Survival 101: Pre-Med

When I first started my journey to medicine I honestly did not know where to begin. Unlike many doctors I know, I did not make the decision to fully pursue medicine until my senior year of college (late, I know).
Being late in the game and having very few friends who were following the MD path made it  even more stressful. Looking back  to my undergrad years there are a few things I probably would have done differently.  Here's a list of things you should consider during your college years to prepare for a career in medicine. In the future we will be discussing surviving medical school, residency, and even fellowship so stay tuned!

Make sure you really want to do this
Being a doctor is tough, period. It takes dedication, sacrifice, physical and mental stamina, and the reality of delayed gratification.I suggest anyone who is interested in medicine to do some soul searching and ask yourself, " Is there anything else I could see myself doing that would make me has happy as medicine would". If not,buckle up, you're in for a ride. Also make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. If it is pressure from family or loved ones, or to make money, you may want to rethink this because personal gratification should ultimately be the goal.

Realize it will be a challenge
One of the hardest parts about preparing for medical school is getting in. Once you're in you've already proven that you have what it takes to face the challenge. Many medical schools also work very hard to make sure students graduate (tutors, additional study aids,etc). However prior to matriculation there may be some obstacles. Don't give up! You may have a bad semester, or topics may not make sense no matter how hard you study, but as an over comer you will be better prepared for the pleasures and pitfalls of medicine.

Be ready for the naysayers
With the constant change of the healthcare system, physician reimbursements being cut every year, and the ever growing rates of med school debt, some feel being a  doctor is not as "glamorous" as it used to be. Many people will ask you
Why do you want to be in that much debt?
Don't you want a life?
Don't you want to actually see your family?
Do you want to be in school forever?

                                    

You may not have all the answers, but if you know in your heart this is what you want to do, then you don't have to explain anything to anyone. Besides, these same people will probably be asking you for medical advice in a few years ;)

 If you have concerns about the future of medicine there are more than enough doctors (including us!) who will tell you what it is really like to be a doctor.

You don't have to be a biology major
In the past, it was thought that biology was the only major that would get you into medical school. However that myth has been debunked, as more nontraditional students are now matriculating into medical school.

Admission commitees don't care what major you do, as long as you have a good MCAT score, and do well in your undergrad courses. The most important thing to consider when choosing a major is whether or not you enjoy the subject matter and will excel at it. Consider a major in the humanities, social sciences, or various health sciences.

 Focus Focus Focus
The hours of studying while your friends are out for Thirsty Thursday, Faded Friday and the rest of the awesome weekend is no fun at all. There were many a day that I watched my friends go out while I had to stay home and study for an OChem or Physics exam. And lets not talk about when I had to prepare for the MCATs. You may feel discouraged and even wonder why you are pursuing this studious life- but remember the end of a matter is better than the beginning.

The era of social media also makes focusing all the more difficult. In order to reach your goal, you may have to deactivate your Facebook or Instagram account to spend time on your goal.

 Find a supportive counselor/mentor
This can not be stressed enough. Having a counselor or administrator who has aided others in getting into medical school will help you navigate the exhaustive work of applications, recommendations, and college courses.
A mentor during medical school is also a valuable resource who can guide you and give you tips on how to succeed in medical school.A mentor should be someone you are close to and can discuss your academic (and sometimes personal) concerns with. Look for someone you admire; someone who you wish to aspire to be like.

Get clinical exposure
This includes shadowing your family physician, volunteering with the medical team at a marathon, volunteering at a hospital or free clinic, even doing a medical missions. Clinical exposure will show that you are invested in your career and are willing to go the extra mile to immerse your self in your career field of choice early on.

Source

Complete an internship or research
Internships, pre-med summer programs,  and collegiate research are a great way to get more exposure in the medical field. They are also great application boosters. Research will show that you are invested in the sciences as well as interested in not only treating patients but figuring out the hows and whys of health.
Summer programs give a glimpse into the medical life. I participated in the SMDEP (Summer Medical and Dental Education Program) in undergrad and this experience solidified my decision to go to medical school.

RIT has a comprehensive list of programs here

Save Money
Applying to medical school is expensive.  From paying for applications, secondary applications, MCAT review books/courses and traveling for interviews you can easily spend a couple thousand dollars. In college saving money is hard with expenses of daily living, but even if you can put away a couple dollars every month you will be in a better position when you begin the application process.

 Have a life!
College is supposed to be some of the best years of your life. Even as a hard worker and dedicated student, you can still have fun! Don't let those years pass you by without some great memories made.

Extra curricular activities are just as important as your grades. Medical school admissions committees love well rounded students. They are especially interested in your non medical endeavors. Leadership activities will show you have what it takes to take charge in the health care world. Get involved in sports, clubs and societies (and not just the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society!). If you are a minority, I suggest getting involved in your local MAPS- Minority Association of Pre-Med Students (MAPS-SNMA) chapter. It is a gateway to numerous resources for education, mentorship, and advocacy.

 Consider other options
 The beauty of college is that it opens your eyes to ideas you may have never known before. Keep an open mind about your future career plans. Take the time to look into other health fields or careers in general; you may surprise yourself by realizing there are other things that interest you or you are good at. I'm not saying to give up on your dream of becoming a doctor, but also recognize that your talents may be vast and many.


Good resources for more information are
PreMed Revolution
PreMed Life

What other pre-med tips do you suggest?