For many people, getting into medical school and becoming a doctor is the dream. It’s one of the most prestigious and lucrative professions, and although it can be incredibly challenging and rigorous, the rewards are unparalleled.
The pursuit of becoming a doctor requires a broad range of knowledge, skills, and personal qualities. Learning about the medical school admission requirements is one thing, but preparing for medical school’s academic and practical demands is another.
During pre-med years, it is crucial to establish beneficial habits to help you succeed in med school and alleviate the stress associated with being a medical student. In addition to studying for pre-med courses, preparing for the MCAT, and participating in extracurricular activities to build a strong medical school application, you should also develop habits to enhance your performance as a medical student.
Here Are Some Helpful Skills To Develop Before Enrolling In Medical School:
Wake Up Earlier
Doctors and other healthcare professionals usually start their day early in most medical fields. However, medical students and residents are expected to begin their day before the senior team members to perform their patient rounds and prepare for daily activities.
If you are in the early stages of your pre-med journey and do not have a fixed sleep schedule, consider going to bed earlier to study in the earlier hours of the day.
On the other hand, if you are more productive at night, gradually shift to a sleep schedule where you go to bed earlier to become more accustomed to studying in the morning.
Develop Your Reading Skills
Reading, like exercise, can function as a release. Many doctors find that reading aids in relaxation and lessens job-related stress, while others claim that it enhances their communication skills, which are crucial in medicine.
Strong reading abilities are beneficial in medical school since there are often large amounts of information to absorb in short periods. Reading various subjects frequently will expand your knowledge and enable you as a doctor to connect better with diverse patients. According to some studies, reading fiction may improve empathy, a critical attribute that all doctors should possess.
Learn to Take Criticism
As a trainee, you’ll be receiving a lot of crucial feedback to improve patient care, so it’s imperative that you’re able to take criticism.
Sometimes the delivery can be blunt, but taking criticism positively is a great trait to have and will help you move forward in your medical career.
You can practice handling criticism by regularly seeking feedback from your seniors, such as professors or research mentors. Try considering their evaluations without making excuses or justifying their actions.
Once you get a handle on this, you’ll be able to take even the harshest feedback.
Have a Well-Planned Schedule
You may have been able to get away with a bit of cramming in college, but preparing for important exams by cramming or skim-reading weekly assignments is ineffective in medical school.
Medical students are required to absorb extensive amounts of information in a limited time, so it is necessary to develop diligent study habits and prioritize tasks.
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Stick to an Exercise Regimen
Exercise benefits everyone, but it is particularly crucial for medical students. Studies have shown that medical students who do not exercise are more likely to suffer from depression and burnout.
On the other hand, students who practice self-care, including physical exercise, have reported a higher quality of life. Many pre-med students tell themselves they will start exercising more once they enter medical school, but it will be much more challenging to start incorporating regular exercise into your schedule while balancing personal activities and lengthy workdays. Focusing on developing these habits as a pre-med student can prepare you for the rigors of medical school and all the challenges that come with it. Work on cultivating these skills, and you’ll be more than ready when the time comes to enroll in medical school.
