In this episode, the author and their wife discuss the challenges of juggling family life and being a physician. They share their experiences as new parents and the lessons they learned during medical school. The author emphasizes the importance of seizing every opportunity to spend time with loved ones and the need for a strategic approach to balance work, medical school, residency, and family life.
There is no perfect time during a career in medicine to start a family, but it is possible to survive and thrive in these intensive years. The author shares tips on how to balance work, medical school, residency, and family life, such as time management, support, finances, parenthood, and understanding that both you and your family will make tremendous sacrifices.
For married students, it is crucial to ensure that your medical school has provisions for married students, as tutorials may clash with rehearsals, practicals may coincide with sports matches, or a MedSoc event might be happening when you are meant to be seeing your family. The most important lesson learned in medical school is to seize every reasonable opportunity to spend time with your loved ones.
Being a good student, spouse, and parent takes a balance, and everyone will have different preferences for where they want to put their efforts. A supportive partner can make the process easier. One key aspect to consider is being married to someone who understands that medical school usually comes first. Time management is paramount, and family helps provide flexibility.
In conclusion, balancing family life and medical school is a complex and challenging task. It is essential to find a balance between work, medical school, residency, and family life, and to find a supportive partner to help navigate the challenges and rewards of this journey.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| What kind of married life can you have while studying in … | I was married shortly before entering medical school. We had 2 kids by the time I graduated. It worked out because my wife was very independent … | quora.com |
| A medical student reflects on the importance of family – Scope | The most important lesson that I learned in medical school was that I have to seize every reasonable opportunity to spend time with my loved ones since the … | scopeblog.stanford.edu |
| What I wish I knew in medical school about planning a family | Dr. Marsicek offered some perspective on what she wishes she had known about planning her family when she was in medical school. | ama-assn.org |
📹 Medical School Students Answer Your Questions
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Can I Be A Mom And Go To Med School?
Being a mother while attending medical school is indeed challenging but entirely feasible, particularly for women who aspire to both become physicians and have a family. The structured timeline of medical school requires any deviations, such as pregnancy, to be managed with a leave of absence lasting six months to a year. There’s no "perfect time" to start a family or begin medical studies; both endeavors require significant sacrifices from parents. It’s essential to consider medical schools that accommodate pregnant students, including those with policies against cadaver exposure.
Many successful women have navigated the complexities of being a parent and a medical student. For instance, one mother began her journey as a 30-year-old solo parent while another juggled studies with two young children. Having a consistent routine helps manage expectations for both students and kids, which can mitigate chaos.
Many believe that the best time to have a child during medical education is during the fourth year, when schedules open up post-residency interviews. However, regardless of when a child is welcomed, parents often face unique hurdles, illustrated by personal reflections from medical students and physicians alike.
To navigate this balancing act, prospective parents must establish childcare solutions and openly discuss their aspirations and challenges with their partners. Ultimately, while the experience is messy and demanding, pursuing motherhood within the framework of medical education is achievable and can be fulfilling.
How Do You Survive Financially In Medical School?
Approximately 73% of medical students rely on loans to finance their education. While loans increase accessibility, it's crucial to be mindful of borrowed amounts, interest rates, and fees. Many medical schools conduct workshops emphasizing responsible borrowing, encouraging students to take only what they need. As one student reflects, managing medical school expenses is achievable with proper planning. Kevin offers five essential tips for premeds to enhance their financial literacy and effectively manage daily finances.
Key strategies include understanding financial aid, budgeting, and exploring scholarships and grants. Med students face unique financial challenges, often lacking time for part-time work; thus, stringent budgeting is vital to minimize debt. To alleviate financial pressure, students should seek low-cost housing, prioritize groceries over dining out, and explore additional loan options for certain expenses, like childcare. Resources for medical financing abound, and students should leverage them wisely.
Identifying differing loan structures and minimizing living costs can further ease financial burdens. Ultimately, staying informed and proactive about finances is crucial for medical students aiming for a secure financial future while navigating the demanding medical school environment.
Do Medical Students Come From Wealthy Families?
