About to start M1 and freaking out!

[Dov]

I am about to enter first year and I am totally intimidated, frightened, and doubting my ability to thrive in school and be a successful doctor. Is this normal?!?

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[SanDiegoSOD]

I think a bit of anxiety is normal, but you sound a bit over the top. Relax, have some fun, and realize that you wouldn't have been accepted if you weren't capable of graduating.

 

[LJDHC05]

Everyone keeps telling me that I'll be a great doctor...so I dont know if that's just the fact that they dont have many people to compare me to or if they're just stroking my ego so they can get free perscriptions for oxycontin or whatever.

Really, dont worry about anythin now now. You're not expected to be a good physician in your first year, or even to thrive in medical school. Just do your best and no one can expect anything more than that. For the time being, pour yourself a margarita, go sit on the beach and enjoy one of the last responsibility and debt free summers you'll have until retirement.

 

[QofQuimica]

I am about to enter first year and I am totally intimidated, frightened, and doubting my ability to thrive in school and be a successful doctor. Is this normal?!?

We were talking about this in the non-trad forum. My feeling is that if you're not scared s***less about starting medical school, then you're either not fully aware of the level of commitment and responsibility that you're taking on, or else you're not human. The important thing to remember is that being brave doesn't mean not being scared. Being brave means that you continue moving forward IN SPITE of being scared. I guarantee you that most if not all of your classmates are scared too, as are most if not all of the M1s everywhere all over the country. I sure am. But you know what? Thousands of people survive M1 every single year, and odds are excellent that you and I will survive, too. So make up your mind now that no matter how hard it gets, you are not going to give up. Best of to you.

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

My feeling is that if you're not scared s***less about starting medical school, then you're either not fully aware of the level of commitment and responsibility that you're taking on, or else you're not human.

Or just a different type of human. Some people view challenges with fear and trepidation, others view challenges with anticipation and excitement. I think its just a matter of personality type. I don't think having the second attitude is necessarily an indication of underestimating the forthcoming difficulty, though it certainly could be (as well as being a defense mechanism for someone who is too scared to admit it to themselves! )

 

[ND2005]

We were talking about this in the non-trad forum. My feeling is that if you're not scared s***less about starting medical school, then you're either not fully aware of the level of commitment and responsibility that you're taking on, or else you're not human. The important thing to remember is that being brave doesn't mean not being scared. Being brave means that you continue moving forward IN SPITE of being scared. I guarantee you that most if not all of your classmates are scared too, as are most if not all of the M1s everywhere all over the country. I sure am. But you know what? Thousands of people survive M1 every single year, and odds are excellent that you and I will survive, too. So make up your mind now that no matter how hard it gets, you are not going to give up. Best of to you.

The other thing to remember is that overall, more than 90% of the people who start med school finish it. At top schools like Columbia, it's more like 95+%.

anxiety is normal, but they let you in for a reason, and your odds of succeeding are very high.

 

[Callogician]

Everyone keeps telling me that I'll be a great doctor...

This means that you're tall, good looking, and socially adept.

 

[LJDHC05]

This means that you're tall, good looking, and socially adept.

and gosh darn it people like me

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

This means that you're tall, good looking, and socially adept.

Wait - aren't all doctors socially adept?

 

[LJDHC05]

Wait - aren't all doctors socially adept?

so are all of us SDNers...

 

[UCSFnerd]

Grats on Columbia University. That was my first choice school, but I'm still on the waitlist. Oh well...

 

[vkhalsa]

Wait - aren't all doctors socially adept?

haha you would be suprised...

 

[IlizaRob]

The other thing to remember is that overall, more than 90% of the people who start med school finish it. At top schools like Columbia, it's more like 95+%.

anxiety is normal, but they let you in for a reason, and your odds of succeeding are very high.

 

[ahumdinger]

ilizarob, I hope that's not a picture of your foot.

 

[VPDcurt]

Please tell me that's not your ankle...

 

[VPDcurt]

"Jinx"


a little blast from the past if you will.

 

[Mike59]

I am about to enter first year and I am totally intimidated, frightened, and doubting my ability to thrive in school and be a successful doctor. Is this normal?!?

The real anxiety comes when you know a " just a little more" than you do right now about how to actually fix sick people (that's post-clinical rotations of course), they throw you into the hospital as an intern on the Medicine service with a pager that's going off non-stop and you're supposed to do something about it...now THAT's anxiety provoking! (LOL!, just kidding with ya, sort of)

it's all baby steps from M1 onwards, chill out, study and do your best, what more can you do? Worrying never accomplished anything other than raising Ativan profits for those who've invested wisely in company's stock

 

[cfdavid]

Keep in mind that being a doctor is just a job. Sure, it has some interesting (though, I'd argue they are not unique to medicine) demands. But, it's a career path, man. One that requires a lot of commitment. However, you don't have to be a super-human to do this. Work hard, and treat it like a demanding full-time job, and manage your time well. No big deal.

