From White Coats to Wisdom: Med School Advice from All Sides

Starting medical school is exhilarating and overwhelming in equal measure. The volume of material, the high stakes of patient care, and the pressure to excel can unsettle even the brightest student. The good news? You’re not walking this path alone. Many have come before you – from seasoned physicians to residents in the thick of training, to fellow students a year or two ahead – and they’re eager to share hard-earned lessons. In this feature, we compile motivational and practical advice from three groups who know medical school best: physicians, resident physicians, and current medical students. Their perspectives span decades of experience and the immediacy of life on the wards, offering you both big-picture wisdom and day-to-day tips. Whether it’s mastering your studies, safeguarding your mental health, excelling in clinical rotations, building mentor relationships, managing time, staying motivated, or thinking long-term about your career – here’s guidance from those who’ve been in your shoes.

Med School Advice from Physicians: “We’ve Been There”

Physicians who have finished training (and often decades of practice) can look back with clarity and compassion at their medical school years. Their advice is a treasure trove of perspective. One recurring theme is to keep the long view in mind: realize that medical school is just the beginning. As pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Thomas Strobel quips, “For people who want to be clinicians, the real ‘training’ begins after finishing medical school” ​medscape.com. In other words, don’t feel you must know everything right now – you’re laying a foundation for a career of continuous learning. It’s vital to embrace adaptability. Medicine will evolve in ways you can’t predict. Dr. Helmi Lutsep, a neurologist, admits, “Medical school did not prepare me for how much the practice could change over time”​ medscape.com. New treatments, technologies, and guidelines will emerge. The physicians advise staying flexible and curious. “I’d advise medical students not to worry too much about what the specifics of a practice might look like, since they may change,” Dr. Lutsep says, emphasizing that “success comes from being flexible, embracing challenges, and recognizing opportunities as they arise”​ medscape.com​ medscape.com. In short, be ready to adapt – your future self will thank you.

Another key insight from physicians is about defining success on your own terms. Dr. Martina Murphy, an oncologist and medical educator, reflects that medical school teaches plenty of science but not necessarily how to navigate all aspects of being a doctor. “Medical education is excellent at teaching the science of medicine, but there are many aspects of the profession – business, leadership, communication, and work-life balance – that are often learned on the job,” she notes ​medscape.com. As you progress, you’ll find that “success is deeply personal. It’s not about checking off traditional milestones but about finding fulfillment in the work you do”​ medscape.com. One doctor may thrive in academic research, another in rural primary care. Don’t measure yourself against someone else’s yardstick. Dr. Murphy wishes she’d understood earlier that “there’s no single right path…and that’s something I wish I had understood earlier”​ medscape.com. Take that as permission to pursue the medical career that ignites your passion, whether it’s performing cutting-edge surgeries or developing long-term relationships with patients in a clinic.

Physicians also stress that study habits and self-care go hand in hand. Many doctors looking back realize the goal isn’t to cram 100% of the facts (an impossible task) but to learn how to learn – and to stay well while doing it. “There is no way to learn everything,” writes Erica Feldman, a medical student who collected physicians’ advice. “In medical school, that is simply not possible…you have to learn to be OK with not knowing everything”​ kevinmd.com. Instead, prioritize high-yield concepts that will serve you in exams and patient care. For example, one physician, Dr. Sara Cohen, recalls a clever study strategy from her student days: she used old exams to guide her studying. By taking practice tests early, she identified what professors truly thought was important. This approach let her focus on key material without getting lost in minutiae. “It rarely led me in the wrong direction!” she says of this technique​ medscape.com. The takeaway? Study smart, not just hard – use guides like past exams or objective lists to focus your efforts, and accept that you can’t memorize it all. And remember to study with others at times; medicine is a team sport even in school. Dr. Cohen admits that constantly studying alone “became extremely isolating and depressing… In med school, studying is one of the main social activities. Don't miss out!”​ medscape.com. Forming a study group or even just co-working in the library can keep you motivated and connected.