In 2008, research in an Analysis in Brief (AIB) highlighted the economic diversity of U. S. medical school matriculants, revealing that over three-quarters of medical students came from families in the top two income quintiles. Recent studies, including findings from the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), indicate that this trend continues, with more than half of 2018’s medical school entrants having parental incomes in the top 20 percent.
The median family income for these students is around $130, 000, compared to the national median of approximately $65, 000. Furthermore, a Yale-led study shows that high-income households increasingly account for a significant portion of medical applicants and matriculants. This disparity persists across racial and ethnic backgrounds, with 24% of medical students originating from the top 5% of income earners. Analysis from the University of Minnesota also confirms that even among diverse student groups, high-income representation remains a consistent trend.
Since 1987, less than 48% of medical students have come from families with incomes below the highest quintile. This lack of economic diversity, which affects workforce development and healthcare quality, underscores the stark economic barriers in pursuing a medical career, where only about 5% of students come from the lowest income quintile. The overall conclusion remains that medical schools predominantly attract students from affluent backgrounds, regardless of race or ethnicity.
How Do Med Students Afford Living?
Nearly all medical students qualify for federal student loans, such as the Direct Unsubsidized Loan and possibly the Direct PLUS Loan, which cover tuition, fees, room, board, and miscellaneous expenses. A significant concern is how these students manage living costs like rent, food, and transportation during their 44-month program. While loans can finance school-related and living expenses, many students have to navigate financial independence without external support.
According to the AAMC, most students graduate with over $100, 000 in debt, making effective financial management essential. Many med students opt for affordable living arrangements, such as studio or one-bedroom apartments, to minimize costs. Additionally, several medical schools offer affordable housing options, easing the transition to a new location. Funding for living costs often comes from a combination of loans, family support, scholarships, and work.
Federal loans typically offer better interest rates and repayment plans. To help finance their education, students should explore scholarships, service programs, and potentially free medical schools. Despite the financial challenges, pursuing a medical degree is considered a worthwhile investment, as physicians often earn substantial incomes that allow for loan repayment.
Do Medical Students Have Relationships?
Medical school poses significant challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining relationships. Finding an understanding partner is crucial, given the demanding schedule filled with studying, shadowing, and research. A study showed that 67% of medical students are currently in relationships, 33% are single, and 9% have never been involved romantically. Among those single, 72% actively seek partners, often through dating apps. Concerns about how a relationship might impact academic performance are common, as many students witness relationships fail due to time sacrifices.
Still, medical students often date each other due to shared experiences and pressures, leading to unique benefits and challenges. Balancing the demands of their rigorous education while nurturing a relationship requires effective communication and understanding. Some students find that dating a non-medical person can ease their journey, offering a different perspective. Despite the challenges, many students successfully navigate relationships, finding them supportive and enriching.
Ultimately, maintaining a healthy relationship hinges on mutual trust, sacrifice, and the ability to focus on personal growth, alongside managing academic responsibilities. Tips shared by medical students emphasize the importance of communication and being supportive to endure the rigors of both school and romance.
Is It Possible To Have A Family During Med School?
Having a baby during medical school is indeed possible, but it comes with challenges. Many medical students, including moms like Dr. Marsicek, have shared insights on this topic. A common approach is to take a break after the second year and return for the third year or postpone residency for a year post-graduation. The ideal time to have a child is often during the fourth year (M4), particularly after residency interviews when the workload is lighter.
While starting a family in med school may seem daunting, many women successfully juggle motherhood and their medical education. It's essential to have open discussions with your partner about the commitment and sacrifices involved. The timing of when to have children varies for each couple, and living arrangements near family or having a flexible partner can ease the burden.
Medical schools differ in their support for student families, so checking available resources is crucial. Though challenges exist, with awareness and preparation, medical students can balance their studies and parenthood. Establishing a routine, dedicating quality time to family free from distractions, and maintaining a supportive partnership are vital strategies. Ultimately, while there's no universally perfect time, starting a family during med school can be a rewarding experience.
How Much Is Typical Med School Debt?
