are happiness/balance possible in med school? if so, how?

[skiing]

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On the whole, med students (and residents) live restricted lives - a lot of studying, long hours, being on call, etc. Add the pressure and unknowns of boards, clinical grades, applying to residencies, and having little free time and rest - how does one stay happy in the midst of all that? With those types of a demands, what does balance actually look like?

With finals over, I've been thinking through this whole medical/premed life - how do you find happiness in the midst of intense pressure/competition/failures/many unknowns? Medicine is a long process, and knowing the answers to these questions might be a survival skill.

 

[iceman132]

From what I understand they handle it by hobbes, working out and finding time to get smashed in bars (JK just drinking with friends and whatnot)

 

[Whatyousay]

You don't. Medical schools try to recruit the most-rounded individuals possible so they can spend the next four years beating the well-roundedness out of them.

 

[Lil Mick]

Not sure about happiness all the time (more of a PhD than an MD), but balance is necessary. I work out nearly every day and see my family and friends a few times a week (or at least talk on the phone or online), and I've kept up my research projects through MS1.

With lectures, I think I usually spend about 4-5 hours a day on medical school stuff (minus my research projects). I've passed all of my classes, and I'm usually around the class median (if that helps gauge the time commitment for your desired results). We have people who study every day for 10+ hours, and we have people who study frighteningly little (and most still pass).

 

[Narmerguy]

When is happiness/balance ever not possible? You aren't forced to do anything in this world (except in war and slavery) so you can always do whatever you feel is necessary to be happy.

Maybe that doesn't mean you can be happy/balanced and graduate at the top of your class but that's a totally different matter.

 

[willen101383]

I am pretty much happy every day. I wake up at 10...spend like 4 hours watching lectures online. Then I go to the gym. I hit the range at least one day a week and send like 200 rounds down range.

Med school ISNT what most people think its going to be like. If you are a reasonably smart person you WILL NOT have no life. You will have PLENTY of time to do things and PLENTY of times to go out and do whatever you enjoy doing.

Got it?

 

[AntiHouseMD]

The one thing I have read most of the time is that it's what you make of it. If you want to get straight A's, you'll sacrifice on your personal life to make it happen. If you're okay with decent grades but still want a life, you make it happen. The person who will decide this is ultimately you.

 

[MeowMeowCAT]

Where there is coffee, there is happiness.

 

[getdown]

I don't really think anyone can answer this question fully for you. Everyone is different with their own sets of skills and knowledge that may impact how much they need to study for class. This really is something you're just going to have to come in and experience and find the balance that works for you. Yeah, I know you people are afraid of the unknown but asking subjective questions only garners subjective answers that inherently aren't really useful at the end of the day. Relax and stop fretting is probably the best advice anybody can give you at this point.

 

[CuttingCorneas]

You don't. Medical schools try to recruit the most-rounded individuals possible so they can spend the next four years beating the well-roundedness out of them.

 

[BlackHouse]

Take it in stride, manage time properly, and make time for YOURSELF

 

[SoyRicoSuave]

As a pre-med you study for classes, do a million ECs, and stress continuously over trying to get in. Med school is the promised land you've probably dreamt about for quite some time. Obviously you have time management skills to have gotten in, so having some free time for yourself is easily obtainable; but even when studying your studying (or should be) stuff that interests you (for the most part) and can feel fulfilled at the end of the day.

Just keep thinking, wow my life is awesome I'm in med school, and pretend the debt doesn't exist...

Unless your the anal gunner who HAS to be top of your class. If so, say good bye to any fun and at least 5 years off your life....

 

[Parts Unknown]

On the whole, med students (and residents) live restricted lives - a lot of studying, long hours, being on call, etc. Add the pressure and unknowns of boards, clinical grades, applying to residencies, and having little free time and rest - how does one stay happy in the midst of all that?

Just look at anyone who works two low wage jobs to make ends meet. It's all about context.

 

[PinkIvy08]

Happiness is a choice. Period.

 

[Iso4ane]

Happiness is a choice. Period.

She kinda beat me to it, but what makes you happy...

If you can make med school (studying and jumping through hoops) enjoyable for you, you will be happy.. It a choice...trick yourself into being happy.

 

[Perrotfish]

The hours you're going to need to put in will depend on

1) how high your expectations are for yourself

2) your natural level of talent

If you're a natual test killer and your attitude is 'D is for doctor' then, except for a handful of 3rd year rotationsx, you can work less than most people your age. On the other hand if you're a more average student and you're gunning for plastics then you're going to work harder.

I'd say the average here (throwing out numbers, I didn't do fact check) is 50 hours a week in the first two years, round the clock studying for the two months before step 1, 60+ hour weeks in third year (varying wildly by rotation) and then 20 hours a week in fourth year. So other than for step 1 and a couple of rottions you should be able to have a life.

Residency and attending lifestyle, of course, will depend on what you choose. PM&R is going to be slightly different than Peds CT surgery.

 

[Narmerguy]

Happiness is a choice. Period.

+1 👍 Life is hard for everyone.

 

[skiing]

Thanks all - this was really insightful. it's interesting to see how every one of you have different takes on the question of happiness.

Although the pursuit of happiness is universal (we all seek it in some way or another), the reality of happiness is far from it. Interesting! Thanks for all the helpful food for thought. I'll try to piece together all of your perspectives and figure out what being happy + busy/medical means for me.. 👍

 

[Ponger]

Ditto on the happiness is a choice sentiment. Also if you're so 'un-happy' during med school there's always the possibility it's not the career for you.

 

[tman5890]

Ditto on the happiness is a choice sentiment. Also if you're so 'un-happy' during med school there's always the possibility it's not the career for you.

+1
Always good to know if you'll enjoy the life of a doctor by doing clinical and shadowing.