4 Things to Know Before the First Day of Medical School

Medical school is about to start! If you're about to begin the journey of becoming a doctor by matriculating to med school, here are 4 things you need to know before the first day!
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1. Study Habits Need to Be Perfected - the study strategies you used in college are not nearly as effective or as powerful as what you'll be doing in med school, guaranteed.
2. You Will Doubt Yourself - imposter syndrome is not uncommon.
3. Professionalism and hierarchy in medicine - for better or for worse, the field of medicine is very hierarchal. That means you follow the pecking order and "stay in line." Be respectful to everyone on the healthcare time, including nurses and mid levels, and you'll be much better off
4. You will change your mind about your specialty, constantly. Check out my video on how I went from gastroenterology to plastic surgery here: • Choosing a Specialty -...
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Disclaimer: Content of this video is my opinion and does not constitute medical advice. The content and associated links provide general information for general educational purposes only. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Kevin Jubbal, M.D. and Med School Insiders LLC will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.

[@MedSchoolInsiders]

Good luck in medical school everyone! Let me know what other topics you want me to cover next =)

[@Ikeperson96]

Hey Dr. Jubbal, wonderful content as always. I've been following the channel for some time and had to revisit this one after having just completed my first semester as an M1. All this stuff rings true and I always appreciate how well your videos resonate with the student's experience, regardless of what stage of the medical journey they're on. I think it'd be really cool to see you do a video about helping doctors/medical students/pre-meds better understand the healthcare system in the U.S., why it's so expensive and how it affects the patients they'll see etc. It's been an important topic but something I've always felt embarrassingly uneducated about. Anyways, love the channel. Keep up the great work!

[@jelyneustaquio4774]

How to survive first year of medical school, what kind of activities should first years be doing, aside from the ones they I enjoy?

[@jelyneustaquio4774]

Maybe talk about being involved in research as a medical students, how important it is in general and for residency apps? What are the possibility of publication? I always wondered what kind of tasks medical students do if they are part of a research only for a short period of time such as summer. Do they do data collection or actually write? How about presentation?

[@no_name2136]

I would like to become some sort of doctor, I think. But I’m not sure if my grades will end up being good enough to even get into medical school, or if it’s even the right job for me. Can anyone help?

[@no_name2136]

@Emma Ayala ur a straight a student? Wow. Please could u give some study tips because I am struggling. It’s ok if u can’t :)

[@sweetdeception5185]

I’m most concerned with memorising everything and those really confident students haha

[@his_life6523]

OH those are "NIGHTMARE" And the worst time is when Professor says to some of them "Yeah...Ummmm... Give me a day and I will explain it to you" Meanwhile Me : Why ??? From where did you get this f***ing question AND btw this Class was over 8 minutes ago..... :(

[@Ryanbros]

Don’t worry anki will burn it in

[@noahembry1440]

"Even if you're a top student in college....like I was" LMAO this dude's flex game

[@kourtneybugg7413]

I'm scared about being overwhelmed!

[@obrigaah]

kourtney bugg mmm

[@diligesoderunt380]

Kourtney Bugg me too 😭 we should have a support group

[@anesu6391]

Omgggggg me toooooooo but your comment was 2 years ago - I wonder how you are now

[@rhianna9659]

@@anesu6391 ur comment was 1 yer how r u now?

[@user-rb3by7ur2i]

Mee too but your comment was 5 years ago i wonder how you are doing

[@mahaahmed679]

Wish me luck guys my first day of med school is tomorrow

[@delacruz9893]

Maha Wee good luck !

[@mahaahmed679]

delacruz thank you!💗

[@his_life6523]

GOOD luck in the past Tense and now Reply "Same to you " cuz mine is tommorow

[@jamiyahdillard6898]

How is it going?

[@mahaahmed679]

@@jamiyahdillard6898 difficult 😥 but i love it 🥰

[@DrDhaval]

Great timing. I will be in medical school in next few months

[@pakashishamarwein9640]

All the bst

[@Ryanbros]

How’s it going

[@DrDhaval]

@@Ryanbros I am in 2nd year now. It pretty good to be here.

[@zakinabyzada4275]

@@DrDhaval are too much overwhelmed . Like do you find enough time to work and make money and also for your hobbies and family? I am scared of being too much busy and i want to have enough for myself and family. Is it possible although in german i will do my medicine

[@DrDhaval]

@@zakinabyzada4275 I am not working currently since the intership starts in end of 4th year, so currently focusing on studying and gaining as much knowledge as possible. Certainly the experience overwhelming as you study the human body so closely and in detail. And there are lot of things to study and remember.

[@litedelight7391]

I'm a 1st year MBBS student. And I have experienced all 4 things in my initial 3 months. Thanks for putting them into words.

[@OceanAce]

I'm haven't even graduated undergrad yet and I agree strongly with number 2.

[@jerryleivon7852]

This channel is gonna be my inspiration as i walk into med school...

