INVISTA NO SEU SUCESSO:
Medical students face numerous challenges and opportunities throughout their academic journey, as highlighted in various discussions and posts from med student communities. From the exhaustion of constant performance to dealing with unfair treatment from medical staff, these experiences underscore the high-pressure environment of medical school. Students often express frustration over long hours, lack of rest, and the mental and physical toll of their demanding schedules. Resources such as Complete Anatomy for studying, and recommendations for comfortable shoes like Rothy's slip-on sneakers and Dansko flats, are frequently discussed to help manage these stressors. Additionally, tips for managing rotations and balancing short-term goals with personal care can provide relief and help maintain performance levels.
To career development, finding the right mentors and securing strong Letters of Recommendation (LoRs) are critical for residency applications. Posts such as "How to Find a Mentor in Medical School" emphasize the importance of genuine connections and personal interactions to build mentorship relationships. Similarly, guidance on obtaining LoRs for anesthesia residency highlights the need for specialty-specific recommendations, while also considering letters from related fields. Practical advice includes joining school interest groups, connecting with involved attendings, and seeking recommendations from upperclassmen. Furthermore, elective adjustments and research involvement can provide opportunities for building valuable relationships and securing necessary letters.
For those preparing for residency applications, especially in competitive fields like psychiatry and pediatrics, the importance of a well-rounded CV and strong performance in standardized tests cannot be overstated. Posts discussing frustrations with NBME practice tests for Step 2 and strategies for excelling in M3 year provide insights into effective preparation. Ensuring a balanced approach to academic performance, clinical experience, and personal development is key. Utilizing CV materials and tips shared by peers, and engaging in research opportunities and observerships, can enhance an application significantly. Finally, practical resources such as finding affordable yet ergonomic study furniture and suitable attire for clinical rotations help students maintain their focus and professional appearance throughout their medical school journey.
A medical student vents about the relentless pressure of maintaining peak performance during rotations. They express frustration over long hours, lack of study time, and the inability to rest due to the constant demands of medical school. The post highlights the mental and physical toll of the med school environment, exacerbated by unsympathetic family and friends.
Responses offer empathy and advice, underscoring the commonality of this experience among med students. Suggestions include focusing on short-term goals, acknowledging that not all rotations are equally demanding, and taking small breaks when possible. Reassurances are given that the intensity of third year will eventually ease, and that being personable and showing genuine care can be more impactful than always striving for perfection.
A med student asks for shoe recommendations suitable for long hours in the clinic. The question sparks a discussion on the balance between comfort and professional appearance in clinical settings.
The most recommended options include Rothy's slip-on sneakers, Dansko flats, and various types of comfortable, presentable flats or loafers. Many emphasize the importance of comfort given the long hours on their feet, with some also suggesting practical and stylish sneakers. General advice is to prioritize foot support and ease of maintenance (e.g., machine washable shoes).
A med student shares a frustrating experience of being falsely accused of rudeness by a receptionist, which led to a misunderstanding with a supervising cardiologist. This post highlights a recurring issue where med students feel targeted by certain medical staff, impacting their evaluations and stress levels.
Many comments confirm similar experiences, attributing this behavior to the hierarchical nature of medical settings where med students are often at the bottom. Advice includes maintaining professionalism, being overly polite, and minimizing interactions with difficult staff to avoid conflict. Suggestions for dealing with unjust accusations range from documenting incidents to addressing misunderstandings directly and calmly.
A med student criticizes the quality of NBME practice tests for Step 2, citing outdated information and poorly framed questions. They express concern about how this may affect their preparation and performance on the actual exam.
Respondents agree that some NBME practice questions are poorly written, but reassure that the actual Step 2 exam is generally better. Tips include focusing on learning good medicine rather than worrying excessively about individual bad questions. Some suggest that understanding the flawed questions can still be a useful exercise in critical thinking.
An extensive guide for M3 students, covering strategies for succeeding in clinical rotations. The post emphasizes understanding the hospital hierarchy, effective self-introduction, prioritizing tasks, and balancing grades with personal development.
Key strategies include reading the room to adapt to different team dynamics, consistently introducing oneself to foster recognition, and prioritizing active tasks over passive ones. Clinical pearls involve focusing on relevant findings in presentations, being proactive in helping with small tasks, and never turning down learning opportunities. The guide underscores the importance of both professional conduct and personal growth during rotations, offering practical advice for navigating the complexities of M3 year.
