Is this a common feeling?

[Jdp00921]

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Hey all,

MD1 here. I'm about to finish first year with not straight A's but definitely above average grades. I'm a few points above average on basically all exams and I haven't been struggling or anything like that. I also have a reasonable amount of free time outside of school so I'm quite content with where I sit in my class grades wise. We are currently in our first systems course (what is considered the most difficult course taken at my institution) and I'm doing well. Overall, I have really no concern as far as written exams go. My worry is the clinical stuff. We are starting to work with more patients and I'm slowly seeing what it's like working as a physician's medical student. I also have experience as a scribe so I've seen how medical students are to present cases/treatment plans in a clinical setting. This is my issue - I feel so stupid when working with the physicians. On a written exam, I'm fine. When I'm asked a verbal question, however, and I have to think on my feet and I'm expected to answer in a few seconds, I have difficulty. Sometimes I'm asked a question that is honestly really simple or something that near everyone should know and my answers are really, really dumb because I get flustered/nervous/anxious and I can't think straight.

Is this a common occurrence? Do many experience this and simply improve with more practice? I guess that when we do clinical tasks (ie - see standardized patients, perform PEs, are verbally asked to explain rational for something, etc.), I wish I could think more clearly (like when I'm taking a written exam). I should note, this is ESPECIALLY true when we do things in front of classmates. I have semi-awful social anxiety and even the simplest things make me nervous in front of a crowd (small or large) and I like to believe this compounds my issue (read: it definitely compounds my issue). Reflecting on this problem overall, it really may be almost completely due to my "stage fright."

Any advice? Anyone have a similar experience? Is this to inevitably ruin any chances of performing well third year? How to gain more confidence with my medical knowledge?

Thanks all!
J

 

[Rekt]

Hey all,

MD1 here. I'm about to finish first year with not straight A's but definitely above average grades. I'm a few points above average on basically all exams and I haven't been struggling or anything like that. I also have a reasonable amount of free time outside of school so I'm quite content with where I sit in my class grades wise. We are currently in our first systems course (what is considered the most difficult course taken at my institution) and I'm doing well. Overall, I have really no concern as far as written exams go. My worry is the clinical stuff. We are starting to work with more patients and I'm slowly seeing what it's like working as a physician's medical student. I also have experience as a scribe so I've seen how medical students are to present cases/treatment plans in a clinical setting. This is my issue - I feel so stupid when working with the physicians. On a written exam, I'm fine. When I'm asked a verbal question, however, and I have to think on my feet and I'm expected to answer in a few seconds, I have difficulty. Sometimes I'm asked a question that is honestly really simple or something that near everyone should know and my answers are really, really dumb because I get flustered/nervous/anxious and I can't think straight.

Is this a common occurrence? Do many experience this and simply improve with more practice? I guess that when we do clinical tasks (ie - see standardized patients, perform PEs, are verbally asked to explain rational for something, etc.), I wish I could think more clearly (like when I'm taking a written exam). I should note, this is ESPECIALLY true when we do things in front of classmates. I have semi-awful social anxiety and even the simplest things make me nervous in front of a crowd (small or large) and I like to believe this compounds my issue (read: it definitely compounds my issue). Reflecting on this problem overall, it really may be almost completely due to my "stage fright."

Any advice? Anyone have a similar experience? Is this to inevitably ruin any chances of performing well third year? How to gain more confidence with my medical knowledge?

Thanks all!
J

You sound like a completely normal medical student. This will improve throughout third year and you'll stop caring the second half of fourth year.

 

[RNthenDoc]

Everybody has strengths and weaknesses. Things like comfort around peers/with patients can be learned in time.

I’ve seen *residents* have to learn how to talk to patients, even though they’d been doing it for years in medical school. I think some people just take time.

That you are conscientious of a deficit makes me believe you will be one who improves and feels more comfortable in the future. If it seems like a super pathological issue for you, you can always talk to the school’s resources for counseling on strategies, but that could be overkill at this stage!

 

[Jdp00921]

You sound like a completely normal medical student. This will improve throughout third year and you'll stop caring the second half of fourth year.

I look forward to that time!