Medical school graduates face a substantial financial burden, with the average total educational debt, including premedical debt, at $243, 483. Specifically, for those receiving over $100, 000 in scholarships, median debt is $115, 000 for public schools and $130, 000 for private institutions. The AAMC reports that the average debt for the class of 2021 at public medical schools was $194, 280, and about 70% of students borrow to finance their education, with annual costs exceeding $64, 000 at public institutions.
For the class of 2023, the median medical school debt reached $200, 000, with overall average debt hitting $250, 995, significantly impacting graduates' financial futures. In 2023, the average medical student debt was reported as $202, 453, marking an increase in financial strain. Additionally, the average pre-med debt stands at $27, 000, contributing to a total expected debt load of approximately $227, 000. As graduates navigate their career paths, debt-to-income ratios become critical; those with $250, 000 in debt may face a DTI of 1 if their starting salary is equivalent.
The increasing costs and debt levels underscore the importance of understanding repayment options and managing financial obligations post-medical school. Overall, the average medical student graduates with around $215, 900 in debt.
What Percent Of Med Students Are Married?
As of 2016, the percentage of married or engaged medical students has reportedly increased to around 50%, although comprehensive surveys on this trend are lacking. A study highlighted that among medical students, 31 were married, and 11 had a nonmarried partner. Although being married offers emotional support during the challenges of medical school, statistics show that the prognosis for these marriages is often poor. Divorce rates in certain medical specialties can exceed 50%, and surveys indicate that about 20% of physicians are married to fellow doctors.
Many medical students, however, remain unmarried; in some institutions, up to 25% may begin med school as married, with figures rising to 50% by graduation. A social dynamic exists where many students are in long-term relationships, yet they often face significant social challenges. As students progress through their training, the pressures of balancing personal and professional lives can intensify. Notably, data from the U. S.
Census reveals that the median age for first marriages is around 28 for women and just under 30 for men, suggesting that medical training coincides with a period of serious relationship consideration. This unique aspect of medical school life fosters both personal growth and relationships amidst rigorous academic demands.
Is It Hard To Have Kids In Med School?
Having children during medical school, while challenging, is achievable with a strategic approach. Many medical students successfully manage parenting alongside their academic responsibilities, provided they have strong support from partners, family, and friends. Medical school tends to offer more flexibility during the preclinical years; however, no universal "best time" exists for everyone. Each individual’s circumstances differ, and while balancing school and family life can be daunting, it is indeed possible.
Pregnancy and parenting throughout medical training require significant dedication and social support. Students often find it helpful to have a spouse or partner outside of the medical field, as the demands of med school and residency are intense. Having dependents, whether children or otherwise, presents unique challenges that need careful management.
Prominent themes from those who have navigated this path include the critical role of support systems, the importance of childcare, and the acknowledgment that having a family is a natural process that doesn’t have to be postponed. Despite the rigorous requirements of medical training, many students embrace motherhood during their studies or residencies, with careful planning making it feasible.
Ultimately, those considering starting a family during medical school should be prepared for the complexities involved but can find success with commitment and proper support.
Are Med Students Too Busy To Date?
Medical students often lead hectic and unpredictable lives, making it challenging to balance their studies, work, and personal relationships. The demands of medical school require significant sacrifices, particularly regarding time, as they frequently miss important events such as birthdays or weddings and often return home late from the hospital. Despite the busyness, it is a misconception that medical students study extensively outside of exam periods; typically, they engage in 3-5 hours of studying daily, with increased hours closer to exams.
Partners of medical students should remember a few things: avoid over-discussing their studies, do not stop planning activities based on assumptions about their availability, and don't expect rigid schedules. Additionally, maintaining brief daily connections, even amidst a busy schedule, can help sustain relationships. Medical students often date their colleagues due to shared experiences and schedules, but they may face challenges in maintaining these relationships because of demanding hours and emotional exhaustion.
It is crucial for partners to set boundaries and communicate openly. Ultimately, while medical students are busy, they can still prioritize personal connections and navigate relationships with understanding and support. Adopting a positive mindset can make a significant difference in managing romance alongside the rigors of medical training.
