Classmates in Med School

[TXMED_1695]

How big of a factor are your fellow classmates in medical school? During my UG, I noticed in my advanced Science classes that my lab partners made a big difference in the course for me. The proactive lab partner, they want to be part of every calculation and experiment. But then you get paired with someone that wants you to do everything, and on top of that they complain constantly. Is this a factor in medical school?

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[SunsFun]

People in 1 or 2 classes above you are much more important, imo. They can be an invaluable resource for networking in your chosen field. For the most part, your classmates will not have anything to do with your step scores or grades unless you get paired with a-holes throughout your 3rd year, which is statistically improbable.


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[AltMentStat]

The only thing that I can think of is anatomy lab. Being grouped with several people that aren't willing to do the work would be tough. Even with bad partners though, you should be able to manage to do well in lab if you work at it.

 

[bananafish94]

Well, the way I see it is that your classmates define the culture and environment of the school. I think that my classmates are the best aspect of my medical school, which makes the entire experience more enjoyable even when it gets stressful and difficult. Also, my school is pretty collaborative with sharing notes, Anki decks, etc. whereas it's my understanding that other schools might be more isolated. And yes, they definitely play a role in things like anatomy lab in which case having a great group is a bonus.

 

[tymont12]

I remember my first day of undergrad bio lab...I was paired with a premed gunner who thought he would "leave me in the dust" and not work with me. I haven't experienced that in med school.

I'm in a PBL curriculum, so personality quirks get played out early on and everyone learns to deal by the end of M1/M2. But, there definitely are people who are more apathetic about med school, doing the bare minimum to participate and complaining about anything that involves more than sitting at home and watching lectures and reading First Aid. BUT, I have not run into anyone not pulling their weight when it comes to group assignments. If anything, it's better than undergrad because you don't always need to be the one leading the way.

 

[CharlieBillings]

I remember my first day of undergrad bio lab...I was paired with a premed gunner who thought he would "leave me in the dust" and not work with me. I haven't experienced that in med school.

I'm in a PBL curriculum, so personality quirks get played out early on and everyone learns to deal by the end of M1/M2. But, there definitely are people who are more apathetic about med school, doing the bare minimum to participate and complaining about anything that involves more than sitting at home and watching lectures and reading First Aid. BUT, I have not run into anyone not pulling their weight when it comes to group assignments. If anything, it's better than undergrad because you don't always need to be the one leading the way.

So what other stuff are med students active in? Research? Med school related clubs like 'emergency medicine club', etc? Sports? Volunteering?

 

[tymont12]

So what other stuff are med students active in? Research? Med school related clubs like 'emergency medicine club', etc? Sports? Volunteering?

I'm involved with research and most students at my school are as well. Besides that, people do a smattering of less important activities like running student clubs, being part of student government (which I personally think is the biggest waste of time) and doing intramural sports. Some students volunteer but it's hard to do anything medically related as an M1 or M2 since you don't have any credentials or ability to really care for anyone. However, YMMV if your school runs a free-clinic. Ours does not.

 

[bananafish94]

So what other stuff are med students active in? Research? Med school related clubs like 'emergency medicine club', etc? Sports? Volunteering?

Speaking for my school only, a healthy amount of people are involved in research but not all. It's nice because PIs and physicians actually take you seriously as a medical student, as opposed to undergrad where you would blast email 30 people and get two responses. There are interest groups run by medical students that will host lunch talks, suturing in the anatomy lab, etc. There are also volunteering clubs run by medical students (I do this and it's awesome). We have several intramural sports teams which is a good way to relax on the weekends.

 

[sliceofbread136]

Doesn't matter too much until 3rd year

 

[The_Sunny_Doc]

We do group research projects and papers for OMT. Of course, one or two people always get disproportionately burdened with the work. People are more likely to contribute if someone tells them exactly what to do, and when it's due. However, deadlines are always flexible and usually down to the wire, hah. Have to have at least one person take charge.