Perhaps you are in high school, dreaming of (or maybe just considering) a career in medicine. Well, the best advice I can give you is to develop very thick skin. Lots of people are going to tell you that you are out of your league, no matter who you are, because the goal seems so lofty that many people dismiss it automatically; they think "I'm going to be a doctor" is just something students say. I am proof, however, that it can be done...and I have had more than my fair share of set backs (thankfully, I got the endurance gene from my parents!). The point I'm trying to make is this: you set your mind and keep it set--work (work hard), begin volunteering and accumulating medical experience NOW (don't dare wait until junior year of undergraduate), begin studying for the MCAT NOW. Prove to yourself and everyone else that you've got what it takes. It can be done, but you're the only one who can do it for yourself--the ball is in your court. This is awesome, though, because if you're really serious about this, you probably thrive on being in control (as much control as can be feigned in this process)! Look undergrad, the MCAT, prerequisites, volunteering, sleepless nights, panic attacks over physics and biochemistry (trust me), AMCAS applications, secondaries, interviews, and every other nasty weeding-out process in the face and say, "Bring it on!" Then, take a shot to calm down; this is a long process. (Wait, I almost forgot--you're in highschool. Scratch that. Under-aged drinking is BAD...and shame on you for considering it!)
Maybe you're in undergrad and you've endured a couple of years of study and you're sure that medicine is, in fact, what you want to do (congratulations; deciding is a major part of the battle!). You've done all this but you're time has not yet come to apply. I want to tell you this: hang in there, my friend! I know it seems like the MCAT, physics, organic, and AMCAS will never be behind you, but I promise that you'll turn around very soon and be on the other side of all of that mess. Acceptance and graduation are closer then they appear. Good luck, best wishes, and stay strong! (And you are of age, so...)
Perhaps you are like me--you've been accepted and you're just trying to endure until graduation. Whew. I know this phase is a special kind of exhausting (aren't they all! Oh, God. I feel another "Imsuchasciencenerd" moment coming on. Yup: Hey, how long can the body function on lactic acid alone? Sorry, I couldn't stop myself...but I should have...), and I was searching for some encouragement because I've had a really hard week. I think something we need to do is this: remember what we're done with. I am so tired, and I bet you are, too, because this experience is the same all over. Remembering what we don't have to do anymore (Ummmm...the MCAT comes to mind...) can help make what we still have to do a little more bearable. So, let's not let this semester beat us! Let's allow this time to chisel us into better learners and better doctors. Let's have that word, "endurance", take on a whole new, more real, meaning for us. And, most importantly, let's remember that THERE'S ONLY TWO MONTHS UNTIL GRADUATION!
If you are a medical student, I'm afraid that I'm not quite sure how to encourage you yet, because I still have a few months until medical school begins for me and I get that first-hand experience. However, I do know a few of you and I would like to remind you that you're role models, examples, and inspirations for thousands upon thousands of pre-meds who wildly desire to be in your place some day. I know it's really tough, but remember the times you worked so hard and begged for a spot in medical school? Well, you did it! You set a goal and met it! (Please don't say, "Careful what you wish for"; I have to believe that it's not that bad right now!) You're literally tomorrow's researchers and practitioners. You're going to be independently wealthy, unbelievably employable everywhere you go, and very important parts of any community. You're wonderfully talented and brilliant (well...some of you...) and you're true heroes! Congratulations on the awesome professionals you're becoming.
Well, guys, I hope this encourages you, in whatever position you find yourself!
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