Saturday, November 1, 2008

Matching and Fears

I just got the grade back from my first test in medical school. My school is pass fail so there is no pressure to get over 90% in every single thing. And passing is only 60%. I know that even if I get 61% I will still become a doctor but I wanted confirmation that I was studying the right way and the right material. I did really well on the first test - in the 80s- without a ton of studying so it boosted my confidence that I can really do this! Next we start learning all about anatomy and the muscle groups so I am going to be way over my head, but a little extra confidence is nice. Anyway, this brings me to the point of my post. Just as I started getting comfortable in med school I talked to some first year residents about matching to my chosen specialty. Turns out only 3/4 of people get their first choice specialty and location! Don't quote me on the numbers but I previously thought it was much higher! So my current fear is not matching to anything at all and then being stuck with a job I don't want in a place I don't want to live in. I have also been volunteering a lot lately and am involved in a ton of clubs, which is fun but I heard from one consultant that residencies really don't even look at any of that stuff. I think I just need to take a deep breath and relax, after all I don't even know yet if I want to be a surgeon or a family doc or anything. In conclusion, the stress is only beginning!

1 comment:

Dr.Rutledge said...

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