COPE WITH FAILURES.

Yes, only a very few go through medical school without failure, dust yourself and move on.

12. STARTED BUT YOU’VE LOST INTEREST.

My advice? Get your degree first then you can dump it for your true love.

Hope I have been of help?

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