I don't know how well I can speak on this, but while attending SBSI@Duke about 3 years ago, the DukeMed culture and academic professors were extremely hardcore, but also very welcoming and supportive. I remember on the first day when Dr. Brenda Armstrong (who was director of DukeMed admission for a few years I think before she passed away) said that she had a "chip on her shoulder" and that we should too basically. Lots of the focus of our program was social equity and racial justice within the healthcare system (which fits with the students they attract) so it made sense in the context of what she was talking about but was infiltrated throughout everything else, too. I am pretty sure my colleagues and I all wanted to die by the end of the program because we were very ~over worked~. In the end, it was a really beneficial program, made my skin thicker, and taught me that medical school isn't going to be flowers and perfect sun sets, as many social media influencers and Netflix shows sometimes suggest. I don't think you could go wrong going to Duke. While it won't be easy, it will be well worth your effort in the end. Keeping your mental health in check will be difficult for sure, but I am sure you will meet some really amazing people. Also - their facilities (med school + hospital + campus) and access to resources are, quite simply put, mind blowing.
