Stress Level in Med School

[markus21]

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How bad is the stress level in med school? I know there are many things to do and all, but from what I hear from friends, they seem to be dealing with it okay..... all they did was sacrifice their social time a little bit, but that (i'm sure) was no surprise to them entering med school.

The reason I'm bringing this topic up is because of my sister who is now in 3rd year of dental school. So she's been taking all the same classes as med students in the first two years. But I have noticed a dramatic change in her personality since the time she matriculated to the dental school. I can hardly believe that she is the sister I knew all my life. She's become anti-social, claims to be sick all the time, hates everyone she sees and has compulsive anger problems. Even if she hasn't met the people yet, she assumes everyone is bad and evil and trying to get her somehow. And she has this personality complex that she thinks she is so pretty and doesn't let any guy near her. This is NOT the person I knew 4 years ago. I am EXTREMELY concerned about her health. She will drive herself crazy and I can only watch her symptoms get worse. What is going on with her? Does anyone here know?

 

[coldchemist]

As an aspiring scientist, you should recognize the possibility that your sister's behavior may have nothing to do with Dental School. If she's in her mid-20's to early 30's, she's about the right age to begin experiencing anxiety disorders--which could explain the symptoms you have described. Obviously, symptoms of anxiety disorders can be exacerbated by stress.

You can't get a straight answer about stress levels in medical school. Lots of people think it's nowhere near as bad as they expected going in. Other people think that it is way harder than it should be. It all depends on your abilities and your expectations.