For many students, the 4th year of medical school involves a lot of travel: audition rotations/ sub-Is, interviews, and electives. Some people even choose to give up their apartment and just live month to month because for more than half the year they will be in a different city each month. Even if you don’t give up your apartment, you still have to deal with the constant travel and feeling like a nomad. Here are some things that I plan on doing to cope with the constant state of uncertainty and travel.
- Set aside some time each week to go somewhere where you can actually be alone. This can be hard if you are crashing at residents homes or family members in different places around the country. But if you’re anything like me, having that time to yourself is so important.
- I plan on driving to most of the places that I’m doing rotations, so I will essentially be living out of my car. I am going to get some boxes/suitcases to basically set up a mini closet in my trunk.
- Driving or flying, listening to podcasts is great. And there really is something for everyone: learn a language, listen to books, mystery podcasts, news, wine, etc. Honestly, you name it and there is probably a podcast out there about it. Sometimes it’s nice to listen to someone talk rather than listen to music.
- Keep up with a healthy diet and exercise. This will already be a time for burnout. Moving cities every two to four weeks is exhausting. Plus you have to be on top of your game while on the rotation. Make sure you eat healthily and get some exercise in or you will burn out even faster.
- Use this as a time for personal growth. You learn a lot about yourself while traveling and constantly meeting new people. If you are shy, use this as a chance to break out of your shell.
Mary Ella
MS4 at Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Mary Ella is a fourth-year medical student at ACOM. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biology at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA. During her undergraduate studies, she volunteered as an EMT at a clinic in Tijuana, Mexico monthly–an experience that sparked her passion to pursue a career in global health. In addition to spending time in Tijuana, she has traveled to many other countries to learn about their healthcare systems including Guatemala and Argentina most recently. She has a particular interest in refugee medicine, women’s health, and sustainability in global health practices.
Outside of her medical studies, Mary Ella writes for her blog, Mod Med. Through her blog, she intends to empower people to work towards their dreams as she writes about becoming a doctor in this day and age. She also writes about controversial issues in medicine and global health as well as maintaining a balance while having a career. Mary Ella ultimately wants to pursue a career in obstetrics & gynecology. She hopes to work with people around the globe to collectively improve health care practices, increase access to medicine worldwide, and advocate for global women’s health issues.
Latest posts by Mary Ella (see all)
- No Longer “Just the Med Student” - January 9, 2019
- Class of 2019, This Year We Become Doctors - January 8, 2019
- Volunteering: Selfless or Selfish? - January 7, 2019