While you’re hitting the books, doctors implore you: take care of your mental and physical health. You’ll hear this advice again and again. Psychiatrist Dr. Kendra Campbell warns that the competitive atmosphere of medical school can breed anxiety and self-doubt. It’s easy to start comparing yourself to your equally high-achieving peers and feel “less than.” Her remedy? Mindfulness and self-compassion. “If you are struggling during medical school, you are far from alone. The non-advertised secret is that pretty much everyone around you is going through the exact same stress,” Dr. Campbell emphasizes​ medscape.com. Instead of beating yourself up, she advises “try to mindfully turn one's attention away from a competitive stance, and instead focus nonjudgmentally on oneself in the present moment”​ medscape.com. In practice, that might mean taking a break to breathe deeply, acknowledging your feelings without shame, or engaging in a relaxing activity when stress runs high. Asking for help is absolutely okay – in fact, it’s encouraged. Physicians note that seeking support (tutoring, counseling, or medical care) shows maturity, not weakness. “If you find that you need support…do not be ashamed to seek it out. Getting help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of maturity and self-awareness,” one doctor writes​ kevinmd.com. Many physicians wish they had sought mental health support sooner instead of struggling in silence. Remember, the goal is not to be a martyr. It’s to become a capable, compassionate doctor, and that means staying healthy yourself. Build habits of exercise and proper nutrition now (even short workouts or walks during the week) – they will sustain you through long nights and tough rotations. “Try to work out at least 3 to 4 times a week,” Feldman advises new students. “Develop healthy eating habits… You are becoming an ambassador for wellness for your patients, try to practice it yourself”​ kevinmd.com.

Lastly, our physicians emphasize the meaning and privilege of the profession – a powerful antidote to burnout when the going gets tough. Dr. Sarah Averill, a radiologist, offers this heartfelt reflection: “You may someday wish you had worked harder or differently, but…those [regrets] are your opportunities, your life lessons… If you reflect and respond to your unique experiences along the way, you will become the physician that only you can become. It’s your ride: You hold all the secrets and all the keys you need to make it through.”​ medscape.com​ medscape.com In other words, trust the process and trust yourself. Every misstep or setback is a chance to grow. Keep sight of the bigger picture – that “your physician life will unfold before you and become richer each month, each year, each decade”​ medscape.com. When you feel overwhelmed, remember why you started this journey. Dr. Averill’s advice: take a walk, get some sleep, watch a movie – replenish yourself – and then get back at it with fresh eyes​ medscape.com. You’ll make it through, and the reward at the end is worth it: a career of making a difference in patients’ lives. As emergency physician Dr. Daniel Egan reminds students, “The final goal is the awesome privilege of taking care of patients…when it feels overwhelming, remember that this is about a patient who is trusting you with their health, their body, and oftentimes their secrets.” medscape.comKeeping that sense of purpose can light your way on even the darkest, most caffeine-fueled nights.

Physicians at a glance – Quick Tips: They encourage you to be adaptable, define success on your terms, study smart, and never hesitate to care for your well-being. They urge you to cherish your mentors and peers, and to remember that this marathon has an incredible finish line. As Dr. Murphy puts it, “Many physicians, including myself, find that navigating the nonclinical elements of medicine is just as important as mastering the clinical ones” ​medscape.com – so take the time to build communication skills, leadership, and balance. Your medical knowledge will grow in due time, but qualities like resilience, empathy, and integrity will carry you through every challenge.

Med School Advice from Resident Physicians: “In the Trenches of Training”

Resident physicians – those who have an MD but are still in specialty training – occupy a unique middle ground. They’ve just finished med school and are applying those lessons in real time, often supervising students. Residents remember vividly what it’s like to be a medical student, and because they’re closer in age and experience, their advice is often blunt, practical, and reassuring. As one resident wrote, medical school can sometimes feel chaotic and confusing, like being thrown into a game where you don’t know the rules​ kevinmd.com. Residents want to share the “unwritten rules” to help you succeed.

