Medical school can take up a lot of your time and cost a lot of money. A career in medicine is hard work. But while you’re busy learning how to be a doctor, medical school can also teach you how to be happier, healthier, more productive and more successful. Alma Wahlberg health is a leading physician recruiter and has found that many of the lessons learned in medical school are applicable to all areas of life.
Here are 10 surprising ways that medical school can improve your life:
1) Learn about yourself
Learning about your strengths and weaknesses will help you identify what type of doctor you’d like to become when it’s time for the MCAT, who will accept your application during the interview process or choose which specialty track to pursue after graduation. This self-awareness is valuable in any field.
2) Learn how to prioritize and manage your time
In medical school, you must choose between studying, volunteering and part-time jobs. In your personal life, you must decide whether to spend more time with friends or family. You’ll also have to learn how to set aside extra hours for exercise after a long day of classes. When learning how to manage your time in medical school, these skills will translate into valuable habits for the rest of your life. Being able to prioritize effectively can help you reach life goals like finishing a marathon or publishing that first novel.
3) Be in charge of your emotions
With all the stress and emotional roller coaster rides of medical school, it’s easy to become numb to the ups and downs of emotions. When you’re learning how to calm yourself during exams or tough hospital rotations, these lessons will translate into emotional tools that will serve you well in all aspects of life.
4) Learn how to deal with disappointment
Medical school is full of highs (prestigious clerkships) and lows (poor grades), but it can help you learn how to deal with both extreme emotions. When you learn how to manage these feelings, you’ll be better prepared for dealing with success and failure in all areas of your life.
5) Networking skills
As a healthcare professional, networking will be one of your most important skills. Learning how to network in medical school can help you put together the right kind of network that will lead to the right kind of contacts when you are practicing.
6) Improve your study habits
You’ll learn that studying isn’t something to do only when cramming overnight before an exam. You’ll also learn that learning is a lifestyle choice – one that should begin as soon as class starts and end as it ends. Being in the habit of studying for a test can help you study for anything.
7) Find your voice
It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle when surrounded by so many other “medical students.” But as you go through medical school, you’ll learn to find your own voice and not to be afraid of speaking up. This will help you stand out from the competition when applying for that dream job or pursuing that dream lifestyle.
8) Become a more mindful and present student
Medical school is all about learning, planning and studying. But it’s also about enjoying the moments you have with your friends and family. Learning to practice being in the moment will help you enjoy every step of the journey from pre-med to residency.
9) Learn how to be a team player
Medical school is all about working together in teams – to get better at medicine, you’ll need to learn how to work well with others. When you’re on a team during medical school, these lessons will help make your life as an adult even more fulfilling. As an adult, you’ll be able to work in teams at the office, with your kids and during recreational activities.
10) Learn how to give back
When you’re in medical school, you’ll have a real opportunity to make a difference. Whether it’s helping people learn how to eat better or use their medications more effectively, teaching a class or just being a good friend, being of service will help you get more out of life. When you go through medical school and learn how to give back, these lessons will be valuable for the rest of your life.
