How do you deal?

[gatsbyjo]

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Hi,

I've been reading posts here for a while but this is really the first thing I've written.

I'm just curious about some of the ways you have all found to deal with the super-competitive atmosphere of your schools. (If your school doesn't have that atmosphere, please don't rub it in, since I'm looking for advice thanks).

A month ago, I would have described myself as a Type A, ultra competitive gunner... and then I started medical school. It just seems that everyone is trying to scope out how much you know and how you are studying. I missed a biochem lecture last week and at least 8 people noticed and quizzed me on how I planned to learn the material.

This is so foreign to me. I was an NCAA Division I athlete, but I was on a team, so at least I was part of a group and had people to work WITH. I just haven't found that here.

I also wasn't the typical "pre-med" student. I actually took the MCAT on a dare from my mom--long story, I didnt have the confidence to just go out there and take the test. But, regardless, this is the first time I've studied this hard. I love it, I love the work, but I don't like the feeling that everyone is watching my every move. I usually am oblivious to everything other people are doing- why are they so inquisitive about what I'm doing?

And, this is not the same as people asking for advice or tips. I am always glad to help people with things I understand. The problem I am having is with people that are obviously having ulterior motives for studying with you or asking you questions.

Thanks,

gats

 

[my alias]

i know what you mean. wherever you go there are going to be people like that, but it's their problem, not yours. keep in mind that classes just started, and your clasmates might be having more trouble getting adjusted and finding their place. everyone is a little insecure, and once they get comfortable with the courseload, they'll settle down a bit. in terms of how to deal with in in the mean time, the best advice i can give you is to teach by example. if you show people that it's ok help other students, or ask for their help, eventually they'll get the point. good luck in your first year!

 

[carrigallen]

I would suggest that the atmosphere may not be quite so competitive as you perceive. Students at the beginning of school are just trying to break your chops, and asking questions about class is a simple ice-breaker. It is easy to misinterpret people when under stress.

 

[gatsbyjo]

I just don't want to be naive. My school has a large class and only a small percentage can receive honors. I probably won't be among them, but 99percent of my classmates think they are going to be in the top 1 percent. I just wonder how they'll all cope after our first round of exams.

The biggest concern I have is that this atmosphere will pervade into my future career. I look at my classmates and I just can't imagine working with any of them! That sounds so awful and snobby to say, but I just can't see it. There are many days I wish I would have gone for nursing or PA. But, I just know that I would regret not doing med school since I know I'm capable.

Here is an example from yesterday: we are in anatomy lab (for some reason I love that class and its cake for me) and I was standing around teaching a few people the mediastinum. Well, I started to notice that more people were asking me what everything was (which I don't mind). Then, they all start quizzing me on how I knew it so well. Instead of being happy that we were learning together, they all had some kind of problem with it. They didn't believe me when I said I just play with the Netter's CD a couple times a week and that helps.

The other thing I've noticed is that I don't mind being wrong. Like, if I am in a small group class, I'll try and answer anyways. Maybe this is not a good thing. Who knows.

I think you are right-- I should just care less. In a way, Im being very hypocritical by worrying about 'why' they are worried about me! I'm just feeding the cycle....

Oh well. Its just hard to imagine getting through four years of this beat-each-other up attitude.

 

[ericdamiansean]

Oh well. Its just hard to imagine getting through four years of this beat-each-other up attitude.

I hope this won't last...new brooms sweep clean?

 

[HiddenTruth]

yo dude--chill out a bit. I know it gets frustrating when you are questioned about your abilities; however, when people ask you or "quiz" you on how you know the material so well, take it as a compliment--you obviously are on top it relatively and not everyone at the beginning of med school knows how to study or what to study and when they see someone who seems to be doing well--they tend to be inquisitive; it's innate. We all do it to some extent, subconsciously. I understand that it is a bit extreme, but like someone else said, keep in mind that school jus started and people are wandering--kinda' lost. They jus' wanna know your secret recipe dawg--hook 'em up, lol.

No, but in all seriousness, I think if it bothers you that much--you should stay away from people and do your own thing. Don't try to publicize your knowledge of the subject material. I am not sayin don't asnwer in small groups or don't teach anatomy--I'm just saying that UNDERSTAND the sceneraio and stay a bit hush hush and keep a low image, no one will bother ya--they'll think you're too dum'--lol, j/k. But you get the point.

Just take it easy man--and like I said take it as a compliment if anything. But I totally understand when people ask you like the same thing 10 x's to RE-RE-RE assure themselves, as if it's a philosophical response. I hope things chill out for ya--good luck! DO your thing!

HT

 

[gatsbyjo]

Thanks... I think I'm pretty calm. I just got on a rant earlier.

We have tests coming up and people are getting pretty tense. I don't know whats up but I just don't feel that tense about things. Hmmm... that will probably change after I see my first few grades coming in.

I think the thing that scares me is that I don't want to turn into one of those "stereotype" medclones or whatever the term is.

I think the plan will be to just stay by myself and out of the way, play dumb a little and see what happens. In such a huge class there has to be other people like me that just want to succeed, but not go nuts in the process.

Is the atmosphere I'm noticing just people continuing to be "pre-med" types? I didnt go that route, so I don't know what they are like.

thanks for the advice, I just needed to vent and get it all off my chest. I guess I just miss my undergrad school and comraderie!

 

[HiddenTruth]

thanks for the advice, I just needed to vent and get it all off my chest. I guess I just miss my undergrad school and comraderie!

no sweat--Well you got your comraderie on this site--

 

[DrMom]

I just wonder how they'll all cope after our first round of exams.

Well, if you haven't had a round of exams yet, then you guys don't even know what you're in for yet. Things will level out after a while.

Here is an example from yesterday: we are in anatomy lab (for some reason I love that class and its cake for me) and I was standing around teaching a few people the mediastinum. Well, I started to notice that more people were asking me what everything was (which I don't mind). Then, they all start quizzing me on how I knew it so well. Instead of being happy that we were learning together, they all had some kind of problem with it. They didn't believe me when I said I just play with the Netter's CD a couple times a week and that helps.

Maybe they're more envious than being competitive. Some of them are probably putting in more time and feeling like they're floundering.

 

[gatsbyjo]

The ironic thing is that every student is here for a reason and some are just inevitably going to do better than others.

Like I said, anatomy just clicks for me. But biochem, thats another story. It feels like they are speaking French or something. But I don't sit there and analyze how other people know whats going on.... I just go home and crack open a book.

Hopefully, things WILL level out. At some point, I think I might start going to less lectures and spending more time during active learning.

The funniest thing about people being nosy about your study habits is the inherent irony. For example, if you were wondering how I can see so well, would you borrow my glasses to wear? No, because everyone has a different prescription. A very tired analogy, but it makes sense to me.

Thanks for all the suggestions its awesome to be able to chat a little on here, I just moved to a new state and things are a little different...I'm very lonely until 9pm when the cell phone gets to be free!

 

[doc05]

the best thing you could have done was skip that lecture. continue to do so and you'll probably get better grades than everyone.

as far as your annoying classmates, they'll get better in a couple years.

 

[AlexOt3]

At least at your school there are questions about courses...at P/F schools it all turns to gossip...who dates who, who is a lush, who did what and whom...it feels like high school all over again!

Come back and post on THAT after a few weeks...