First and foremost: focus on the patient and the team, not on yourself. It’s normal in medical school to worry about your grades, your evaluations, your performance. But OB/GYN resident Dr. M. Alexandra Friedman reminds students, “Hospitals exist to take care of patients.” In her “resident’s guide” she emphasizes that you should learn to balance your educational goals with the needs of the team and patient care​ kevinmd.com. Show up each day asking “How can I help?”One of her rules is literally “Help me help you.” Residents want to teach and help medical students grow – after all, that lightens the load in the long run – but they have many responsibilities pulling at them. So make it easier for them to teach you by being proactive. Dr. Friedman says her best students anticipate needs: “They hear the team talking about something needed, and without request, [they] make it happen”​ kevinmd.com. Did someone mention a patient needs an old record or an outside appointment scheduled? Before the resident even asks, you could volunteer to do it. This kind of initiative not only endears you to the team (and results in rave evaluations) but also accelerates your learning. You start thinking like a doctor, not just a student. As Dr. Friedman puts it, “Asking ‘how can I help?’ is good. Figuring out what you can do and doing it is even better”​ kevinmd.com. It demonstrates understanding of how the team functions and that you are reliable. A common resident adage encapsulates this: “Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable.”Being punctual and present shows respect. “People rely on you to be present,” says Dr. Daniel Egan of what he tells students on rotations​ medscape.com. In short, be the kind of team member you’d want to have – dependable, helpful, and eager.

Residents also advise you to embrace humility and the learning process. You might feel pressure to appear competent and knowledgeable in front of your residents and attendings. But truth is, no one expects a medical student to know everything. What they do expect is honesty and effort. “Know what you don’t know,” Dr. Friedman advises bluntly. “If you don’t know the answer to a question, please just say so. Making up an answer does not fool anyone.”​ kevinmd.com Everyone in medicine has been in your shoes. It’s far better to admit ignorance and show willingness to learn than to pretend. In fact, use not knowing as an opportunity: later that day, look up the topic and come back with new knowledge. If you blank out when questioned (it happens to all of us under stress), try speaking logically through what you do know. But never be afraid to say “I’m not sure, but I’d love to learn.” Residents appreciate that. They remember being terrified of looking dumb and they’ll respect your candor and motivation. As one resident recalls, “I frequently had the experience of blanking when asked any question… Giving yourself mental crutches can help with the panic… If you really do not know…it is ok. Go home and read about [it], and come back the next day with a well-informed question”​ kevinmd.com ​kevinmd.com. Stay humble, stay curious, and don’t take humiliation to heart – good residents won’t shame you for not knowing; they’ll teach you. And if someone does give you a hard time, remember it’s temporary and likely not personal. As Dr. Egan advises, “Always take the high road and treat unprofessional behavior with more professionalism. You will always win.”​ medscape.com Keep your cool and your ethics, even if others slip; in the long run, your reputation will shine.

When it comes to clinical rotations, residents have a trove of practical tips. Many echo Dr. Friedman’s advice to master a few basic procedural skills early. Every rotation has simple tasks that students can do (drawing blood, removing sutures, performing an ultrasound probe, etc.). Volunteer for these! “Master these and you can be an awesome asset to the team,”she writes​ kevinmd.com. Being adept at small skills not only builds your confidence, it genuinely helps the busy team. Be prepared and organized: carry a notebook, have your patient list and data handy, know your patients’ details inside-out. One resident suggests becoming the “guru” on your patients or a topic of the day​ kevinmd.com. If an interesting clinical question comes up on rounds (“What’s the proper protocol for managing this rare complication?”), dig into it and report back. Use those down moments to read up and teach the team something new – yes, even the residents and attendings. “Great medical students pick up on those clinical questions and become the experts,” Dr. Friedman recalls​ kevinmd.com. When you take initiative to research and share, you transform from passive learner to active contributor. You’ll impress the team and cement your own knowledge.

