I have completed a month and a bit of zoom medical school. In the past few weeks, I’ve moved across the country, increased my screen time by 700% and can literally get ready for school in 5 minutes. The drink “Medicine Ball” from Starbucks carries a new meaning for me (it’s from the secret menu, details below!)

Before I discuss my experience, let me walk you through the overall structure of my program. I am currently learning the Foundations Curriculum of my program. The first 11 weeks of medical school are aimed to give all students a sufficient background in basic sciences, pathophysiology and anatomy (the MCAT has returned) which will serve us well as we progress to more specific material. 

All my courses are delivered online with the exception of optional in-person anatomy labs (which were recently cancelled!) that are scheduled for every other week. 

WHAT A TYPICAL DAY LOOKS LIKE

9-12pm: First Lecture of the Day (either foundations lectures,ethics, lab tutorial or communication skills session)

12-1:30pm: Lunch break

1:30-4:00pm: often small group sessions with topics ranging from ethics, patient care, reviewing course material and meetings with my tutors

Our main assessments are “mastery exercises”, essentially mini multiple choice exam almost every week based on the material we learned a week prior.

I am technically in 6-8 courses, but I do not have them every single week. For example, anatomy tutorials and labs, ethics courses and inter-professional courses are scheduled for every other week. 

Following classes, I tend to take a huge break after classes end because medical school does not cover my eye care and my eyes need to rest. After dinner and a workout (although, unlikely) I study a bit in the evening before heading to bed. 

But don’t get it twisted, I’m shook. Even my braids are tired, I had to get them redone recently. The classes alone take a lot of energy to get through and the lack of in-person connection takes a toll. The content is exciting and keeps me going. Interviewing standardized patients and learning about biochemistry and pathophysiology has been a treat and I could not see myself learning anything else. I love how the social determinants of health (basically, my entire undergraduate degree) weave its way into my learnings about patients and population health.

THINGS COVID-19 CHANGED

Everything is online. Building connection and community has been more challenging though not impossible. I have made some good friends and kept up with old ones too! It’s weird how changes can make you miss the old things you used to hate. How I long to miss a bus to campus or chase a train. We also did not have a white coat ceremony, and I was ready to splurge on my hair and outfit . 

ACADEMICALLY

As far as the academic portion of medical school is concerned, the work is never done. My to-do list continues to grow with the nagging feeling that I am not doing enough. When I finish reviewing my lectures I can study anatomy, or finish up a portfolio assignment. There is always something to do!

I have also adjusted my studying habits because I no longer have the luxury of time. There are too many things to remember and I have to absorb information much faster. Stay tuned for a more detailed post about my new study habits, Im still not totally sure if they are working.

I am still super proud of myself, I survived my first round of exams. My undergrad wasn’t heavy on anatomy or physiology so there is a lot of new content. But I’m keeping up and pushing through! The small victories count too!

MENTAL HEALTH

I am spending way too much time inside and make it a point to go for a walk every single day. The days feel so much longer and winter is quickly approaching! Going outside makes such a big difference in my mood and also keeps me awake. If I stay in after dinner, I will end up taking an ill-positioned nap. My bed is too close to my office table. 

Another part of my mental health is embracing the disappointment of this semester. This is not the idea of med school that I had when I applied a year ago. I envisioned amazing friendships and exploring a vibrant city. Embracing this part of the experience makes it easier to enjoy the smaller victories but also bounce back from those moments where I feel down and overwhelmed. It’s okay to wish for normalcy again. Medical school is hard enough and zoom adds another layer. Make sure to give yourself room to feel all the emotions that come along with spending so much time inside even the ones we like to pretend aren’t there. 

Is anyone out there?

This is an unfamiliar experience for many of us. You are not alone and your feelings are valid, whatever they are. Adjustment is a huge part of this process and you are doing amazing! Thank you for giving me some of your time, I know your to-do list is crazy long.

All in all, I am super grateful for the process and the inevitable growth that comes with growing pains. It’s not always rosy nor do I always feel capable but I am forever grateful. Still can’t believe I am in medical school. Cheers to surviving, we will get the thriving part soon!

Thank you for reading. 

I’m still not the one.

Yours ever,

Nanayaa

If you were looking for the secret Starbucks drink!!!!

Starbucks secret menu: Medicine Ball

I cannot verify its cold-busting properties, I’ve been in medical school for 6 weeks, I literally just got here. If you enjoy warm juice, you will love this. 

• 2 Tea bags: Jade Citrus Mint Tea & Peach Tranquility Herbal Tea 
• Lemonade 
• Hot water (the lemonade needs to be tamed)

Although its from the secret menu, it is such a popular drink that if you just mention Medicine Ball to the barista they will know what it is. If not you can just mention “Honey Citrus Mint Tea”