by Yona Mizrahi.
What advice would you give to an entering 1st year podiatry student?
Whomever you ask, we can all agree that medical school is and will never be believed to be the easy route. I knew from start to finish that what I was getting myself into was going to be one of, if not the hardest obstacles I would ever encounter. However, I am happy that the process is tough, because if it was easy, then everyone would be doing it. With that being said, I have two daily mental reminders that motivate me to perform to the best of my ability regardless of the task at hand.
The 1st reminder I tell myself is, that “I would not be here if it were not for my parents”.
I have such an incredible privilege to be studying to become a physician who will have the responsibility of caring for patients, placing their well-being in my hands. My parents are both immigrants and both came into this country at very young ages with nothing to their names. They have worked most of their lives to see their children live better and happier lives. Being the eldest of five, I have a very important responsibility to show my parents that their investment in me and into my future will set an example for my siblings. Together, my family and I are too invested in this career I have set my sights on. I make sure to thank my parents daily for making this opportunity a possibility. Additionally, [the challenges we face in school], I see as both a privilege and an opportunity to continue working in a field that I am passionate about.
My 2nd reminder, I tell myself that “in order to be the best doctor in my field, I must give it my all no matter how hard things might get“.
The reason I chose to pursue podiatry, relates to my poor experiences after several podiatric surgeries during my teens and early twenties. Due to complications from my first surgery, I had to have four adjunctive surgeries to address the complications I endured. Mentally and physically, these were the most challenging years of my life. However, the enduring nature of those years taught me how to adapt. Because of those trying times, I have made it my goal to become a physician who will strive to treat my future patients with the intention to prevent patients from experiencing what I went through.Therefore, I have this constant drive and motivation to tackle any task, no matter how difficult they are. I continuously remind myself I have endured greater challenges in my life.
My advice to incoming first-years is developing their skills of time management.
My advice to incoming first-years is developing their skills of time management. Time management is an invaluable skill to have, as it allows for an individual to use their time more effectively. Having time management skills allows one to have a good balance for staying engaged in their academics while still enjoying a social life. What I enjoy doing and what I would suggest a first-year student to do is start by creating a weekly schedule beginning with their courses. Next, I would advise that each student should reflect on their study habits and build study time accordingly into their schedule they started in the first step. Following prioritizing their academics, students can then determine how to schedule in time for activities and hobbies that they enjoy. This schedule they create should be flexible. It is this mindset of routine and time management that will allow an incoming student to find a good work-life balance.
by Yona Mizrahi.
School: California School of Podiatric Medicine
My advice to a 1st year…
Student, Lifestyle, Motivation
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