Amidst all this effort, resident physicians also want you to keep perspective and take care of yourself (notice how this advice, like a refrain, comes from every group!). Residency itself is tough – 80-hour weeks, life-and-death decisions – and residents know that building resilience in medical school is crucial. They encourage you to cultivate healthy routines now. Eat when you can (one resident humorously commands, “Eat lunch. There, I said it.”​ kevinmd.com – simple but often neglected advice). If you have a lighter afternoon, don’t be afraid to ask to go study or rest – as long as your work is done, that’s advocating for your own learning needs​ kevinmd.com. And when you inevitably make mistakes or fumble (we all have a story, like the resident who got stuck half-dressed in a hospital locker room at 3 AM due to a scrub machine mishap​ kevinmd.com), learn to laugh it off. “Sometimes you need to mess up and learn to laugh about it rather than focusing on perceived perfection and image,” writes Edward (“Ed”) Delesky, who penned a letter to new students as a fourth-year med student​ kevinmd.com. Residents echo this: Don’t take yourself too seriously. Medicine is serious work, but if you become overly self-critical, you’ll crack under pressure. Ed’s advice (which he learned after that 3 AM ordeal) is to foster an environment “filled with humility and learning” where it’s okay to admit errors and move on​ kevinmd.com. In short: forgive yourself when you fall short. Learn the lesson, then get back in the game. The road is long, and a sense of humor and humility will carry you farther than self-punishment ever will.

Finally, residents champion the concept of “paying it forward.” You might think you have to compete with your peers, but great residents remind you that medicine is a team sport at every level. Dr. Friedman encourages students to help each other: share resources, give the next student on a rotation a heads-up, and don’t hoard knowledge. “Remember all of the confusion and anxiety you had on your first day? ... You can do that for the person coming on after you,” she writes. “The best demonstration of your professionalism is preparing your coworker”​ kevinmd.com. By creating a supportive culture, everyone benefits. Today’s classmate you help could be tomorrow’s resident who teaches you, or the colleague who refers a patient to you down the line. Kindness earns its dividends in medicine. As one resident simply put it: “Be the kind of person you would want to work with… Work is better when you enjoy the people you are with, and when they enjoy working with you.”​ kevinmd.com Whether it’s chatting about non-medical stuff to brighten a long shift, or printing extra copies of an article for the whole team, small acts of camaraderie make a huge difference​ kevinmd.com. Residents know this perhaps better than anyone, as they lean on each other to get through training. So they encourage you to build those habits of teamwork and generosity now.

Residents at a glance – Quick Tips: Be early, be prepared, and be proactive. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or admit what you don’t know – they’d rather you ask than guess wrong. Watch out for your own wellness (sleep and meals are not optional!). Keep a sense of humor. And remember that everyone – from the nurses to the janitors to your fellow students – can teach you something. If you do these things, you’ll not only excel in your rotations; you’ll also make friends and mentors of your residents. Who knows, a few years down the road you might be working alongside them as a colleague. As one resident encouragingly wrote, “While medical school can sometimes feel like The Hunger Games, I hope this helps you navigate your rotations with a little more confidence and a little less anxiety”​ kevinmd.com. In other words: we’re all rooting for you.

Med School Advice from Medical Students: “We’re in This Together”

Sometimes, the best advice comes from people who are right there with you. Fellow medical students – whether they’re a year above you or just graduated – have incredibly relevant advice because they literally just did what you’re doing. They know which study resources are gold, how to balance anatomy lab with eating and sleeping, and how to cope with the unique challenges of med school in the present day. Their advice tends to be frank, funny, and deeply empathetic. They understand that you might be struggling with imposter syndrome or wondering how to squeeze in a grocery run between lectures. Here’s what your peers want you to know.

1. Ditch the comparisons – you belong here. Imposter syndrome is rampant in medical school. You might look around and feel like everyone else is smarter or more composed, and that you’re the odd one out. It’s not true. “Stop comparing yourself to others,” urges Erica Feldman, a medical student who wrote “10 tips for success” after her first year. “You got into medical school, that is an extraordinary achievement… You need to trust that you are capable of succeeding. Every student has different study habits… constantly comparing yourself to others will lead to unnecessary stress. Learn what works for you and stick to it.”​ kevinmd.com. This cannot be overstated: run your own race. Maybe your classmate watches every lecture at 2x speed and reads three textbooks; that doesn’t mean you have to if that’s not your style. As Erica says, “Just because someone else read the textbook three times doesn’t mean you have to”​ kevinmd.com. Some people study late at night, some wake up at dawn; some make flashcards, some draw diagrams. There are many ways to learn medicine. Give yourself time to find the techniques that suit you, and don’t worry if your method looks different. Your only benchmark should be the progress you’re making. Whenever self-doubt creeps in, remember that the admissions committee chose you for a reason. A fourth-year student, Zainab Mabizari, wrote to newbies: “When the difficulty comes, remember you are here because you are worthy, because someone entrusted that one day you will be capable of taking care of the world that walks through your front door.”​ kevinmd.com. In other words, you belong, even on the days it doesn’t feel like it.