But, I do agree that some anxiety is normal. Like others have said, you're not along in feeling anxious about starting something so new and challenging.

 

[BlinkyCat]

good grief!...that's one messed up ankle....

 

[Tristy]

I am about to enter first year and I am totally intimidated, frightened, and doubting my ability to thrive in school and be a successful doctor. Is this normal?!?

I've been feeling the same way for the past few weeks (getting closer and closer to orientation! ), so you're not alone

 

[angietron3000]

good grief!...that's one messed up ankle....

I know! That makes me even more anxious!!
omigod what if I pass out in the hospital or something?!!

 

[SanDiegoSOD]

Here guys, this ought to help:

I kid, I kid...

 

[Dov]

Here guys, this ought to help:

I kid, I kid...

lol

 

[lord_jeebus]

I'm an MS-3 now, and not a single thing that people told me was going to be bad (Anatomy, 2nd year, Step 1, Clinical rotations...) was even half as rough as they said it would be.

It's like when you're a freshman in college and everyone tells you you aren't going to make it when you say you're premed.

 

[infiniti]

Ditto! I am in the same position and I am excited (zero fear). I have come this far and I know medical school won't be any different. I am sure the Op will be fine. Try to find a way to turn your fear into excitement!

I'm an MS-3 now, and not a single thing that people told me was going to be bad (Anatomy, 2nd year, Step 1, Clinical rotations...) was even half as rough as they said it would be.

It's like when you're a freshman in college and everyone tells you you aren't going to make it when you say you're premed.

 

[78222]

I am a pessimist. I really dont expect to like medschool all that much (at least not first and second years.) I think its best to just not think about it. So thats what I am doing, denial. Medschool what?

 

[babybichon]

Wait - aren't all doctors socially adept?

i work in a hospital, waiting to start med school in august. I watched a pulmunologist (stanford for med school, U of Chicago for residency) intubate a patient this afternoon. He was yelling at the patient to stop moving and calling him a ***** while he was intubating him. so sad that some great doctors have absolutely NO compassion.

 

[chrisjohn]

I work in a hospital too and I can't wait to leave my job and return to school. It's been a long time coming.

As a nontrad though I've seen how life can get in the way of success. I also work with a guy who left after MS2. Yea, the attrition is low, but it's there. Another dude I know, took a year off and is changing oil at the local quick lube. Don't let hubris get in the way. Plan to finish, then make it so.

 

[Pewl]

We were talking about this in the non-trad forum. My feeling is that if you're not scared s***less about starting medical school, then you're either not fully aware of the level of commitment and responsibility that you're taking on, or else you're not human. The important thing to remember is that being brave doesn't mean not being scared. Being brave means that you continue moving forward IN SPITE of being scared. I guarantee you that most if not all of your classmates are scared too, as are most if not all of the M1s everywhere all over the country. I sure am. But you know what? Thousands of people survive M1 every single year, and odds are excellent that you and I will survive, too. So make up your mind now that no matter how hard it gets, you are not going to give up. Best of to you.

Heh, fellow grad students unite! Let's share a common mantra: "If we can go from undergrad bio to graduate physics, then we should be versatile enough to adapt to med school!"

 

[SuferMD]

I'm an MS-3 now, and not a single thing that people told me was going to be bad (Anatomy, 2nd year, Step 1, Clinical rotations...) was even half as rough as they said it would be.

It's like when you're a freshman in college and everyone tells you you aren't going to make it when you say you're premed.

Amen

Going to be MS-1. Not really worried. Just expecting to put in a lot of time studying. Did in undergrad, plan to do it a lot more in med school. No point in being anxious over something that isn't here yet. Will face it when it comes.

 

[Law2Doc]

I think Dante summed up entrance into med school pretty well:

"Through me you pass into the city of woe:
Through me you pass into eternal pain:
Through me among the people lost for aye.

Justice the founder of my fabric mov'd:
To rear me was the task of power divine,
Supremest wisdom, and primeval love.

Before me things create were none, save things
Eternal, and eternal I endure.
All hope abandon ye who enter here."

 

[78222]

I think Dante summed up entrance into med school pretty well:

"Through me you pass into the city of woe:
Through me you pass into eternal pain:
Through me among the people lost for aye.

Justice the founder of my fabric mov'd:
To rear me was the task of power divine,
Supremest wisdom, and primeval love.

