There have been a lot of people who’ve helped me along the way through medical school. Mentors, attendings, residents, parents. And particularly upperclassmen. In fact, I’d consider most of the advice I’ve received through medical school to be from people just one or two years above me. They understand the process I’m going through and can give the most relevant advice.
And now my friends who’ve given advice have graduated. They are off into residency. And it’s my turn to pay it forward. As a third year, I find it my responsibility to give advice to second years to help them as they prepare for Step 1. And I hope that by me paying it forward, they too will help support first-year students, who will help the new batch of students come fall.
Some advice I would give to M2s right now:
- Step 1 is going to be okay. Be patient with yourself as you enter your Step 1 dedicated study mode.
- Sometimes you need to take a day for yourself. No studying, no test questions.
- You’ve made it through your classroom coursework. No more of that. Know you get to do the fun stuff.
What advice do you have for others who are going to be in your shoes?
