Commuting

[donnyfire]

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Hey everyone.
I will be attending MCW next year. I will be newly married, and must split the distance between my wife's job in the Chicago suburbs and school in Milwaukee.
As a result, I will have about a 45 min commute, twice daily.
That is the way it is for me.
My question is, does anyone have any experience commuting to med school.
Are there any suggestions for how to use this time?
Any other thoughts?
Thanks,
Don

 

[opus03]

Hey there, I commute to classes everyday as well. It's only like 18 miles for me but that takes anywhere from 35min-1hour each way. Sometimes I commute with another student from this area and that really helps to pass the time. I'm also going to invest in some cd's to learn Spanish in the car. A friend of mine listens to books on tape while she drives and seems to really enjoy it since she doesn't have the time to read them now.
Anyway, I tend to use the drive home to unwind before I get back to my husband. Also, I have always loved to drive, so the time spent in the car never really gets to me. It has to be something that you are willing to do though b/c I know it can drive some people crazy!
Good luck!

 

[Harrie]

This is going to be tougher during third year. I am on surgery right now and I have to be at the hospital around 4 or 4:30 AM! I don't leave until at least 6 pm every day. That would be a tough commute either way. Not to mention driving that far post-call when you've been on for 30 or more hours. I guess it can be done, but I might try to find another arrangement for 3rd year.

 

[Da Vinci2]

If its absolutely impossible to relocate, then you can't. But, I would get another small apartment/rent a room near your school. And see your wife whenever your schedule allows it. That 45 minute drive will make you go insane when school starts, especially in third year. With the snow and weather, the last thing you need is to get up at 3AM to get to the hopsital at 4:00AM and drive 45 minute plus post-call (24-30 hour shifts). Even in the first two years, that 1 hour and 1/2 commute will cut deeply into your studying time.

 

[chuck deli]

Hey Donny-

I don't think that between Chicago and Milwaukee is that bad. I commute that often. You can basically drive as fast as needed on the Illinois side of I-94. Just make sure you slow down when you cross the border! Traffic is never much of an issue for me...unless there's an accident on 894.

Hey, you do what you gotta do, right? You'll make it work. See if you can do your surgical rotation at a closer hospital (I know Loyola will let you petition to change a clinical site). MCW is pretty cool with their schedule...so you'll be outta there in time to beat rush hour.

I vote for you to listen to Howard Stern...105.9 in Illinois. I guess if you're desperate you could buy a dictaphone and tape your lectures/notes and listen to them in the car. Just don't tell anyone about that...

 

[donnyfire]

Thanks for all of the great advice everyone.
I'm starting to think a small apartment would be a good idea during 3rd year.
Now I just have to convince my future wife that it's a good idea.

Thanks again,
Don

 

[doc05]

A 45 minute drive isn't too bad; also keep in mind that many students don't bother with lecture during the 1st 2 years. During your 3rd year you will need to get in early, meaning less traffic.

Is there a commuter train into Milwaukee? You can study on the train like many medical students.

 

[MSV MD 2B]

hey i commute. when there is no traffic it is 20 mins. when there is trffic it is 45 mins- an hour. i tape some lectures (can't listen to them all) but wht i find tht i like listening to better is the gold standard cds. they are board prep but have most but not all of the firts year subjects and the format is a drill so it keeps you awake. actually now i listen to elmo as my son started preschool next to my med school but what i mentioned above worked last semester!

 

[mudbug]

My boyfriend commutes to med school more than an hour each way via public transportation. It's been difficult but not at all impossible for the first two years. People can get used to a lot more than they think they could. People who've never had a long commute tend to think it's an abomination, but it's really no big deal.

We're planning to move closer to the school for his third year, though.