When we started medical school, we held aspirations and ideas about what our following four years would entail. After all, we were fortunate enough to be siblings embarking on the same medical training adventure. The reality we’ve come to understand over these years is that nothing truly equips you for how medical school transforms your time, priorities, and even your self-identity. Consequently, the choices you make (or choose not to make) at the onset can shape the direction of the upcoming years. Thus, to the first-year medical students who have just donned their white coats and to those still navigating the path, from our family to yours, here are the insights we wish someone had shared with us when we began our medical school experiences.
**Time and priorities**
We can confirm that the days can seem lengthy and draining, yet the months and years pass swiftly, leaving us yearning to rewind time. One second, our hearts raced as we clicked “Start Exam” on Canvas for our initial anatomy assessments, and before we realized it, we were scanning our fingers at a Prometric testing facility for USMLE Step 1. We have learned that time is not infinite but rather somewhat constrained, so mastering the art of being intentional with it is an essential lesson best acquired sooner rather than later.
As many first-year medical students might currently feel, with their inboxes inundated with interest group applications, potential research endeavors, and community engagement opportunities, there is no shortage of choices. The allure may be to say yes to every opportunity in hopes of becoming that outstanding, highly productive medical student. No judgments here; we were in that same boat! However, in truth, every yes means a no to something else. Our schedules can only accommodate so much before things begin to slip: studying, socializing, and relaxing. Having free time does not equate to jumping on the next opportunity that arises. There is often a subtle pressure in medical school to always be engaged in something, creating a facade of productivity. There’s strength in waiting for the right opportunity. Taking time for that project, activity, or cause that genuinely inspires you will be more gratifying than committing to something you may regret later. If we could revisit our beginnings, we’d advise our younger selves to be intentional: don’t simply pursue opportunities because they exist; choose those that resonate with you and bring you joy. Sometimes, exercising patience is the ultimate strategic move. We have discovered that, in the end, no one is concerned with how many clubs we are members of; they care about our enthusiasm for the subjects that truly matter to us.
**Academic growth and adaptability**
Guidance on studying in medical school can become overwhelming, making it essential to figure out what works for us personally. Whether attending lectures live or viewing them afterward, utilizing Anki consistently, or studying collaboratively, find what aligns with your style. Avoid comparing yourself with others or hesitating to explore new strategies. The time required to achieve success varies significantly: One of us possessed a science master’s degree before entering medical school, which made some preclinical material easier, while the other transitioned directly from undergraduate studies but acquired more clinical exposure. Each person’s journey and strengths are distinct in medical school. Working alongside classmates from various backgrounds facilitated our success. We cannot stress enough how vital finding a balance of a dependable yet flexible study technique was for us. We learned to be open to switching to a different method when our current strategy was ineffective or when a new approach was needed for a different phase. For example, we both relied heavily on Anki during preclinicals, but when it came to studying for USMLE exams, we realized Anki alone would suffice. Hence, we shifted our focus to practicing questions, viewing educational videos on YouTube, and discussing topics with classmates and each other.
Stay flexible and adaptable: What served you in undergrad may not translate well in medical school. And that’s perfectly fine! Request what you need: Professors, deans, and colleagues cannot assist you if you remain silent. Advocacy is a skill we all must build for ourselves and, eventually, for our future patients. Some deadlines are not rigid; life can be unpredictable. Relay this information to block leaders, clerkship directors, or other relevant individuals. Oversharing is preferable to no communication at all. If personal issues arise and you need to postpone a test, reach out to the administration, especially if you’re facing a difficult situation during preclinicals or rotations; it’s essential your assessments reflect your knowledge, not your circumstances.
**Identity, resilience, and community**
We both recall hearing early in medical school that “medicine is what we do, but it is not who we are,” but honestly, we brushed it off. Initially, we were completely engrossed in the grind of med school. Now, having gone through USMLE exams, clerkships, and submitting ERAS applications, we have come to appreciate our identities both within and outside of the realm of medicine. Throughout our journey, we have encountered personal challenges (including family losses), and we have