Unforseen Difficulties

The preparation for medical school is ridiculous. If one were to try to compile all the possibilities together, I have no doubt the process would be damned near infinite. Some people start prepping in high school. They take tough science classes, shadow docs, and begin the process of building up a history of interest in medicine. This way, when college rolls around, they can reference all that they've done so far. Then college consists of pre-med courses, volunteer work at hospitals or labs, the entire MCAT preparation and process, and -topping it all off- the application process. Buckets of forms, letters, grades, personal statements, and interviews.

There's a lot to do.

Assuming all of this works out, you're all of the sudden in medical school! You get to become a doctor! Your hard work has paid off! What does school do? Well, they continue with preparation, but this time it's to really become a physician (for now we'll ignore the residency process needed before you can become a practicing physician). In other words, the journey continues.

Some of you might be saying, "Wow, that sounds pretty tough." You, Hypothetical Constant Reader might be right. I won't argue that the process is lengthy and can be challenging. It's true. But I believe the real troubles arise from the unforeseen difficulties. The problems that pop up and create situations you've never even begun to consider in your- literally- years of preparation. All of that preparation has been so that when problems arise, you have the skill set and ability to assess and act. A child presents with shortness of breath. Assess and Act. A young man becomes violent and aggressive as he pesters you for drugs. Assess and Act. An old woman codes on the hospital floor. Assess and Act.

But what happens when unforeseen issues arise within the process of your preparatory education? How do you handle the different thoughts, opinions, ideas, and behaviors of your fellow students and teachers? The situations that arise away from the classroom? How do you assess and act? Do you stick to your own Self and values, possibly straying from the carefully constructed path of the Medical School Journey? Or do you keep quiet, noting your feelings, and hope for the best?

I suppose the real question is: can a person really complete this journey through medicine and end up the same core person at the finish line?

Now you might be asking, "What on Earth is he on about?"

Don't fret, Constant Reader. I'd say all is and will yet be well.  I simply sit here thinking, on the cusp of a new year, I see all of the new M1s going through orientation. They anxiously and awkwardly begin their journey. Cramming onto a charter bus to breeze through the other campus. Nervously accepting the white coat in front of your peers. Awkwardly talking and drinking at the parties.  I can't help but wonder, how different am I from them? Have I changed over the past year?

Looking back, I'm surprised by how much medical school, and all its tangential connections, have factored into my life in so many different ways. One year ago I wrote my thoughts and hopes on beginning school. Rereading those words now, I feel as though I managed pretty well. Was it easy and did I ever do it alone? Of course not; no way. Many thanks to all who've helped me (especially a certain redhead).

Two points of advice, however, given then by someone who is still wiser than me now, stick out more relevant today:

-Don't be dazzled by bullshit.

-Make sure all things pass the smell test for veracity, virtue, and truth. 

I think those are good things to think about and constantly return to. All things considered, I'm looking forward to my second year.


Until next time.