📹 So You Want to Be a FAMILY MEDICINE DOCTOR (Ep. 28)
So you want to be a family medicine doctor. You like the idea of primary care, working with patients of all age ranges, and like Vin …
my mom went into med school thinking she wanted to go into a certain field and halfway through she changed her mind and now she’s a neurointensivist and she is the smartest person i’ve ever met. when she talks about medical school it sounded like hell so major props to everyone who works really hard to pursue their careers 😊
God Bless All First Responders, Physicians, Nursing Staff, EMS, Emergency room staff, Paramedics, Medicvac, Public Safety, Fire fighters etc. Thanks for Be Selfless and Caring for the Sick especially during this very difficult time period. Advocate, Author, Jason Sandifer, Michigan, 4/6/2020, 4/9/2020
Hahaha the doctoring class comment! Literally had my first standardized patient encounter today to learn how to talk like a doctor and it’s so awkward because you want to have normal conversation but you can’t say normal phrases like “please pull down your pants” you have to say “please lower your pants.”
My dad was my practice patient a few days before my Step2CS exam. This exam is a clinical skills assessment where you see a number of standardized patients over a day and are graded on it. Anyway, I listened to his heart and heard an irregular, abnormally rapid heartbeat. I ended up telling him to go to the cardiologist because I was pretty sure he had something called Atrial Fibrillation and needed to get treatment. I ended up being correct, and he thankfully is getting treatment for it. Being in medical school is amazing but definitely hits home if you end up finding something wrong in a friend or family member.
Take it from someone who survived through a middle tier medical school in Illinois and then a top tier residency program in my specialty in California…do NOT go into medical school unless you are truly passionate about medicine, the human body, and helping people. Do NOT go into medicine for the money or for the prestige because you WILL get burned. The people that excel as a doctor are people who went into the field for the right reasons. Medical school is not easy but it is definitely manageable. Residency is usually where your life takes a hit because it truly messes with your circadian rhythms, your diet, and your ability to have a life outside of working. I was averaging months in a row of working 70-80 hours a week. Trust me when I say that the residency life is hard to make it through if you went into medicine for the wrong reasons.
I can get jealous I wish I could be a doctor but I am not jealous because I know I was not aware. In high school, your parents have to prepare you and push you. Someone has to push to do better. If you are alone, you get hurt. Obstacles are in the way. Becoming a doctor doesn’t seems hard. The hard part is that you need more than 30 courses to be a physician. A physician is not the luxury. You need to have empathy and compassion. You are a natural healer.
The first time i gave an Intra-muscular injection, i couldn’t break open the drug vial. I tried to hit the vial like 6 or 7 times to open it… And i actually missed 3 times 😐 All the people were wondering how this guy got into a Med School XD And when I finally broke it open everyone in the room cheered 🙂
The worst part about med school and becoming a doctor in general is that you have to go through many years of studying/ training until you see your efforts finally paying off; it will take ages from the moment you enter med school until you finally treat a patient and feel what it’s like to improve or save someone’s life! Can you imagine someone telling you “you’ll have to go on a very strict diet, consuming less than 500 calories a day, but you ‘ll only begin to lose weight after 6,7 or 8 years!” This is what med school feels like; there IS light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel is reeeeally long!
i love these so much i’m going to apply to med school within the next two years and i feel like they show me what to expect but i have some tips for premeds or high school students of my own: shadow!! call your local hospital and ask if you can shadow whatever area your interested in and if you’re still in high school FSU and many other medical schools have med school camps that let you live like a med student for a week and get clinical experience
Well i have always thaught to be a doctor because i have a lot of inspiration in my family…my father is a doctor and so are all my elder siblings..my sister and two brothers…i am off to the same road now…its really worth it when somebody prays from thier heart when you cure them..just like my dads parients do for him and his whole family
If we as medical students in Denmark were to talk about “grossest/craziest cadaver experiences” or just talk about cadaver experiences in general, we would probably be expelled, or lose our license. It is strictly prohibited talking about, joking about, gossiping about and so on, out of respect for the donor, and future donors. Even though they don’t share personel information about the cadavers in the article, which would DEFINITLY result in loss of license, these students represents the way we as medical students approach our study of cadavers. They don’t necessarily cross the boundry of professional student behavior, but they come close.
