By: Miranda Montion
Medical school, regardless of where someone attends, will come with obstacles. Regardless of who you know, your previous experiences, or what school you go to, students will share similar experiences during didactics and clinical rotations and in a way it’s comforting. Each day we are surrounded by peers that understand what we are going through more than most.
I have had some experiences as a Caribbean student that I wished I had been aware of sooner. As I have progressed through rotations and various experiences, I found some things helpful along my journey, which I have listed below. I hope these will give you some encouragement and guidance during this wonderful, hectic, exciting, and stressful time of your life.
- Be proactive about your goals
With my experience, most of my guidance and support has been from my colleagues and recent alumni. Reach out to these people when you can because they have been through similar experiences recently. For example, being interested in surgery comes with requirements on your involvement with research, volunteer experiences, etc. Find out from your surgical colleagues what they have done and resources they use, which could include what national organizations to join and become involved in, research groups to apply to be involved with, or places to volunteer at that compliment your interests. This will allow you to continue to work on your career goals and give you the opportunity to share these things with other students.
- Engagement on-island
When students are on island for their first 2 years of medical school, it can feel isolating, especially regarding research and mentorship. Instead of focusing on the things you can’t do during this time, shift your focus to what you can do. I knew early on my interest in the field of orthopedics. I applied and served on the orthopedics interest group e-board and as a team member in the surgery interest group. This shows your interests and can open connections to doctors in these specialties with alumni from your school. It can also provide opportunities to participate in specialty-related activities like suture labs and surgical knot tying in preparation for clinical rotations while developing a sense of community.
- Finding resources that work for you
Everyone has preferred learning styles and is what is so great about being in medical school now with all the different types of resources that exist. I am sure you have been told this too, but as early as you possibly can, identify the 2-3 resources that work for you. You will get recommendations from your colleagues being shared with good intent, but focus on what works for you, keeps you motivated to return to, and breaks down difficult concepts easily for your understanding. To this day, I use the 3 resources I found on-island to work and have continued to work for me through clinicals.
- Attend conferences
After you get to clinical rotations, I encourage you to engage in conferences of the related field you’re interested in. I have found the state chapter meetings with ACS for example to be an easy way to make connections, find out about residency programs and what they are looking for in applicants, and general motivation when I’m in a studying slump. These are great opportunities as well to showcase research and demonstrate your level of commitment to the field. They’re generally free to medical students or heavily discounted too, so take advantage of it!
- Seek out research
During rotations, verbalize your interest in research opportunities to residents and attendings in case they come across something they find interesting and would be helpful to conduct further research on or have something ongoing you can assist in. Various journals are now available at low cost to encourage publication as well. This shows your commitment to the field, interests, and helps you learn in depth physiology and pathology.
- Find a mentor
I personally have found this to be the most difficult as I don’t want to be a burden to anyone. But finding a mentor, especially in your field of interest can be so helpful on multiple levels. If they are willing to mentor you, it tells you they care and want to teach you. They want to see you grow and eventually become the physician they found potential in upon starting your relationship.
Medical school is a journey meant to be shared, not isolated. The earlier you find your community and friends, the less difficult it will be. I also want to gently encourage you that your school does not define the type of physician you will be someday. Meditate on that, not letting people’s words or statistics dictate your future aspirations.
Miranda Montion is a third-year medical student at Ross University School of Medicine. She will be applying for orthopedic residency in future application cycles. Her surgical interests include caring for pediatric patients and working with congenital deformities. As a student mentor, community volunteer, and research leader, she continues to advocate for medical students pursuing what they are passionate for regardless of what obstacles or discouragement they may face. She was born and raised in Michigan/ Ohio and currently resides there. She enjoys hiking with her husband and dog, competing in triathlons, and baking with her grandmother and sisters.