“Get a support system or else this course is going to drag you through the mud.” These are the words said by my Professor during my first Biochemistry lecture in medical school. To tell the truth, the atmosphere was tense and I could see the fear and uncertainty in my classmates’ eyes, all of whom were strangers at the time. It hardly occurred to me that they would be more than family a few years down the line. Our fate in medical school was unknown and even the most confident among us were shaken. Were we gonna make it? Only the deities knew. At the end of the dreadful lecture, we dispersed with more questions than answers.
Later in my little room, I was supine the whole night, staring at the ceiling which was only a few inches away because I slept on the top bed of the double-decker. My new roommate took things a little less seriously and played video games the whole night. I had mixed feelings about him — I didn’t know whether I envied him or pitied him, silently thinking, “What a waste of genes he is!” Nonetheless, I had six years of a puzzle ahead of me and it was my responsibility to find a way through. Professor’s words haunted me the whole night, I had to find a solution. But then I thought, what is this support system he talked about, and is it something I can adopt? I knew I needed advice and more insight on what it entailed. Light at the end of the tunnel they say. If I was to state a moment of breakthrough in my medical school, then this moment would take precedence. The support system turned out to be my cruise throughout medical school.
I would define a support system as what you do, or whom you go to, when you feel like all psych is lost and you can no longer focus on studies. That activity that refreshes you and gives you energy and zeal to study again. It could be a person or people you meet, family, friends or lovers you spend time with; it could be a game you play and enjoy, physical or virtual. It could be a favourite spot you visit and meditate, it could even be a restaurant you visit for coffee. It could just be a quiet evening stroll through the school; it could be a hike over the weekend with like-minded friends, to mention but a few on the endless list. My advice, whatever it is you do to bounce back, hang onto it.
From a personal point of view, there is no one-size-fits-all support system. What works for Jane might not work for Chris. The most important steps are to acknowledge that you need a support system, and then to identify the one that works for you. From my experience and that of my classmates, the support system works — It is that twig you hang on to when the tide is hitting hard.
However, there are exceptions. You need to be keen to identify activities that are not detrimental to your health. For instance, doing drugs is not an option. It is simply a short-lived pleasure with devastating life-long consequences. Watch out! The temptation is there I promise, but stand firm and choose health.
Many people are skeptical about dating as a support system in medical school, and my advice on this is, if you are the kind to date, then choose a partner wisely. Many relationships end badly because of poor choices. Choose someone with a common interest, someone who understands your schedules, and someone who will help you achieve your ultimate goal. Don’t let a relationship be a source of further problems, med school has enough of them already. Be keen not to spend all of your time with your partner at the expense of your studies. Only date when you are ready as a person, don’t jump on the bandwagon; peer pressure is real, and social media has a multiplier effect. Watch out!
You don’t have to be a bookworm to make it through med school, you can still lead a normal life and come out as the best doctor you have always wished to be. IT IS ALL POSSIBLE!
Sumba Daniel, a medical student at JKUAT School of Medicine. Passionate about the alleviation of human suffering through modern medicine. Great interest in Internal Medicine.
Great read!
Excellent daktari
I Loved the article ❤️