For incoming MS1/OMSI students who are leaving the comforts of their homes, families, and friends to embark on a personal/professional journey unlike anything you will ever experience in the midst of the stress/emotional toll of a pandemic and fight for social justice...

I have compiled a list of 10 pieces of advice I would give anyone starting their #medicalschool career. This list is not complete and is a reflection of my own experience, so find voices from upperclassman with whom you resonate and connect. And feel free to add!

1. Congratulate yourself. This is a HUGE accomplishment! Whether you took several gap years, came straight from undergrad, were a non-traditional applicant, or published 10 papers in undergrad, you are HERE. Acknowledge your achievement and take pride in your success!

2. Try not to compare yourself to others. Whether it’s study habits, grades, extracurricular activities, research... there will always be someone doing “more” and “less” than you. Stay true to yourself and do what works/is genuine to you!

3. You have power to create change at your institution. Whether it’s curriculum, admissions, or research development, you can be an important agent of improvement. It can be intimidating to start a project from 0, but find those who will support you and run with it.

4. Find mentorship, provide mentorship. We all are here because we had people who believed in us. Continue to find mentors who have your best interest at heart. Help those applying to med school and underclassman as you progress forward!

5. Invest time in your mental health. It’s more important than boards. Seek out counseling early/regularly. Prioritize taking 1 hr daily to speak with friends/counselors, exercise, cook, do a hobby, etc. Emotional resiliency is not developed overnight; it’s a continuous practice.

6. Maintain your relationships outside of school. You will miss important family and friend events. But you can still ensure your main support system feels loved - send a text or card, and call often.

7. Give back to your community. Medical students have the privilege to learn from patients. Whether it’s a student run clinic or non-medical community service project, take time to give back to the community that plays an integral part to your education and growth as a physician.

8. Self-reflection, self-growth, and self-accountability are skills that are not standardized in curriculum. These skills are imperative for personal and professional growth in a field that unfortunately challenges your self-worth, competence, and individuality often.

9. Find your people and don’t let them go. All of your classmates will be important in your journey... but when you find those people you can call at all hours of the day, laugh until your stomach hurts, and share/grow in this life-changing experience, DON’T LET THEM GO.

10. Failure is an inevitable and necessary part of medical school. Whether it’s a class exam, board exam, bedside presentation, research proposal, relationship, whatever, we all fail in medical school. Take those failures and use them as an opportunity to grow, learn, and rise.

You can do this. You are not alone. We are all here to support you. Feel free to DM me regarding other pieces of advice or to elaborate on any of the topics I mentioned or just to say hello! And welcome to #medtwitter #medstudenttwitter