A medical student expresses concern about the importance of mentorship in medical school and the difficulty of establishing these relationships. They discuss their efforts to connect with attendings through research projects and conferences, which have not yet resulted in substantial mentoring relationships. The student is particularly focused on building connections during a summer research experience at an institution they are interested in for residency but is unsure how to effectively engage busy attendings and their PI.
Responses emphasize the importance of genuine, personal interactions to build mentorship relationships. One user shares their strategy of seeking life advice and assessing the character of potential mentors, finding mentors by being vulnerable and honest about personal and professional concerns. Other comments suggest joining school interest groups and connecting with attendings involved in these groups as they are more likely to be interested in mentoring. Additionally, reaching out to upperclassmen for recommendations on mentors in the desired specialty is advised.
A medical student applying for anesthesia residency seeks advice on obtaining Letters of Recommendation (LoRs). They currently have letters from an anesthesia attending, the anesthesia department, and a research mentor. An ENT chair has offered to write a letter, but the student is unsure if they should use it or try to get a letter from an Internal Medicine (IM) attending instead.
The consensus in the comments is to prioritize letters from anesthesiologists, as they are directly relevant to the specialty application. One user suggests ensuring the ENT letter does not imply a dual application to another specialty. Another user recommends that the letter from the ENT chair can be useful if it is strong and does not suggest conflicting specialty interests. They also advise including letters from adjacent fields like surgery, medicine, or ICU to show versatility and competence in relevant areas. Overall, obtaining at least two letters from anesthesiologists is crucial, while additional strong letters from related fields can be beneficial.
A male medical student seeks advice on appropriate attire for clinical rotations, expressing a lack of fashion sense and discomfort with dress shoes. He is looking for alternatives to dress shoes that are comfortable for long hours of standing.
The community suggests a range of professional yet comfortable options. One user advises investing in quality dress shoes like Allen Edmonds, which are comfortable and durable. Another user points out the importance of finding the right shoe width for comfort. For those looking for more affordable options, one user mentions finding suitable shoes on Amazon, and another suggests trying men's sneakers for a comfortable fit. In terms of attire, recommendations include button-down shirts, chinos, and clean white sneakers for a respectable yet comfortable look. The key is to start with business casual and adjust based on the dress code of the specific rotation or preceptor's preferences.
A medical student applying for a psychiatry residency is concerned about not having enough letters of recommendation from psychiatrists. They only worked with one psychiatrist during their third year and will not have another psych elective before the application deadline.
Suggestions focus on adjusting the student's elective schedule and finding alternative ways to secure the necessary letters. One user advises rescheduling electives to ensure they can work with another psychiatrist. Another user recommends getting involved with the psychiatry department through research or shadowing to build connections and potentially secure a letter. They also suggest meeting with the department chair or coordinator to discuss the situation and seek their assistance. Having a strong personal statement and CV ready is crucial for these meetings. Another user suggests explaining the situation to the medical school and requesting an earlier psych elective to meet the letter requirements, emphasizing the school's interest in ensuring students match successfully.
A medical student moving into a new apartment seeks recommendations for a good yet affordable desk and chair, with a budget of approximately $350.
One user suggests Ikea and Facebook Marketplace as viable options for budget-friendly furniture. Another user recommends Amazon for affordable standing desks and Staples for budget-friendly chairs. Another user mentions checking Costco for standing desks and desk chairs, emphasizing the quality and reasonable pricing. Another valuable tip from a user is to look for used high-quality office chairs, like Herman Miller Aeron, through university auctions or Facebook Marketplace, which can offer substantial savings on premium ergonomic chairs. These suggestions collectively provide practical solutions for obtaining comfortable and affordable study furniture.
A medical student seeks recommendations for the best 3D anatomy app to aid in their studies. This inquiry is particularly relevant for preclinical students who need effective tools for understanding complex anatomical structures.
The top recommendation is Complete Anatomy, praised for its comprehensive features and effectiveness in aiding medical students. Several users affirm its value, highlighting its benefits during their first and second years of medical school. One user notes that it is especially useful and even offers a student discount on the yearly subscription, making it more affordable.
A medical student expresses a strong desire to skip their graduation ceremony due to negative experiences throughout medical school. They feel disconnected from their classmates and have had a difficult time with the academic environment, leading to regret about attending medical school. They consider celebrating privately with family instead.