2. Study smart and strategize. Medical students are the ultimate experts in study hacks. One popular piece of advice: don’t try to memorize every detail – focus on understanding concepts and identifying high-yield information. As one student put it, in undergrad you might have managed to learn 100% of the material, but in med school “no matter how much time you spend studying, it will be impossible to master all the material.” The key is “learning to prioritize what information is relevant to the exams, and to being a physician”​ kevinmd.com. Talk to older students about which resources to use (Boards review books, question banks, flashcards, etc.) and zero in on the must-know points. Active learning beats passive reading – quiz yourself, teach a friend a topic, practice clinical scenarios. If you have old exams or question sets, use them to guide your studies (as physicians like Dr. Cohen also suggested). Another tip: be consistent. It’s tempting to cram, but most students find that doing a bit each day and revisiting material (spaced repetition) works far better for long-term retention. And if you discover your initial study strategy isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change it up. One med student shared how she adjusted her study schedule to make time for life, after realizing her initial approach was unsustainable​ kevinmd.com. This is a learning process; you’ll get better at learning as you go.

3. Protect your well-being fiercely. Your senior classmates want you to know that stress and burnout are real – but manageable with the right habits. “You will never be done studying in medical school,” Feldman notes, “there is always more to learn”​ kevinmd.com. That means you have to set boundaries on your own. Schedule downtime just as you schedule classes or clinic. “Block out time for yourself,” she urges. “Whether it be one night a week or one hour a day, you need to schedule time to decompress and have fun… If you don’t take time to relax it will catch up to you. It is also important to not feel guilty about taking time off.”​ kevinmd.com. Think of relaxation as part of your curriculum – it’s your “Wellness 101” course. Use that time to do what fills your tank: exercise, paint, play music, watch Netflix, play with your dog, or just sleep in. Guard that personal time – it’s what will keep you sane and motivated. And when the pressure does mount (it will, at times), don’t bottle it up. “Check in with yourself,” Feldman says. “You will be tired; you may feel burnout… Talk about your thoughts with others. Remember why you chose to become a physician… We all have times when we have doubts, and it is OK.”​ kevinmd.com. Medical students often form tight bonds precisely because they get each other through these tough moments. A midnight rant with a classmate or a debrief over coffee can do wonders. It’s okay to not be okay sometimes. As Zainab wrote in her letter, “I am here to validate you – it is OK to feel all these things. It is OK to sometimes not be OK. Realize though, you are never alone.”​ kevinmd.com. Every struggling moment you have, countless others have had too – and they got through it. Lean on your support network: friends, family, classmates, or campus counselors. There is zero shame in seeking therapy or tutoring; many of your peers are doing the same, even if they don’t talk openly about it. In fact, making use of available resources is one of the smartest things you can do. “Knowing when to ask for help, and receiving it will make you a better student, and a better physician,” one student-turned-doctor writes​ kevinmd.com. So if you’re slipping in a class, get a tutor or ask a professor for guidance. If anxiety or depression is creeping in, speak to a mental health professional. You’re investing in yourself, the most important instrument you have in caring for others.