Before me things create were none, save things
Eternal, and eternal I endure.
All hope abandon ye who enter here."

Sounds about right

 

[eralza]

"Be afraid... be very afraid!"

I'll be going into my second year in a few months, and I wish that someone had told me that the first year would be brutal beyond expectation. All I kept hearing was, "You'll do great!", "Know the big picture, and you will do fine", "You've worked long hours, so school will be easy". I could choke my big-sib for his nonchalant reassurance!

Yes, there were those who honored everything, drank heavily, seemingly studied little, and always got 8 hrs of sleep. Usually, they were the ones right out of school, with few other committments, and definitely in the minority.

You got into Columbia, so you are smart and dedicated, and will undoubtedly make it though. Just keep the end in sight; keep on top of your studies; and realize that if something is easy, you are probably studying the wrong thing.

Sorry to dole out an opinion other than typical bright and cheery optimism, but I wish someone had done it for me early on.

 

[Dov]

"Be afraid... be very afraid!"

I'll be going into my second year in a few months, and I wish that someone had told me that the first year would be brutal beyond expectation. All I kept hearing was, "You'll do great!", "Know the big picture, and you will do fine", "You've worked long hours, so school will be easy". I could choke my big-sib for his nonchalant reassurance!

Yes, there were those who honored everything, drank heavily, seemingly studied little, and always got 8 hrs of sleep. Usually, they were the ones right out of school, with few other committments, and definitely in the minority.

You got into Columbia, so you are smart and dedicated, and will undoubtedly make it though. Just keep the end in sight; keep on top of your studies; and realize that if something is easy, you are probably studying the wrong thing.

Sorry to dole out an opinion other than typical bright and cheery optimism, but I wish someone had done it for me early on.

I really appreciate the advice from everyone. I have calmed down overall but I am going to enter next year with the assumption that I am really going to have to work my a55 off. I am happy to see some people have anxieties as well and I am not alone in my aprehensions. Again... thank you all!

 

[chrisjohn]

Don't let these folks shake you. It's all a part of the initiation.

 

[lilnoelle]

double post

 

[lilnoelle]

I'm just choosing not to think about it until I'm actually there experiencing it. My concerns are more about how my family (two young children) is going to handle it and how that will affect my study time. I'm perfectly willing to study as hard as I have to for as long as I need to - am just not sure how it will be possible with a three year old and 12 month old in the house (both that are rather clingy on momma)
I figure that I have no idea what it will really be like until I'm in the midst of it, so why freak myself out about it now. It could be that it will be worse than I think, it might be better. I have no clue.

 

[SoCuteMD]

I had a relatively successful year. Yes, it was stressful at times. I was unhappy at times. I cried, whined, bitched, etc. But, when you get down to it, it wasn't that bad. What I learned:

1) Skip lecture. Never skip lab.
2) Make study time true study time, don't fart around on SDN. Make play time true play time so that you feel like you get a break occasionally.
3) 8 hours of sleep a night.
4) Yoga videos and hand weights = your best friend.
5) Your positivity and happiness are inversely proportional to the number of fast food meals you have eaten in the last two weeks. Find quick but healthy solutions that will give you a boost while studying. Almonds are a personal favorite of mine. I rarely buy true fast food, and instead stick to the salads (easy on the dressing!).
6) Your positivity and happiness are proportional to the number of times you have worked out in the last 2 weeks.

Good luck!!

 

[LJDHC05]

I just signed my promisory note and sealed the envelope...seeing your signature next to $59,804 is not fun and definitely a stress inducing event.

 

[GujjuNo1]

I am a little scared as well. I have been out of school for three years, so i know that first few weeks are going to be hell.

But, I know i worked pretty hard to get here so there is no way i am going to screw this up.

I am assuming there a few out there who are going back after a while; how are you preparing?

 

[roo425]

I'm just choosing not to think about it until I'm actually there experiencing it. My concerns are more about how my family (two young children) is going to handle it and how that will affect my study time. I'm perfectly willing to study as hard as I have to for as long as I need to - am just not sure how it will be possible with a three year old and 12 month old in the house (both that are rather clingy on momma)
I figure that I have no idea what it will really be like until I'm in the midst of it, so why freak myself out about it now. It could be that it will be worse than I think, it might be better. I have no clue.

OMG. I'm so glad to find someone in a similar situation. I'm a mom of two children, too, but they're a little bit older than yours (mines are 6 and 4). I can't believe how you went through all the pre-med/application stuff with such young children!
However, My worst fear is that I may get unnecessarily mean to my kids due to my own stress. I guess I should get some Yoga DVD's before the school starts. Maybe I can do Yoga togetehr with my kids when I feel like to yell at them. Having kids extends your limit of patience, right, noelleruckman?

