Dr. Ken Milne (pictured inset), an Emergency Room physician for almost twenty years and an associate professor of medicine at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (among many other things). He wrote an excellent X post recently, based on an interview with Dr. Ross Prager. He has graciously allowed me to republish here as a guest blog. I think the advice he gives is outstanding, and is a must read for all medical students (and frankly some of us older docs too).
For all the new medical students starting this fall there are 10 lessons they don’t teach in medical school (but should):
One – Patients don’t care how much you know, but how you make them feel.
Two – You’re remembered by your worst moments. When stress hits, your true self emerges…that is what people remember. Grace under pressure matters more than glory during routine.
Three – Stop trying to impress people with knowledge.
Four – Being keen is not a crime. Passion is a virtue, not a vice. Don’t hide your enthusiasm…it’s a sign you care.
Five – Medical School and Residency are long job interviews.
Six – Absence of evidence ≠ evidence of absence. Not everything is backed by RCTs (randomized control trials). That doesn’t mean it’s invalid. Clinical observation and physiologic rationale matter. As always, be skeptical of the lack of evidence, too.
Seven – Character is how you treat people who don’t supervise you.
Eight – Focus on diagnosis first, treatment second. Most medical harm arises from misdiagnosis, not mismanagement. Think ten times harder about “what’s going on” before “what should we do?”
Nine – Don’t postpone living until after residency.
Ten – Remember the spark. Recall your first patient: the awe, the uncertainty, the honour. When burnout creeps in, revisit that moment. Reconnect with your “why.” Medicine is not just about answers, it’s about presence. Our best tool is our humanity.
So, to all the new medical students…get ready for a great adventure. There will be times of joy and sorrow. If you are struggling at some point, remember, it is ok not to be ok. Reach out to friends, families, mentors or counsellors. Your attending physicians may look like they have it all together, but we have all struggled at some point & needed help. You can read my story here. This is another good episode for students and residents to listen to.
Old Country Doctor’s thoughts: On a personal note I want to welcome all of the new entrants to medical school this year. You will have experience incredible joys during your medical journey, and you will have your share of sorrow. To experience those sorrows is not a failure, it is life. But always remember, by being accepted to medical school, you have already proven you’ve go what it takes to succeed and to help others. You yourself may need help sometimes (we all do) but you’ve got this.
“Medicine cures disease, but only doctors can cure patients” – Carl Jung.
justanoldcountrydoctor 