Top 10 r/MedicalSchool Posts From Reddit Everyone Should Read

If you're in medical school or have plans to attend, the r/medicalschool subreddit can be an excellent forum to ask questions, share experiences and enjoy some quality memes to which you and fellow classmates can relate.

If you're in need of advice, here's a sneak peek at some of the top r/medicalschool posts that can help.

1. Don't forget that you're intelligent and capable

In one post, user thinkingbell955 shared a tweet that reads: 

"Medical students are a bunch of above average people who often feel below average while in med school and forget that they're intelligent and capable. I just want to remind them all that they're smart and got into med school for a reason, don't forget that."

It can be easy to get discouraged while in medical school. The coursework can be grueling, and you'll be surrounded by intelligent peers. But it's important to remember that you've earned the right to be where you are.

2. Research schools and professors

Getting a degree from a prestigious school can add a little flair to your diploma, but many former medical school students felt like it wasn't worth it.

In one post, user YerAWizardGandalf shared a Facebook post from Humans of New York where a medical school student talked about a demoralizing experience with a professor. Many commenters agreed with the assessment and recommended researching medical schools and residencies, including experiences from current and past students, to make sure you have a good experience.

3. It's a long way to the top

As a medical student and resident, you'll be doing a lot of work with little or no compensation beyond experience. User Bojnglz shared a meme highlighting this discrepancy. All jokes aside, your experience as a medical student and resident will be rigorous, and you won't start seeing the return on your investment for a while.

But ultimately, the hard work and effort can be worth it, according to commenters.  

4. There are options if you change your mind about your career path

It may feel like you have to stick with your original plans for medical school, residency and your career. But depending on your specialty and situation, you may have options.

In one post, user Syq shared their experience of needing to drop out of medical school before residency due to health concerns and talked about their success in finding a good job anyway. They wrote:

"You can get jobs consulting, in pharma, medical devices, insurance companies, research, EMR and tech companies, medical writing (like epocrates or prescription inserts), data analytics, government affairs, compliance, startups, business, product management, project management."

So if you find yourself second-guessing your career path, know that you're not stuck. 

5. Seek balance whenever possible

Medical school is a lot of work, but if you're not careful, you could end up burning out or experiencing negative effects on your health. 

In one post, user turnt_burrito shared a graphic showing what they thought would make them productive (hard work) versus what actually does: hard work, time off, sleep, healthy eating and exercise.

6. Avoid the politics and drama

User clancywiggumMD shares their official advice to first-year medical students in one r/medicalschool post. Whether it's discussions about political or other hot-topic issues in the classwide group chat, drama caused by other students or arguments between classmates on social media, stay out of it. 

Many commenters agreed with the advice, including user noemata1: "One of my medical school anatomy professors gave me this advice for medical school and beyond. Exact same words that you've said. Well said and that advice is indeed sound."

7. Don't focus too much on the future

As a medical school student, it can be easy to get caught up in focusing on working toward your future. But in one post, user Ehansaja shares a quote from Grey's Anatomy encouraging medical professionals to remember to live in the present.

In one comment, user EmoMixtape shared that an attending surgeon told them that life isn't going to stop while you're pursuing your career. Another Redditor Fumblesz admitted that it can be challenging with so little time, but a conscientious effort can make a difference even if it's small.

8. Research the need for your interests

Medical school requires a lot of time and money, so it can be disappointing to graduate and have a hard time finding a good job. For example, in one post, user LevophedUp shared that a workforce study forecasts that there will be an oversupply of emergency medicine doctors by 2030. 

If you're going into emergency medicine, you may have a hard time finding and keeping a job in that specialty.

Regardless of which specialties you're pursuing, it's important to do your due diligence to determine what the job market will look like, especially if you're planning to live in a specific area.

9. Learn to take the difficulties of a health profession in stride

As a medical professional, you'll run into things that are unique to your field, and it can be easy to get discouraged. User aestrild shared some encouraging stickers they created in one post. Examples include, "I called it normal, and it was," "I didn't get peed on today," and "I ordered a d-dimer, and it was negative."

One of the best things about forums like r/medicalschool is the community and the camaraderie you can develop with other people in your situation. Take advantage of that camaraderie to help take the challenging aspects of a health profession in stride.

10. The path is arduous but worth it for many

Medical school is grueling, and it's not for everyone. But for many health professionals, the rewards of the career are worth it.

On one post, user jjarms22 commented:

"The decision to become a doctor is huge, and you really need to take some serious time to reflect on what you value most in life, and ultimately if it is worth it...You're going to have to be honest with yourself and figure out if your desire and motivation for being a doctor are worth the sacrifice. Would you be content in life not being a doctor? Is it worth the time, debt, and stress? Only you can answer that question. Your reasons have to be strong enough to fuel your motivation through this very long marathon."