Since the beginning of a new academic year is fast approaching, here’s some heartfelt advice. You might need it, I hope you read it and heed it. If you’re just beginning your medical school journey, the first line is written specifically for you, but the rest of the piece is pertinent for any doctor, at any age and any stage of their careers.
If this is your first day of med school, welcome to the first day of the rest of your life. I know that’s an overused phrase, but every cliché has its root in truth. You’ll learn, and then you’ll earn. Before earning an income, one of the first things you’ll earn is the privilege of wearing a white lab coat. You’ll get well-deserved respect from that coat, but your patients, regardless of what they’re wearing, deserve respect too. The white lab coat is a visual reminder to everyone else, (and to yourself too, I guess), of what you’ve learned, but your patients’ garb won’t give you a visual clue as to their accomplishments. That means you’ll have to listen to them. How nice.
You’re entering unknown and perhaps scary territory. That’s true for any doctor, really. Outcomes are unknown, regardless if this is your first day of med school, or your last day practicing medicine. The unknown is part of life, isn’t it? Your confidence will grow the more you know, even knowing that you’ll have positive and negative surprises.
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