{"id":1935,"date":"2020-09-08T15:06:00","date_gmt":"2020-09-08T15:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=1935"},"modified":"2025-10-07T10:15:06","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T18:15:06","slug":"what-i-wish-i-knew-before-medical-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-i-wish-i-knew-before-medical-school","title":{"rendered":"What I Wish I Knew Before Medical School"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-i-wish-i-knew-before-medical-school\/#1_Change_Your_Study_Habits\" >1. Change Your Study Habits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-i-wish-i-knew-before-medical-school\/#2_Use_Study_Resources_Available_to_You\" >2. Use Study Resources Available to You\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-i-wish-i-knew-before-medical-school\/#3_Take_Time_to_Do_What_You_Enjoy\" >3. Take Time to Do What You Enjoy\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-i-wish-i-knew-before-medical-school\/#4_Remember_You_Do_Belong\" >4. Remember, You Do Belong<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-i-wish-i-knew-before-medical-school\/#5_Seek_Out_Mentors_and_Shadowing_Opportunities\" >5. Seek Out Mentors and Shadowing Opportunities\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>In a survey of 100 medical students, we found five trends in the lessons they learned since starting medical school and what they hope incoming medical students can prepare for ahead of time.&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s universally acknowledged that medical school isn\u2019t easy. You\u2019ve dedicated yourself to a challenging career. Maybe you knew that you always wanted to be a doctor or you discovered that passion later in life. Through conversations with your peers, health professionals, and a couple episodes of TV\u2019s best adaptations of doctors, you have an idea of what to expect from medical school and being a doctor&#8230; sans the cast of&nbsp;<em>Grey\u2019s Anatomy<\/em>, most likely.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We surveyed 100 medical students as we were curious about what they have learned since starting their medical school journeys and what they wish they knew before setting out on that path. We found a few common themes. Here\u2019s what they had to say:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Change_Your_Study_Habits\"><\/span>1. Change Your Study Habits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By far, this was the most popular response. Medical school delivers way more information at a much faster pace (cue the fire-hose references). How you study has to change to keep up with the new workload. You\u2019re also balancing studying for your classes and preparing for board exams and eventually managing clinicals. How you learn can be just as crucial as what you\u2019re learning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Clinician&#039;s Corner: Tips on how to study smarter\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gpqmrWY1EDQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Use_Study_Resources_Available_to_You\"><\/span>2. Use Study Resources Available to You\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In forming different study habits, you don\u2019t have to figure this out on your own. Admittedly, Osmosis\u2019s audience was a little biased in wishing they knew about Osmosis before medical school. A study resource provides many ways to absorb and learn materials:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2020\/06\/30\/studying-smarter-with-osmosis-the-best-videos-for-medical-school-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">videos<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2019\/10\/16\/medical-terminology-flashcards-on-osmosis-what-you-need-to-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">flashcards<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2019\/11\/13\/how-to-use-usmle-question-banks-efficiently-on-osmosis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">question banks<\/a>, a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2020\/01\/28\/how-to-build-an-osmosis-step-1-study-schedule-for-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">study schedule<\/a>, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2019\/09\/04\/3-steps-to-making-the-most-of-your-osmosis-workspace\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">workspaces<\/a>. Just be careful not to get inundated with too many resources\u2014there\u2019s nothing worse than task paralysis!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Take_Time_to_Do_What_You_Enjoy\"><\/span>3. Take Time to Do What You Enjoy\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For your sanity, it\u2019s important to still take the time to do what you enjoy and participate in extracurriculars. Whether that\u2019s spending time with family and friends, sitting down to read a book, or exercising, doing what you enjoy is a form of stress management. You will have the time and you should take the time, as medical school can take an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2020\/04\/17\/finding-inner-peace-during-a-time-of-turmoil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">unexpected emotional toll<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Remember_You_Do_Belong\"><\/span>4. Remember, You <em>Do <\/em>Belong<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Medical school can be intimidating, and while it may feel like you\u2019re the only one struggling through it, you\u2019re certainly not alone. Ever heard of the bad pancake rule? You are not defined by the first test grade. Everyone is in the same boat. Remind yourself of how hard you worked to get into medical school, and continue striving to do your very best.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"699\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/remember-you-do-belong.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1937\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/remember-you-do-belong.png 699w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/remember-you-do-belong.png?resize=300,200 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 699px) 100vw, 699px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Seek_Out_Mentors_and_Shadowing_Opportunities\"><\/span>5. Seek Out Mentors and Shadowing Opportunities\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gain insight from trusted peers in upper level classes or health professionals that have been through all the experiences you\u2019re about to go through. They may help save you time and frustration in sorting things out on your own.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2020\/03\/12\/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-shadowing-in-medical-school\">Shadowing<\/a>&nbsp;also helps you decide on your specialty, find mentorship in a practicing physician, and engage with patients.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These five lessons learned are unlikely to cover every transitional experience of your medical school journey. Osmosis is constantly sharing insights from health professionals and students, tips for studying, and clinical experience stories. Along the way, you\u2019ll surely gain a few insights &nbsp;of your own to pass onto future students.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>All of our information was gathered from medical students around the world who have partnered with Osmosis. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"699\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/seek-out-mentors.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1938\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/seek-out-mentors.png 699w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/seek-out-mentors.png?resize=300,200 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 699px) 100vw, 699px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Interested in sharing your insights as a student and representing Osmosis? Follow this link to learn more about the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/community\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Osmosis Health Leadership Initiative (OHLI) program<\/a>!&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/create\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/01\/Blog_Display_Ads_GENERAL2_2023.png?w=700\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/01\/Blog_Display_Ads_GENERAL2_2023.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/01\/Blog_Display_Ads_GENERAL2_2023.png?resize=300,107 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em><strong>Try Osmosis today! Access your&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/login?type=create\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>free&nbsp;trial<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong>&nbsp;and find out why millions of clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.<\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a survey of 100 medical students, we found five trends in the lessons they learned since starting medical school and what they hope incoming medical students can prepare for ahead of time.&nbsp; It\u2019s universally acknowledged that medical school isn\u2019t easy. You\u2019ve dedicated yourself to a challenging career. Maybe you knew that you always wanted [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":228,"featured_media":1936,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27,35,46],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1935","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-medicine","category-osmosis-health-leadership-initiative-ohli","category-student-stories"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What I Wish I Knew Before Medical School - Osmosis Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/what-i-wish-i-knew-before-medical-school\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What I Wish I Knew Before Medical School - Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In a survey of 100 medical students, we found five trends in the lessons they learned since starting medical school and what they hope incoming medical students can prepare for ahead of time.&nbsp; It\u2019s universally acknowledged that medical school isn\u2019t easy. 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