This isn't advice you expected to get from us, we know. And we're not going to share any simplistic Instagram #selfcare adages here—but if you're going to dedicate your life to healthcare, start at home.
This might seem like a non-priority right now, but it is serious. Medical students have a significantly higher rate of mental illness than similarly aged postsecondary graduates, according to a 2019 study in Academic Medicine. One harrowing quote: "Higher rates of distress and burnout in physicians and medical learners have been linked to poor academic performance, increased thoughts of dropping out of medical school, lower levels of professionalism, decreased empathy, increased medical errors, increased substance abuse, and increased suicidal ideation."
Preparing yourself for the intensity of applying to and attending medical school is important. Practicing mindfulness, getting rest, and being a person in the world are part of being ready for a rigorous academic environment. This week we’ll highlight some of these healthy behaviors.
Stay social. This is not to say that you should be partying the night before retaking your MCAT. But you do need to leave your desk—or at least have a Zoom that isn't a study group. Even if you're a natural introvert, if you want to be a physician, you will benefit from speaking to people regularly. This advice might not apply to you—you could be a social butterfly. But trust us, some applicants need to hear it, including one of our all-time favorites. (Yes, we have favorites.) Keeping your relationships strong also provides a safety net in hard times and helps you to be empathetic and less self-centered.