chocolatesofamedstudent

[chocolatesofamedstudent]

A reminder that all the best people were once beginners. If you want to become really good at something, keep practicing even when you don’t see progress immediately. You can’t see it, but you’re improving a little bit every time you practice. Keep going and one day you’ll be amazing at it.

[chocolatesofamedstudent]

theAwkwardYeti.com

[chocolatesofamedstudent]

I am here to say just one thing:

BLACK PANTHER IS THE BEST MCU MOVIE. 

HOT DAMN. ENTERTAINING AND CAPTIVATING THROUGH AND THROUGH. EVERYTHING ABOUT IT IS AMAZING. THE CAST. THEIR ACTING. THE STORY. THE VISUALS THO OMG, THE SOUNDTRACK IS DA BOMB. EVERYTHING IS PERFECT.

I am just so in awe since I have watched it, I was sad that after 2 hours of gloriousness I was left wanting more. I cannot wait to see the characters return in the upcoming Avengers movie.

IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED BLACK PANTHER YET GO WATCH IT NOW! ASAP!

You will not be disappointed. I was led to believe that I was too hyped up for the movie, and I can safely say it’s untrue. In fact I wasn’t hyped up enough!

P.S. T’Challa and Erik be super hot so... like... yeah.

[chocolatesofamedstudent]

I have a question for medical students in the US, well, two.

1. What time of the year do students usually give their Step 2 CS? (months etc)

2. What time of the year do students commonly do their away rotations/sub-internships/clinical electives? (months etc)

I want to know so I can schedule mine at a time without worrying about availability. I would really, really appreciate any info from 1st year med students to residents and whoever knows anything about it.

[chocolatesofamedstudent]

Though you cannot go back and start again, you can start from now and have a brand new end.

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I keep going over this nagging thought over and over again. It’s like a habit. I wish I had done this, I wish had accomplished that, I wish this was done differently, I wish I had realized that before, and so on, and so on. And it’s counterproductive. It is robbing me of all the time I can use to work hard and make something of myself, and eliminate these regrets from my mind.

And this quote, or at least variants of it, hits home. I literally need someone to remind me at every turn that what’s in the past is in the past and it will stay there. There’s nothing I can do to change that.

My present on the other hand? My future? I can change it. I can mold it. I can do whatever I want to shape it the way I want. Sometimes, I need another person to say it to me. And I hope, I can just remind myself the next time instead.

[chocolatesofamedstudent]

@kanzuru has perfectly put into words what I couldn’t. That is exactly it. We need to be transparent with pre-meds when it comes to this, and graduates with med students.

This journey is filled with challenges, and while we can’t solve or overcome these problems for others, we can be there and just say “I understand what you’re going through and it will be fine. You got this. You are not alone.” Sometimes it is enough, man.

blog entry: my life in medicine

Hi blog! I have been paying next to no attention to you for so long. I thought letting go of a few things in life would mean more time for me, for this blog. For the wonderful people I met through you. Alas, it just didn’t happen.

You know what’s been on my mind lately? That medicine is one of the most sought after undergraduate degrees in my country, and there’s this picture portrayed by every single person you meet, doesn’t matter who you talk to, and this picture is beautiful. It’s nearly divine. No flaws, angelic vibes emanating from just the word “doctor”. You almost believe it. I mean, everyone does. Anyone and everyone wants to either be in med school or want their kids and their kids’ kids to be enrolled in medical school; all for that coveted title. And it makes me sort of mad.

