On a beautiful fall afternoon last week, we visited a medical school in upstate New York and spoke with a panel six Cornell alumni who are currently medical students of various years. From a mix of pursuing a MD, MD/MPH or MD/Ph.D, the alumni had unique paths before deciding to pursue a career in health care, medicine, and research. Here are five ideas to keep in mind whether you are an aspiring pre-med, stressed chemistry student, or just thinking about working in the health care industry.
- Start journaling. Try to write a bit everyday—from the daily positive encounters to times in leadership positions when you failed, write to remember more detailed accounts of what truly makes you unique. Take the time to journal about your clinical experiences, including shadowing, volunteering, or working in a medical related field. It’s easy to fall into the mindset of “I can remember everything,” but it’s also easy to forget the specific encounters that you treasured in the doctor’s office and the days may start blurring together. Having these journals and notes to read as a refresher when writing your personal statement or preparing for an interview will be priceless.
- Stress less. Time management may be your best friend or worst enemy, but learning to recognize how you study and how you cope with stress is important. The intensity and depth of material medical school covers is not a light load. However, finding ways to relax, rest, and exercise can help balance your academics and life.
- Apply early. Don’t wait around for the AMCAS application to be released. Many secondary essay topics are similar or recycled from year to year, so you can brainstorm writing early. Submitting an application earlier in the cycle is always at a slight advantage, since a number of schools operate on a rolling-like admissions review basis to fill interview slots. Check the spring dates for when the application opens.
- Enjoy classes. Your opportunities to take fun, eye-opening classes at Cornell are endless. Remember to branch out a bit and take classes you are truly interested in. From Introduction to Wines (HADM 4300) to Magical Mushrooms, Mischievous Molds (PLPPM 2015) and Human Bonding (HD 3620), realize NOW is the time to take an interesting class!
- Plan strategically. While the average age for entering medical school is 24 years old, keep in mind the duration of medical school, residency, and specialty training placements. It is important to consider both your personal and career development paths before committing to medical or graduate school.