4. Foster friendships and find your tribe. One of the greatest assets in med school is your peers. They will celebrate your successes, commiserate on tough days, and remind you that you’re not alone. “Medical school is extremely tough. I cannot underscore the importance of having a support system, particularly your classmates who are going through it at the same time as you,” Feldman emphasizes​ kevinmd.com. Make the effort to get to know your classmates early on. Join that group chat or Slack channel. Go to social events even if you’re shy (bonding over shared struggle happens quickly in med school!). Make friends outside of medicine too, if you can – they’ll provide a refreshing sense of normalcy – but don’t neglect the camaraderie right in front of you. The friends you make in medical school often become lifelong confidants. “These will be your friends for life,” Feldman says simply​ kevinmd.com. They’ll be at your wedding, your kids’ birthdays – and yes, maybe your co-residents or partners in practice down the line. Also, upperclassmen can become invaluable mentors. Many medical schools have “big sibling” programs pairing new students with a second-year or fourth-year. Take advantage of that! Older students can give you the scoop on which professors pimp (ask lots of questions) on rounds, which study resources to avoid, and how to survive Step 1 study period with sanity intact. Don’t hesitate to reach out – most will be happy to pay forward the mentoring they received. And remember to return the favor: as you advance, help those behind you (tutoring a first-year in physiology for an hour will reinforce your knowledge and remind you how far you’ve come).

5. Be open-minded and seek mentors early. You may feel pressure to have a grand career plan from day one (“I’m going to be a neurosurgeon!”). It’s great to have goals, but students advise: keep an open mind. “You may have an idea what specialty you want, or you may have no idea. Regardless, it is important to go through each block and clerkship with an open mind and an eagerness to learn. You may be surprised by what you love, and what you dislike,” writes Feldman​ kevinmd.com. A field you never considered might captivate you during rotations. Stay curious and explore. And find mentors – not just one, but a few folks you click with – as soon as you can. “Find mentorship early,” Feldman urges. “Seek out those who enjoy mentoring medical students. Find someone you can check in with on a regular basis and can give you general career advice. Establishing relationships early on…and allowing your mentors to know you throughout the four years will come in handy later”​ kevinmd.com. Indeed, mentors will help you grow, and when the time comes, they’ll write strong recommendation letters because they’ve watched your progress. How to find mentors? Attend interest group meetings, talk to professors whose lecture moved you, or ask residents and attendings on rotations about their career paths. Many students worry about “bothering” busy doctors, but most faculty love to guide students – it’s why they work at a teaching hospital. A simple email expressing your interest in their specialty or research can open doors. One medical educator, Shiv Gaglani, suggests tactics like reading a potential mentor’s recent paper and asking them thoughtful questions about it​ medscape.com. Show genuine curiosity and initiative, and you’ll make a strong impression​ medscape.com. Remember, mentors can be found in all sorts of places: clinical faculty, research advisors, even a kind senior student can be a mentor. You’re never too early to start building your professional network. And mentors often become cherished advisors and friends.

6. Remember the why. Stay human. In the flurry of exams, clinical skills, and hospital protocols, it’s easy to lose sight of why you pursued medicine in the first place. Students remind each other to keep that flame alive. Whether it was a personal experience, a love of science, a desire to help others (or all of the above), hold onto it. Some students literally write a note to their future selves about why they chose medicine, to read on the tough days. Others journal their experiences to process the profound moments. Do whatever helps you maintain perspective. You will witness miracles and tragedies in med school, sometimes in the same week. Allow those experiences to teach you and fuel you. As one student beautifully wrote, “You will offer tissues when tears come — and they will come — ... you will begin to learn that your presence is enough. Your humanity is enough.”​kevinmd.com In the end, being a good doctor isn’t just about acing exams; it’s about showing up with empathy and dedication. The road is long, but as Zainab reassures, “Trust me when I say you get stronger. Every day you carry a little more than you ever imagined you could… It won’t ever get easier than this moment, but you get stronger”​kevinmd.com. Translation: you are growing through each challenge, becoming the doctor you’re meant to be. Take pride in that growth. Celebrate small victories – the first time you correctly diagnose a case, or even the first time you confidently introduce yourself as “Student Doctor __”. Those moments matter.

