Survival guide for medical students
BEING a medical student will involve working tougher than you have ever worked in your life. There are many off-placing myths about being a medical student. However, it is exciting, enjoyable and interesting. This article gives you some guidance about being a medical student.
Firstly, studying medicine is a long journey, a five or six-year course. The reason is because of the volume of material that needs to be learned, both basic theories and clinical skills.
At university, time seems to pass rapidly, probably because the student is too busy to notice each term flying past. While this is nice as it feels as if you’re making rapid progress through your studies, it also means it’s very easy to get behind on work and not catch up until the holidays come around.
Next, organising your work and activities is a real challenge and in fact, one of the keys of being a great student. The most vital aspect is to have a system, whether a diary you hold with you or a calendar in your phone.
Students are advised to make the most of the people in the university. They don’t necessarily have to be medics – many people grow to be very close with members of their sports crew or society.
Having a group of close friends is actually good in terms of companionship, study discussion, project work and is a good way to remind yourself of what transpired during the lecture earlier.
Also, by making more friends you are surrounded by brilliant people. There will always be someone who knows more than you, especially in the beginning.
You will struggle a lot in terms of adaptation and studies, but the sooner you can get over yourself and start learning from these brilliant people, your life will be much easier.
Last but not least, you must always learn from your mistakes and not give up easily. Sometimes you do worse than you expected. It happens. It is important to not let this discourage you – always remember that we all make mistakes. You don’t have to score flying colours in every subject to be a great doctor. Put enough effort, work hard to understand the material and you will be on your way to achieving success.
Bear in mind that after all the stress and hard work you put in, give yourself a break. Take one day a week off to just have a good rest. The most successful students know how to manage their time efficiently.
Last but not least, remember that doctors are always needed somewhere, everywhere.
For queries, contact Medic Ed Consultant Sdn Bhd at No.19-1 and 19-2, Plaza Danau 2, Jln 5/109F, Tmn Danau Desa, Off Jln Klang Lama, Kuala Lumpur or call 03-7981 1821.