Everybody has strengths and weaknesses. Things like comfort around peers/with patients can be learned in time.

I’ve seen *residents* have to learn how to talk to patients, even though they’d been doing it for years in medical school. I think some people just take time.

That you are conscientious of a deficit makes me believe you will be one who improves and feels more comfortable in the future. If it seems like a super pathological issue for you, you can always talk to the school’s resources for counseling on strategies, but that could be overkill at this stage!

I thought about speaking with my school's counseling but just as you stated, I figure at this point it is indeed overkill. I've been working on it and I am getting better, just slowly! Thanks for the reinforcement though!

 

[siliso]

Yes, it is common. You have some neuroticism that will be trained out of you with practice. If practice isn’t helping then seek additional assistance.

 

[anon6134]

This is literally the definition of a normal feeling in med school. After our first OSCE I thought I was going to fail out. You'll get used to it and be alright, promise

 

[Splenda88]

Well, you are a normal human being...

 

[Deecee2DO]

Your peers are most likely in the same position even if they act or appear like they have it all figured out. Im finishing up MS1 and have had the same thoughts as you at times

 

[stickgirl390]

In a clinical setting, if a physician asks you a question, answer it. Don’t worry about if you’re right, just have a reason to back up your answer. You’ll look more “stupid” if you stay quiet or say “I don’t know.” That’s my tip for you 😉

 

[Little Green Mensch]

In a clinical setting, if a physician asks you a question, answer it. Don’t worry about if you’re right, just have a reason to back up your answer. You’ll look more “stupid” if you stay quiet or say “I don’t know.” That’s my tip for you 😉

Eh, if you get something bass-ackwards, like saying ankylosing spondylitis starts in the Cspine and progresses downwards, you will probably look dumber than if you said, "I don't remember, so I will go and read up on it."

Making stuff up to sound smart is also a bad habit to get into. Your knowledge will have limits, even as an attending physician. If a patient asks you a question you don't have a good answer for, you've got to be honest about that.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

Keep in mind that any attending physician you're working with has at least 6 years more experience at this than you do, and that's only if they graduated residency yesterday. Odds are they have much more than that.

 

[Goro]

Hey all,

MD1 here. I'm about to finish first year with not straight A's but definitely above average grades. I'm a few points above average on basically all exams and I haven't been struggling or anything like that. I also have a reasonable amount of free time outside of school so I'm quite content with where I sit in my class grades wise. We are currently in our first systems course (what is considered the most difficult course taken at my institution) and I'm doing well. Overall, I have really no concern as far as written exams go. My worry is the clinical stuff. We are starting to work with more patients and I'm slowly seeing what it's like working as a physician's medical student. I also have experience as a scribe so I've seen how medical students are to present cases/treatment plans in a clinical setting. This is my issue - I feel so stupid when working with the physicians. On a written exam, I'm fine. When I'm asked a verbal question, however, and I have to think on my feet and I'm expected to answer in a few seconds, I have difficulty. Sometimes I'm asked a question that is honestly really simple or something that near everyone should know and my answers are really, really dumb because I get flustered/nervous/anxious and I can't think straight.

Is this a common occurrence? Do many experience this and simply improve with more practice? I guess that when we do clinical tasks (ie - see standardized patients, perform PEs, are verbally asked to explain rational for something, etc.), I wish I could think more clearly (like when I'm taking a written exam). I should note, this is ESPECIALLY true when we do things in front of classmates. I have semi-awful social anxiety and even the simplest things make me nervous in front of a crowd (small or large) and I like to believe this compounds my issue (read: it definitely compounds my issue). Reflecting on this problem overall, it really may be almost completely due to my "stage fright."

Any advice? Anyone have a similar experience? Is this to inevitably ruin any chances of performing well third year? How to gain more confidence with my medical knowledge?

Thanks all!
J

You're right on schedule

 

[drdpmn]

I know how you feel. Recognizing the correct answer out of 4-6 multiple choice options is much different than being about to pull it out of your brain on the fly, under pressure, and sometimes somewhat out of context. I think, as others say, it will get easier. Maybe just knowing it's normal will help!