Responses are mixed, with some users encouraging the student to attend for the sake of closure and family pride, while others support the decision to skip if it would cause undue stress. Many emphasize that graduation ceremonies are often more for the family than the graduate. Several users share personal anecdotes, noting that while the ceremony itself may be tedious, the emotional significance and the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishment with loved ones can be rewarding. Ultimately, the consensus is to do what feels right for the individual, taking into account both personal comfort and family expectations.
An intern in India is interested in venturing into medical writing to earn extra income and seeks guidance on how to start, despite having no prior experience.
The initial response queries what specific type of medical writing the user is interested in, indicating that more details are needed to provide tailored advice. Given the lack of detailed responses, a general approach to starting medical writing includes identifying a niche, gaining a basic understanding of medical writing conventions, and seeking opportunities through freelancing platforms, medical journals, or health-related websites. Networking with professionals in the field and building a portfolio of writing samples are also crucial steps.
A 24-year-old intern from India seeks advice on the feasibility and worthiness of moving to Germany for residency. They are particularly interested in clinical opportunities in major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Cologne and are willing to learn the language to the required proficiency level.
Responses indicate that Germany is a viable option for non-European Union international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking competitive specialties. One user points out that specialties like Radiology, Dermatology, and Anesthesiology are more accessible in Germany compared to the US. The emphasis is on geographical flexibility and the willingness to invest time in language learning. The general advice suggests that for competitive fields, Germany could be a promising path, but it is essential to be prepared for cultural and administrative adjustments.
The post questions the legitimacy and ethical standing of IV lounges, drip bars, and similar therapies, wondering if the professionals involved are considered quacks and whether this affects their reputation.
The general consensus is mixed, with many users acknowledging that these services often exploit the wealthy by offering treatments with little scientific backing. Some users argue that while the treatments might not be harmful, they are typically overpriced and unnecessary, equating them to other non-evidence-based practices like homeopathy. However, others point out that certain treatments, like IV fluids for hydration, can be beneficial but are often priced far above their actual value. The conversation highlights a broader issue of ethical boundaries in medical practice, where financial gain can sometimes overshadow patient welfare. The discussion also touches on the importance of distinguishing between medically necessary treatments and those that are essentially luxury services.
A meme post humorously tackles the challenge of discussing "goals of care" with Gen Z patients, highlighting generational language differences and communication styles.
The comments include light-hearted takes on Gen Z slang and how it can be interpreted in a medical context. Users humorously note the importance of understanding and adapting to new communication styles to effectively connect with younger patients.
A user seeks recommendations for suturing workshops in the USA, specifically for hands-on training using live pig skin or suture kits.
Responses suggest alternative methods for practicing suturing, such as using YouTube tutorials and butcher shop materials. Users recommend practicing on various items like orange peels, pig feet, and grape skins. Additionally, obtaining high-quality instruments is advised to enhance the practice experience. Workshops are generally considered less necessary compared to self-practice and using available resources effectively.
The user is looking for a database or list of emergency medicine (EM) clerkships that provide Standardized Letters of Evaluation (SLOEs) for residency applications.
The responses indicate that most residency programs with an EM department should be able to provide SLOEs. The challenge lies in finding programs where this is standard practice. It’s noted that letters from programs without regular student evaluations may not be as valuable. The importance of confirming the availability of SLOEs at each clerkship site is emphasized, especially for those not applying through VSLO (Visiting Student Learning Opportunities).
A medical student regrets applying to psychiatry, listing reasons such as dealing with malingering patients, subjectivity in diagnosis, and a preference for more structured medical management.
Responses provide support and perspective. Users highlight that every specialty has its challenges and that the subjective nature of psychiatry can also be found in other fields. They emphasize the importance of exposure to various specialties before making a decision. Encouragement is given to pursue fields that align better with the user's interests and skills, such as oncology or other IM subspecialties. The need for thorough consideration and exposure before committing to a specialty is stressed.
An upcoming pediatrics residency applicant with a high Step 2 score (265+) seeks advice on how this impacts their application, considering their average grades, extracurriculars, and research involvement.
The high Step 2 score significantly boosts the applicant’s chances at competitive programs, even with average grades and minimal research. Users suggest focusing on obtaining strong letters of recommendation from Sub-I rotations and ensuring a well-organized application. The importance of a compelling personal statement and alignment of extracurricular activities with future career goals is emphasized. With such a strong Step 2 score, the applicant is advised to aim high while also ensuring a good fit culturally and academically.