The Not Quite Doctor

Transitions

Did you struggle in transitioning from high school to undergrad then to med school?

I wouldn’t say I struggled with any of these, but transitions are never easy. I still feel like I am transitioning into medical school, though I am 3/4 of the way through my first year. I think the best way to handle transition is to just go with the flow. Here are some things I have/am struggling with in my transitions through school and some possible tips to help.

School Work - at every interval change, whether from high school to college or college to med school (and I imagine into residency) the work load increases. That’s ok, it’s supposed to. But some people get really caught up in this and freak out (myself included). When you are transitioning into positions that require more work, allow yourself to adapt. Don’t hold onto study techniques just because they worked in the past. Try them, but be critical. If they don’t work out, move on. In both transitions, into undergrad and med school, I clung too tightly to the study techniques I used in the past. It took some struggling for me to adapt. I could have saved myself that struggle if I would have had more of an open mind.

New Locale - let’s face it, moving to a new place is scary. When I moved away for college the first time I spent a lot of nights staying in because I didn’t know where to go or what to do. I eventually learned to be more adventurous and my move to med school went easier in that regard. By the first week I was out searching for bike trails and checking out the independent theater. If you have to move for school, don’t be overwhelmed by the new town. Branch out, find friends and cool places. Think of yourself as an explorer. My adventurous attitude had helped me discover places even the locales here didn’t know about.

Leaving Behind Friends - the thing I have struggled with the most, and continue to struggle with, is leaving behind my friends. I am not someone who has a ton of friends. I find that I have lots of acquaintances and a few very close friends, so leaving them behind is a struggle. I think you (and I) will always struggle with this. The best you can do is find ways to keep communication open and plan cool trips and events when you get breaks. Every time I go back home my friends and I have a big potluck. That does so much to rejuvenate me. Keep your friends in the loop and plan ways to be with them, it will give you good memories and things to look forward to during the stressful days.

Transitions are scary. But I find that the fear of the event is always worse than the event itself. Just have an open mind where ever you are going and you will be fine.

Best of luck,

TNQD