Medicine is not all unicorns and rainbows. It’s not just a few years of studying, like any overachieving kid (or so I assumed) has been pulling off for 12+ years. It’s not just getting that degree at the end and it’s all uphill from there. God no. What gave people the idea that it’s that easy? I wouldn’t want to ever discourage anyone from medicine if they’re passionate about it. But this pretty picture that’s painted in my country needs to be updated. It needs to address at least raw facts. *sigh*

I will, however, speak from my experience. I have been busy with or working on or studying something or the other for the past 4+ years. There have been times that I didn’t talk to or see my family or even share a meal with them for over a month and yes, I live with them. There have been times that I felt like I didn’t have time to give a split second to myself or my health or remember if I had eaten. There have been times that I got rejected 99 times for every 100 applications I sent out for a research position or whatever and it did affect me. There have been times that I couldn’t talk to or meet my friends for nearly a quarter of a year because I was so busy, and good God we go to the same university. There have been times I have doubted myself to the point that I thought I wasn’t cut out for medicine, for surgery, that all the work I have put in was for naught. So, in my case I can safely say it’s not as glamorous as people make it out to be. It’s tough and it can take a toll.

I guess what I am trying to say is I haven’t been able to balance it all so well. I do love this field, I am irrevocably in love with neurosurgery. I love that I am in a career which is unmatched in its ability to influence people’s lives the way it does. It’s a privilege. And at the same time it can be tough getting ahead in medicine, particularly surgery. And I know that it’s not a realistic aim for myself to want to excel at everything and anything I try but would it be so bad if I came a teeny tiny bit close?

I have been mentally drained trying to study for Step 1 which I have now pushed to later in the year, trying to work on my research project, applying for electives in the US as an international student with little to no luck so far, doing my best to stay healthy, trying to study for my university’s exams and making sure I pass, trying to socialize with my close friends and failing, and trying to keep my head up through it all. You know? It’s just. It’s. Not. Easy.

I guess no one really talks about the struggle or really reminisces over it once they succeed but I would really like to relate to anyone who has ever been through what I am going through and just understand. I just want to know that I am not the only one struggling to keep up with all the demands of medicine.

So yes, I get mad when people assume how simple my life must be studying medicine. To those people I say, I just don’t get you.

[chocolatesofamedstudent]

blog entry: my life in medicine

Hi blog! I have been paying next to no attention to you for so long. I thought letting go of a few things in life would mean more time for me, for this blog. For the wonderful people I met through you. Alas, it just didn’t happen.

You know what’s been on my mind lately? That medicine is one of the most sought after undergraduate degrees in my country, and there’s this picture portrayed by every single person you meet, doesn’t matter who you talk to, and this picture is beautiful. It’s nearly divine. No flaws, angelic vibes emanating from just the word “doctor”. You almost believe it. I mean, everyone does. Anyone and everyone wants to either be in med school or want their kids and their kids’ kids to be enrolled in medical school; all for that coveted title. And it makes me sort of mad.

Medicine is not all unicorns and rainbows. It’s not just a few years of studying, like any overachieving kid (or so I assumed) has been pulling off for 12+ years. It’s not just getting that degree at the end and it’s all uphill from there. God no. What gave people the idea that it’s that easy? I wouldn’t want to ever discourage anyone from medicine if they’re passionate about it. But this pretty picture that’s painted in my country needs to be updated. It needs to address at least raw facts. *sigh*

I will, however, speak from my experience. I have been busy with or working on or studying something or the other for the past 4+ years. There have been times that I didn’t talk to or see my family or even share a meal with them for over a month and yes, I live with them. There have been times that I felt like I didn’t have time to give a split second to myself or my health or remember if I had eaten. There have been times that I got rejected 99 times for every 100 applications I sent out for a research position or whatever and it did affect me. There have been times that I couldn’t talk to or meet my friends for nearly a quarter of a year because I was so busy, and good God we go to the same university. There have been times I have doubted myself to the point that I thought I wasn’t cut out for medicine, for surgery, that all the work I have put in was for naught. So, in my case I can safely say it’s not as glamorous as people make it out to be. It’s tough and it can take a toll.

I guess what I am trying to say is I haven’t been able to balance it all so well. I do love this field, I am irrevocably in love with neurosurgery. I love that I am in a career which is unmatched in its ability to influence people’s lives the way it does. It’s a privilege. And at the same time it can be tough getting ahead in medicine, particularly surgery. And I know that it’s not a realistic aim for myself to want to excel at everything and anything I try but would it be so bad if I came a teeny tiny bit close?