So I really want to go become a OBGYN but I desperately despise high school chemistry (despite the fact I have straight A’s in a rigorous advanced chemistry course) I’ve been told I have to do LOTS more chemistry in premed and med school, so will someone please tell me if it’s worth it and is higher level chemistry super hard? My dad took organic chemistry and he said it was very hard. I am prepared for everything else and am ready for super hard work and late nights, but I really don’t like chemistry…. will someone help me 🤷
I have severe scoliosis, failed a few courses in my undergrad, I don’t have any medicine-related experience, and I’m also in my late 20s. But going into med school has recently sparked my interest and I want to pursue it. Can anyone advice me please? I can’t talk about this with anyone in my circle because I don’t want them to get their hopes up. So I don’t have anybody to talk to.
An Australian guy who 7 years old from Shanghai in China immigrated to Australia. He was born 1985 and English is his first language. he is good guy no smoke no wine, respect people, women and love family. He dreamy seeking of an Eastern Europe single doctor girl or single medic student girl to marriage. If single doctor or medic girl like talk to this guy, please use English only. This guy living in Melbourne.
I decided I wanted to be a doctor (instead of a theatre major) right at the end of my senior year of high school because I watched a lot of Violin MD’s vlogs. I know that sounds like a very rash decision but to be fair I’ve always really liked science since I was little and I even played surgery simulators that were for high school students when I was 7 so I’m sure I can stick to this lol
I want to be a doctor. Well a surgeon, I’m 15 but since I young I had a burning passion for science especially biology and I grew as I got to high school. When I was twelve I wanted to be other things like an actor or entrepreneur so I can make money but now I just love science and biology and I am 100% making it my career. The catalyst for me wanting to become a surgeon was when I was assigned to dissect a lambs heart my class mates hated it but I loved it. Whenever I looked at surgical procedures on YouTube or when I would read my moms medical school text books I would always get this fluttery feeling like it’s Christmas morning idk anyone feel the same way??
UpToDate is NOT like “Wikipedia for doctors”! It is a useful resource to consult if you need information quickly, but the information is verified and TRUE. For the students interested in primary care specialties, I sincerely hope you stay energized and motivated because the healthcare industrial complex will swallow you whole if you are not careful.
Most of things that they said is so relateable even tho they’re from a different country from mine. Shows that being a medschool student no matter where you’re from, the challenges are mostly the same. *n.b for those who wants to become a doctor pls really consider your choice when you want to be a doctor or enter medical field, the journey is REALLY hard :’)
Hi! The article was awesome:) It was really helpful actually. I will be a senior next year and even it is a little late, I decided to consider abroad school options for my undergraduate program. However the problem is in my country, there is no pre medical study. If I stay where I am, I will be able to start medical school after graduating from high school. But if I choose to go abroad, it will take 4 years to start medical school. ( The research opportunities are much better in abroad though) I really don’t know what I should do…
I am in my freshman year in med school and it’s crazy!!! 😅 I mean I also was shocked that I have to learn how to talk to the patient and when breaking a bad news at which angle I have to place the seat and all plus even the posture of my hands!! Like I am not a robot or something The short hair girl was right, it’s so hard to keep yourself motivated cause study load keeps on coming like a flood if I didn’t had amazingly crazy friends in that place I would have probably dropped out of the med school by now But it’s not that bad, the clinical side is really amazing, I know about that cadaver head thing, it way too weird and gross but it’s also the exciting at the same time😍 So Med school is like that, it’s the hardest but still the best part of life, and I wish to become a doctor who could really help others Wish me luck 😀
I feel so sorry for my friends going to med school. They’re twin sisters and since they were young, their parents wanted them to be doctors and nothing else. It’s a bit heartbreaking seeing them drudge through the schooling, unable to switch path, accumulating debt. But hey, they’ll be doctors right??? 🙄
That drawing blood thing 😂 when it was our first week in med school, in the physiology lab the demo said to draw each others blood, and we were all like WTH are you crazy, how can we do THAT! ( yeah well I know I am in medical school but be honest who isn’t afraid of needles! 😅) and the girl that drew my blood, she punctured my vessel so many times it left large purple BRUISES! 😖 and at that moment I was like I am here so that one day I can help the patients but before that I think I’ll become one😅😂