Medical School Blues

By sidney brown

Sitting in my medical school lecture hall at 8 AM, I couldn't help but notice the toll that rigorous schedules and high stress take on students. The room was filled with energy drinks, multiple cups of coffee, dark eye bags, empty snack wrappers, and even caffeine pills. When classmates asked me about my own sleep or coffee intake, they were often surprised by my response.

“You get 8 hours of sleep, and you don’t drink coffee?! That’s like a superpower.”

It's concerning that getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep is seen as extraordinary among future practitioners. This environment isn't unique to medical school; it begins in the pre-medical stage and can persist throughout one's career. There's a pervasive culture where neglecting self-care is almost a badge of honor, equating academic success with how much we sacrifice our well-being. No wonder 1 in 4 medical students show signs of depression. However, rather than feeling disheartened, let's explore ways to address and change these mindsets early in our careers.

A few years ago, I searched for mental health resources specifically for medical students. While the search results were sparse, I found solace in social media. Many trainees shared their stories, creating safe spaces for discussion. One notable voice is Dr. Jake Goodman, a psychiatric resident and author of "Psychiatry for Kids." Dr. Goodman uses his platform and a TED Talk to highlight the issues within the medical training system. Public discussions about mental health are crucial for awareness and change. By acknowledging these problems, medical institutions can implement solutions like free therapy, wellness spaces, and reasonable working hours. Gradually, progress is being made.

Managing the stressors of medical school and training is another challenge. After reading through the r/medicalschool subreddit, I compiled a list of practical recommendations:

1. Use your excused absences during rotations/clinicals. If you have unused sick days, take a break without guilt.

2. Avoid constant studying. Create a study schedule that includes breaks, and respect those boundaries. Practice questions and flashcards can wait while you rest.

3. Find a community outside of medicine. Join a club, group, or activity that gives you a sense of belonging and reminds you of life beyond medicine.

4. Remember that this is a career you chose. You can decide to stay on this path or change directions. Your job doesn't define you, and it's okay to reassess your choices without falling into the trap of sunk cost.

I hope this post brings awareness or at least resonates with your experiences. If you need more support, consider these resources for medical personnel: Don’t Clock Out, PeerRxMed, and the Physician Support Line at 1-888-409-0141.