I have been mentally drained trying to study for Step 1 which I have now pushed to later in the year, trying to work on my research project, applying for electives in the US as an international student with little to no luck so far, doing my best to stay healthy, trying to study for my university’s exams and making sure I pass, trying to socialize with my close friends and failing, and trying to keep my head up through it all. You know? It’s just. It’s. Not. Easy.

I guess no one really talks about the struggle or really reminisces over it once they succeed but I would really like to relate to anyone who has ever been through what I am going through and just understand. I just want to know that I am not the only one struggling to keep up with all the demands of medicine.

So yes, I get mad when people assume how simple my life must be studying medicine. To those people I say, I just don’t get you.

[chocolatesofamedstudent]

medblr, I need your help again.

I am trying for the past two days to come up with a schedule, but nothing. I can’t come up with anything.

I spend between 8 and 9 hours in the uni and wards combined which leaves me with the rest of the time to sleep, eat, get ready, shower, study for uni, and study for Step 1.

And I can’t for the life of me draft a schedule that works for me. I am SO tired when I come home that studying is nearly impossible until I have at least had a nap or just slept. and I have to wake early the next day so I don’t know how to fit it all in.

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME?

Like a schedule that worked for you? Or a way you keep yourself pumped and full of energy to go through the day finishing all your tasks, studying, going to wards, spending all day at the clinic, eating healthy, putting in time for exercise despite it all, andddd get some sleep?

Final year, man. *sigh* (loving it but damn)

[chocolatesofamedstudent]

I literally can’t get myself to sit through movies that don’t have women. I’m like where the fuck are the women? Why are there so many men? This is boring as fuck goodbye

[chocolatesofamedstudent]

dr. jekyll & mr. hiding from responsibilities

Me, at the hospital or clinic: wow, this is hard work and so much to master but i want to learn it all and be the best i can be!

Me, at home or waking up: wow, i will never love anything as much as i love you, bed.

[chocolatesofamedstudent]

I have asks from god knows when, and I am so sorry to those who asked and I never got around to them. I can’t even begin to tell you how busy my past few years have been, which is why I wasn’t paying much attention to my notifications.

But I am getting to them now, and although they are going to be later than expected I hope that’s fine somehow. :)

[chocolatesofamedstudent]

Are you from Australia?

I don’t disclose any personal information, but if you have anything else you’d like help with, let me know! ^^

[chocolatesofamedstudent]

Hey dx! do you think it's possible to have anxiety and work in A&E?

Hello!

I think that if it wasn’t, we’d be completely out of A&E doctors! I’m not entirely joking, we’re more likely to have mental health problems than your average person, most commonly anxiety or depression. I know few people in medicine who haven’t suffered from either to some degree, though not all of them have needed treatment.Unfortunately, I think medicine and anxiety often go hand in hand. I don’t know if  the typical perfectionist hard-worker-who-cares-about-people personality type drawn to medicine predisposes to it, but the environment we work in certainly helps bring out the anxiety in anyone. I can’t remember the number of work-related dreams I’ve had….But on the plus side, medicine, although scary, is in some ways less scary than the kinds of things we usually get anxious about. Because we have protocols and guidelines, and most of the things we do follow a well-learned script. So although patients can be sick, and it can be stressful, we’re rarely completely clueless as to what we need to do. It makes medicine a lot less stressful or anxiety-inducing than it would otherwise be. We learn not cope with the uncertainties, and we develop ways of managing the stress. Mindfulness and CBT can be a real godsend if you tend to ruminate on things. I do advise anyone who feels that their mental health is an issue, should get support from their university or GP. The best way to get through uni or work is to make sure you are well supported and they can’t discriminate against you for your needs. And the best thing is usually do to everything we can to manage our symptoms as best as we can. But to answer your question most simply: yes, it’s perfectly possible. Many doctors and nurses working in A&E (or elsewhere in healthcare) have anxiety. And whilst anxiety is horrible and can sometimes make life difficult or mean you need support or meds or time out, it doesn’t mean you can’t do a particular job. And many people in healthcare do. So don’t worry, you’ll fit right in :)