Finally, enjoy the journey when you can! Yes, medical school is hard. It’s often compared to drinking from a firehose of information. But it’s also a unique, incredible time in your life. You’ll dissect the human body in anatomy (a rite of passage few get to experience). You’ll feel the thump of a newborn’s heartbeat through your stethoscope. You’ll laugh at absurd scenarios (trust us, gross anatomy lab spawns a dark humor among med students). You’ll form friendships under pressure that are as strong as family. Don’t forget to savor those experiences. As one fourth-year put it: “It requires the utmost dedication and professionalism but remember to have fun.”​ kevinmd.com Medicine is serious, but you can find joy and meaning at every step. A positive outlook will not only make you happier but also better with patients and colleagues.

Medical Students at a glance – Quick Tips: You are not an imposter – believe in yourself. Study efficiently and don’t overwhelm yourself trying to know it all (focus on high-yield and what works for you). Prioritize your mental health: take breaks, seek help, and don’t isolate yourself. Stay connected with friends and family; lean on classmates who understand what you’re going through. Keep an open mind and cultivate mentor relationships; they will light the path ahead. And through it all, remember why you started and nurture the humanism that brought you to medicine. Your fellow students want you to know that it’s okay to struggle, and it’s okay to lean on others. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back. As one student wisely said, medicine is a “team sport”​kevinmd.com – and you’re now part of a magnificent team spanning students, doctors in training, and physicians. Welcome to the fold!

In closing, the best medical school advice – whether from doctors, residents, or students – converges on a few core principles: work hard but take care of yourself, stay humble and eager, help each other, and keep sight of the privilege of becoming a physician. There will be days when the mountain of notes or the weight of responsibility feels too heavy. On those days, remember this counsel. Maybe you’ll recall Dr. Averill’s reassurance that every misstep is a lesson and you hold the keys to succeed​medscape.com. Or Ed’s advice to laugh at the scrub machine fiasco and not at yourself​kevinmd.com. Or your classmate’s reminder that it’s okay to cry, and then carry on together. Millions have walked this road and felt what you feel. They made it, and so will you. Medical school is a marathon, not a sprint – but with the wisdom of those who’ve gone before and the support of those beside you, you’ll not only reach the finish, but thrive along the way.

So take a deep breath, put on that white coat, and step forward. As one resident cheered, “Here’s wishing you a meaningful, educational, and even enjoyable experience!”​kevinmd.com You’re about to embark on one of the most challenging and rewarding adventures of your life. And you are not alone on this journey – the physicians, residents, and fellow students quoted here (and countless others) are rooting for your success. Welcome to medicine – you’ve got this!

Like this one? Check out these next!

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Sources

• Averill, S. – Reflections on balancing seriousness with self-care​medscape.com​medscape.com

• Campbell, K. – On mindfulness and recognizing shared struggles​medscape.com​medscape.com

• Cohen, S. – Study smart: using old exams and avoiding isolation​medscape.com​medscape.com

• Delesky, E. – “Don’t take yourself too seriously,” a 4th-year’s letter to new students​kevinmd.com​kevinmd.com

• Egan, D. – Pearls on professionalism, punctuality, and caring for yourself​medscape.com​medscape.com

• Feldman, E. – “10 Tips for Success” from a med student (stop comparing, accept limits, seek help, etc.)​kevinmd.com​kevinmd.com​kevinmd.com​kevinmd.com​kevinmd.com​kevinmd.com​kevinmd.com

• Friedman, M.A. – “A resident’s guide to being a medical student” (proactivity, curiosity, humility, teamwork)​kevinmd.com​kevinmd.com​kevinmd.com​kevinmd.com​kevinmd.com

• Lutsep, H. – Adaptability in medicine and handling constant change​medscape.com​medscape.com

• Mabizari, Z. – “Welcome to medical school” open letter (imposter syndrome, validation, wonder of learning, growth)​kevinmd.com​kevinmd.com

• Markovitz, N. – “13 tips for clinical rotations” (confidence comes with time, kindness, self-advocacy, and yes – eat lunch!)​kevinmd.com​kevinmd.com

• Murphy, M. – Advice on real-world learning and defining success for yourself​medscape.com​medscape.com

• Strobel, T. – Considering life after med school and avoiding comparisons​medscape.com​