 

[lilnoelle]

OMG. I'm so glad to find someone in a similar situation. I'm a mom of two children, too, but they're a little bit older than yours (mines are 6 and 4). I can't believe how you went through all the pre-med/application stuff with such young children!
However, My worst fear is that I may get unnecessarily mean to my kids due to my own stress. I guess I should get some Yoga DVD's before the school starts. Maybe I can do Yoga togetehr with my kids when I feel like to yell at them. Having kids extends your limit of patience, right, noelleruckman?

Definitely. Its an eye opener to get outside of yourself, look down, and see, that the neighbor (or any one within earshot) probably thinks your a bad parent because of loss of patience with children. I'm a stay at home mom for a month between job and school and I have a hard time keeping myself patient with them now, I can only imagine what school will be like. I'm hoping that the amount of time I spend away from them will help me more value the time I spend with them during the school year.
I did the premed stuff before having children. I did apply when my daughter was two and I was pregnant with my son. It was a bit crazy.

 

[R*ckstar]

Ditto! I am in the same position and I am excited (zero fear). I have come this far and I know medical school won't be any different. I am sure the Op will be fine. Try to find a way to turn your fear into excitement!

I have been waiting my whole life to go to med school... seriously I have pics of me as a three yr. old wearing a blue shower cap and a fischer price stethoscope! At the same time, I am a little nervous. Okay, sometimes, I am absolutely terrified. But I think we all need to remember that this is no different from any of the other challenges we have faced and kicked a$$. We are all going to make it and look back from our residencies and wish it was "easy" like med school... and someday we are going to retire and miss all the hard work

 

[omniatlas]

I am assuming there a few out there who are going back after a while; how are you preparing?

I've started to crack open my USMLE review book (First Aid) and get accustomed to PBL-style learning.

BTW, whats the best way to study and compartmentalize your notes -- system/organ based?

 

[Northerner]

I am about to enter first year and I am totally intimidated, frightened, and doubting my ability to thrive in school and be a successful doctor. Is this normal?!?

Yeah.

You'll never make it.

 

[jammin06]

I don't know how other schools do it, but I just saw that UAB had posted the exam schedule for the first semester online. Our blocks are about 12 weeks long and I noticed that there are only 3 weeks where there isn't at least 1 exam. Yea, that was definitely the source of a little bit of anxiety. A word of advice that I heard from upperclassmen..."Be prepared to hit the ground running, but don't burn out in your first year...there's a LONG road that still awaits"

 

[Dr Trek 1]

Just remember that everyone freaking you out about med school for your entire life is both a good and bad thing.

It is a bad thing because it may psychologically influence how you view the year (if everyone says it was terrible and you believe it it may become a self fulfilling prophecy).

However, it is a good thing because our minds automatically exaggerate what we hear. For instance, if someone tells you that their house is the most awesome house in the world, there is no way it will live up to your expectations. In the same way, there is no way med school can be as "bad" as one may think beforehand.

 

[NonTradMed]

I freaked out a few weeks ago when I realized that throughout my medical career, I will have lives in my hands, and I will make mistakes during training and probably beyond which could be fatal.....so....it's a bit scary to think that. Also, having done premed or been in the "I am hoping to go to med school" mode for so long, actually attending it seems like a far off dream still, and not something that will happen in a couple months' time. For me, the most important way to maintain sanity is to enjoy my summer and remember that med school is going to be like college on steroids.

 

[Dr Trek 1]

I freaked out a few weeks ago when I realized that throughout my medical career, I will have lives in my hands, and I will make mistakes during training and probably beyond which could be fatal.....so....it's a bit scary to think that. Also, having done premed or been in the "I am hoping to go to med school" mode for so long, actually attending it seems like a far off dream still, and not something that will happen in a couple months' time. For me, the most important way to maintain sanity is to enjoy my summer and remember that med school is going to be like college on steroids.

Also remember med school is 4 years of your life, and only about 2 are classroom intensive. That's about 4% of your 50 year career. It's nothing to worry about, but it is something to cherish.

 

[MissionComplete]

I am about to enter first year and I am totally intimidated, frightened, and doubting my ability to thrive in school and be a successful doctor. Is this normal?!?

Here's a list of the anatomy books that got my girlfriend through the Columbia Anatomy HELL that you'll endure-- we shared them and found them to be great resource both for anatomy and when studying for Step 1.

The Famed Netter Text

Netter Cards-- great for studying!

Greatest Photo Atlas

Clinical Anatomy Atlas

BRS Anatomy

High-Yield Anatomy