[chocolatesofamedstudent]

Hii I just wanted to ask if you have any tips for studying as a pre med? I am sitting for med school entrance exams in a couple of months and I'm so freaked out that I won't make it😭😭

Heyyyy! First of all GOOD LUCK FOR YOUR EXAM!

And as for tips for studying, they are pretty much the same no matter what exam you take.

Plan out your studying (what you have to study, allot time for it, follow your schedule),

figure out your learning style and stick to it or switch it up if that helps,

give yourself time to relax and take a break every once in a while,

try to study everyday even a little so you keep your study momentum going, 

revise! Every Sunday or every 3rd day, try and revisit what you learned.

be confident in yourself and what you learned and that it’s all going to be fine :)

I do feel the need to reiterate, relax and don’t worry about it. Given the importance placed to entrance exams, and I mean the kind of intense importance us premeds put on one exam, it gets tricky to stay calm and not worry about it. Looking back, I wish I had chilled out more about the test. All the stress was unnecessary and counter productive. There must be ways you calm yourself, right? Exercise, cooking, eating out, fun time with family or friends or both, any activity, sleeping, yoga, whatever. Do it.

And, anon, don’t freak out! (I know, I know, easier said than done) But why do you think you won’t make it? You need a friend who gives one hell of a pep talk and you need to go talk to them. That’s what I do :D I could give you a pep talk too but I don’t know your situation. 

I hope you are doing well, but hit me up again if you are still freaking out. Wishing you all the luck in the world! I hope you do great ^^

[chocolatesofamedstudent]

Dumb question: Is there a difference between premed and medschool students?

Heyyyy anon! Not a dumb question at all! (I don’t know if I should admit it but I did have trouble figuring out all the terms starting out :D)

Yes, there is a difference. Simply put, premeds (pre medical students) are undergraduate students (in college) pursuing admission in medical school. (thus, the “pre”)

Medschool students or medical students are those that are presently studying in medical school.

Additionally, students pursuing PA school, DO schools, Pharmacy schools etc are also pre meds.

[chocolatesofamedstudent]

Hi! What to do if you f*ck up as a young doctor? Like you miss a cancer diagnos or prescribe the wrong medication? #askingforafriend

Heyyy anon!

I think you mean an intern or resident in their early years of training? Either way, patients are managed by an entire team that consists of a young doctor along with their supervising doctors and seniors, i.e. attendings, as well as nurses, med students, and in the US I believe PAs and Doctors of Pharmacy. From my experience in the clinical setting, I have yet to see one single doctor, let alone a fairly inexperienced one, making unilateral decisions about a patient without consulting either senior doctors, lab test results, radiographs or whatever diagnostic tool.

I am guessing you aren’t familiar with the day to day work of a medical staff, but I doubt a cancer diagnosis missed or a wrong medication would not be picked up by anyone else on the team.

That being said, if the hypothetical doctor was aware of their mistake they would immediately consult their colleague or senior or anyone else that can help and try and rectify it. Hiding it or trying to solve it on their own would lead to more troubles for them, and, more importantly, the patient.

[chocolatesofamedstudent]

Oh I didn’t read it right, the anon was asking about med students.

Thanks for clearing that up!

Hey! Med students still have to take the mcat... right? I keep seeing some other acronym for a medical exam (Comet or something, I think?). What’s all that about?

Heyyy! As far as I know pre-meds in the US and other countries like mine where it’s valid do still take the MCAT. I am sure other medblrs can shed more light on this.

I have no clue, sorry anon!

medblr, help please?