Disillusioned about medical school

I have attended medical school since September and gradually become less motivated and enthusiastic about the work I'm doing. The career still interests me and I enjoy going visiting the hospitals and GP surgeries. However, I find the work boring. It's just learning lots and lots and lots of facts and I feel that my mind is not being stimulated at all. I've got exams soon (like everyone else) and am attempting to revise but I'm finding it so hard. I've done well so far this year; always in the top 50% and have managed the top 5% for piece of work.

It's just got to the point where I feel I'm under a lot of stress and am struggling to cope with a lack of motivation. I do have depression and it seems to have got worse after a good period since coming here. It's difficult to know though whether the work/stress is making me feel worse or whether because I am depression I have no motivation.

I've even started looking at other courses but have no idea what I would want to do if not medicine. I'm particularly concerned because the exams are approaching so I do need to start doing more work.

Has anyone else felt this way and if so, how did you cope?

Reply 1

Renal

17

Original post by --Orchid--

Has anyone else felt this way and if so, how did you cope?

I think everyone has, almost anyone who says otherwise is lying. The course has ups and downs, some bits you'll enjoy and smash, some bits you'll hate and struggle to motivate yourself.

What do you do about it? Man up and work through it, talk to your mates over a pint because I bet they'll understand, whinge to your parents or anyone else who'll listen and if you're ill seek medical help.

Reply 2

Silver fern

I had depression during my first year and it can be really difficult summing up the motivation, especially when you're doing a lot of theory. My advice:

1) Exercise - I cannot stress how important this is as it'll help with the depression and get you into a good habit through med school. Endorphins, it clears your head and eventually you'll look better in the buff
2) Socialise - meet your friends, call your family, talk to people - all medics feel disillusioned from time to time
3) Keep up with your hobbies and interests, don't think that just because you're a medic, you should be knee-deep in books

Keep your chin up. Break down your revision into bitesize tasks, ring up some friends and invite some to revise with you - it can help break up the monotony of studying. The summer is just around the corner and you'll soon be done with your first year :smile:

Reply 3

No Future

17

Original post by --Orchid--

I have attended medical school since September and gradually become less motivated and enthusiastic about the work I'm doing. The career still interests me and I enjoy going visiting the hospitals and GP surgeries. However, I find the work boring. It's just learning lots and lots and lots of facts and I feel that my mind is not being stimulated at all. I've got exams soon (like everyone else) and am attempting to revise but I'm finding it so hard. I've done well so far this year; always in the top 50% and have managed the top 5% for piece of work.

It's just got to the point where I feel I'm under a lot of stress and am struggling to cope with a lack of motivation. I do have depression and it seems to have got worse after a good period since coming here. It's difficult to know though whether the work/stress is making me feel worse or whether because I am depression I have no motivation.

I've even started looking at other courses but have no idea what I would want to do if not medicine. I'm particularly concerned because the exams are approaching so I do need to start doing more work.

Has anyone else felt this way and if so, how did you cope?

Yep, regularly.

Think: ****, what would I do if I left med school???

Also, many people say they find it gets more interesting after first year and when you can use your knowledge more and things fit into place, if that makes any sense?

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 4

--Orchid--

OP

That does make sense. At the moment I feel I'm just expected to be a sponge and absorb everything without an opportunity to use my knowledge. I hope that is the case.

Disillusioned about medical school

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