Constantly doubting your abilities and potential in your role as a student is far more common than you may think. Time after time, a driven and passionate student who has what it takes to be successful finds themselves spread too thin and unable to complete work to the level that they know is up to the proper standards. My suggestion: don’t be afraid to turn down drinks with a friend or extracurriculars if you have too much on your plate already. That is not only a sign of maturity, but also an indicator of a great future doctor.

Burnout as a medical student is a very difficult topic to discuss due to the “sink or swim” mentality. As a student, it can be challenging to find time to take care of yourself while juggling the strenuous demands of school. Along the course, I realized the importance of patience with myself and others. I realized that one unproductive day or bad exam score does not make you a negligent student, it makes you human. Finding determination in yourself and embracing these failures is what will inspire you to do better next time, not only for yourself, but also for your future patients. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Recognizing when you cannot do something alone is one of the strongest signs of a good leader. There are students who have been in your shoes the year before and they are one of the greatest resources to reach out to. Oftentimes, they will have experienced many of the same struggles as a student and are willing to support you along the journey. While it may be uncomfortable at times, reaching out to your peers and professors for support is one of the best means for overcoming any hurdles that you may encounter.

Find an outlet. One of my classmates coined the concept of “hobby hour,” in which she devotes one hour at the end of her studies to find joy in something outside of school. I also began to implement a hobby hour myself, to motivate myself to finish my studies for the day and provide a bit of structure and flexibility within my schedule. Above all, I think of the importance of finding joy day-in and day-out along the demanding path to becoming a doctor. The every-day small joys and victories gradually build-up, and before you know it, you start moving mountains both academically and mentally. Giving yourself grace and expanding your horizons into other disciplines creates a well-rounded, better version of yourself. Showing up for yourself and maintaining your own well-being throughout school can be challenging, but is just as important as maintaining your academics.

You can accomplish more than you think and are never alone in the journey to becoming a DPM. Taking each day as its own and living without expectations are two takeaways that I have come to terms with to manage burnout in medicine. Never let the negative and wavering thoughts invade the good work that you are presently doing or compromise the work that you will continue to do. You are right where you are meant to be.