Medical school is a challenging time for students. They are often struggling with a lot of new material, and they may be feeling overwhelmed. Plus, many students feel that they are not living up to their peers. This can lead to a lot of stress and frustration.
Becoming a great doctor is considered one of the most challenging and stressful professions. One has to go through tough and rigorous training throughout their education.
In the U.S., a doctor must go through 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, and at least 3 years of residency, with a minimum of 11 years of continuous learning before he or she can become a legitimate doctor.
Hence, it is not easy to maintain your motivation and keep your momentum going until the finish line.
And in this article, we will discuss 6 ways how to motivate students in medical school.
1. Get involved in extracurriculars
Joining student organizations or participating in activities outside of class can help medical students stay motivated.
These activities can give students a sense of community and belonging, which can be beneficial during the stressful times that come with medical school.
Additionally, extracurriculars can help students develop leadership skills and learn more about their chosen field of medicine.
Involvement in extracurricular activities can also help medical students network with their peers and potential employers. This is an important aspect of medical school, as it can help students secure residency positions and find jobs after graduation.
There are a variety of extracurricular activities that medical students can get involved in, such as volunteering, research, and shadowing physicians. Finding an activity that interests you can help you stay motivated no matter what field you’re in.
2. Read work examples, research papers, and success stories
If you want to keep your motivation going, then you need to constantly feed your mind with the right knowledge and information. The more you read, the better you will understand and the more you will learn. As a result, you will become more resilient and able to cope better with stress.
By reading the work of others, you can see how others have tackled complex topics and gotten creative with their approach. For instance, reading nursing school essay examples can give you ideas for your writing, help you better understand the material you’re studying, and inspire you to go through tough times.
And the best part is that there are plenty of books and free information available online. Just a quick search will turn up tons of examples of success stories and research papers for any topic you can think of.
So, if you’re struggling to understand a concept or want to get some creative inspiration, be sure to read more.
3. Pursue personal interests
It’s important for medical students to remember that they have other interests outside of their studies. Pursuing hobbies or volunteering for causes that are important to them can help keep them motivated throughout medical school.
Besides, taking time for themselves can help reduce stress levels and prevent burnout. Here are some suggestions:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Gardening
- Cooking
- Playing an instrument
- Tutoring elementary school students
These activities can all help in motivating students to succeed since they can provide a much-needed break from the rigors of medical school while also being enjoyable.
4. Set exciting goals
One way to stay motivated in medical school is to set both short-term and long-term goals. Having tangible goals to work towards can help students stay on track and focused on their most important goals.
Setting goals can help students measure their progress and feel a sense of accomplishment as they move through their studies.
Some examples of goals that medical students might set include:
- Acing a difficult exam
- Getting a certain score on the USMLE Step exams
- Securing a research grant
- Publishing a paper in a medical journal
- Being elected to a leadership position in a student organization
- Qualifying for a competitive residency program
Setting and achieving goals can be a great way to stay motivated throughout the school. What are some goals you have set for yourself?
5. Find a mentor
A mentor is someone who can provide guidance, support, and advice when needed. Having a mentor can be especially helpful during tough times in medical school. A mentor can help students learn more about the field of medicine and explore different career options.
A mentor can provide support and encouragement when students are struggling. He or she can offer guidance on how to study for exams, can help students identify their strengths and weaknesses, can provide advice on how to navigate the residency application process, and can offer insight into different medical specialties.
Mentors can be found in a variety of places, such as:
- Family and friends
- Faculty members
- Physicians that you shadow or work with
- Upperclassmen or residents
- Mentorship programs offered by your school or medical society
If you’re looking for a mentor, start by asking your family and friends if they know anyone who might be a good fit.
You can reach out to faculty members or physicians that you work with! If that doesn’t work out, you can also look for mentorship programs offered by your school or local medical society.
6. Attend medical conferences and meetings
The best thing about pursuing education is that it is a never-ending process. There are plenty of conferences and meetings to attend, which can be a great way to get exposed to new ideas, insights, and solutions to overcoming problems that medical students face.
Just make sure you are ready to learn and attend these workshops, seminars, or meetings with an open heart. Be willing to learn from others who have gone through what you are about to go through. For example, attending a conference about Parkinson’s disease helps you better understand everything about the brain disorder
These conferences and meetings are not compulsory most of the time, but if you’re committed to your field of expertise, you should attend them. Get to learn new things, and most importantly, meet new like-minded people who also shared the same dream.
Conclusion
Motivation comes and goes, and it is not easy to keep and maintain your motivation every day. But these 6 tips are great ideas to keep you driven throughout your journey in school. What are some other ways that you stay motivated? Leave your comment and share them below.