[@DavidHindin]

Another solid video, Kevin! And totally true about those study habits. 💪🏻

[@saithorat3483]

Just in time doctor K! Your content is always always helpful! Thank you so much 😊

[@mohamadhasbini7243]

Your videos give me motivation so much that they got me into medical school thx

[@queenimmy1546]

Maybe it will do the same to me!😁

[@mannytheboss4014]

Love your videos. Make a video on how to become Competitive applicant when to apply for med school?

[@gabriellazuniga1872]

also thank you for making this videos I really appreciate them and am grateful that I can learn these things early on

[@michealspates2979]

I am most concerned with balancing school with everything else (especially my wife and her needs). Great video. I need to take the time to figure out my optimal study habits.

[@DizzyHayasaka98]

I'm starting med school this year. I am so nervous, because despite working hard for the application, I did not quite have a regular schedule, I procrastinanted, I was distracted. And now I am watching these type of videos in order to improve Better habits. Though, I m still nervous, yet a little bit excited. I chose this path because I could not see myself interested în any other field, despite not being a top student. Plus, I have always felt that is my duty to improve people s lifes and Work in a hospital. Hospitals don t scare me, they rather intrigue me. My goal for the first year is to find this balance : study, workout and a social life.

[@theduke6174]

Wowww I was looking for a video like this for days and you upload this on time!

[@PotatoFarmer656]

Starting medschool this August! I’m big on your second point; I’m nervous and excited to start, but sometimes I’m doubting myself and I keep worrying if I’ll do well :( Good video! Very insightful for incoming first years.

[@samya.the.author2408]

How’s it going?

[@beyzee8516]

I'm enrolling in med school next year and hearing all this stuff right now is already scaring the hell out of me. But I know why I'm here and why I'm doing this and that's enough motivation.

[@bestdays9853]

I'd add a lecturio subscription to that list. Its very essential

[@alyssarogers7192]

I’m very blessed and won a scholarship that puts me straight through undergrad and med school so I don’t have to spend time stressing about trying to get into medical school itself. So I would say my greatest concern about medical school is the self confidence thing you talked about and I’m scared in not being a good doctor like I’ve always dreamed

[@alyssarogers7192]

Thank you for all your videos, they’re amazing

[@paulsolomes7979]

Another great and helpful video! Thank you!

[@mariakatrinacamilleolivar3088]

Thank you for thisss!

[@jenniferross4234]

Concerned about managing study demands as a single mom of twins. I've been successful up to this point, I think I'm just psyching myself out!

[@dancer_4510]

I’m rooting for you!❤️

[@armanithurman8267]

Can you do a video on planning your life in med school? Like all aspects? Money, studying, research, time, etc. Basically how to get all of this in order so you have more time to study and focus on being a competitive student. I'm going through this in undergrad since I have work, school, clubs, and volunteering. I can't seem to find the balance where I can do them all well at the same time. Something is always lacking and I hate that it's mostly school

[@xsilly9503]

You should do a video about PA school vs Medical school, or even pros and cons of both. I’ve been thinking of applying for PA school, but I don’t know if it’s right for me. Anyway, great video!

[@thenightdances21]

Yes please!! I’m in the same predicament!! I feel no only truly talks about the cons PA school (I hear all about the pros). Btw I have huge respect for PAs & all healthcare fields! I just want to truth so I can make the best decision!!

[@seraphinemoncada5371]

This is awesome!

[@andrelinhares1739]

Im from Brazil, and here is quite different than US, its a graduation called medicine. Im in the second year in my graduation in medicine

[@jeffkim4072]

Hey Kevin! Thanks so much for your videos. They helped me get accepted this cycle after I failed to get in 2 cycles ago :) Do you have anything to say about being in a relationship prior to medical school? My partner of a few years is moving with me. I would appreciate any advice in regards to keeping the relationship healthy, managing/communicating expectations, etc.! Thanks!

[@Daniel-jq5yi]

im so happy that i got accepted into medicine a few days ago!!

[@meow-xn8mt]

I hope in 5 months i‘ll need this video

[@edgep8562]

In 2 and half months, I will be studying in my first year of medical school, the one thing I am happy for sure is I am following the path that I should be following. I have always been into Biology of human and chemistry for general but, for me, it is restricted to the human body. The understanding of human bodies' nature will lead us to understand the more of ourselves. That's my motivation for life.

[@marshmallowsenpai7767]

Nice video help me a lot couz i'm taking MLS this august

[@SSingh-uz6dw]

Needed this! I start in a couple more months. Do you have any additional tips for first year? Thanks again!

[@oumaima.s3891]

I'm worried about not being able to get into a medical school even with a high GPA and scores

[@alicemachado4561]

Same, cause medical schools are extremely competitive

[@hmissisafa9466]

Did you enter medical school? I Hope that you did

[@zakinabyzada4275]

Same. But my gpa is like 4.8 is it ok

[@user-hq6gt6wr9k]

Thanks Dr J! Great vid. I will be starting my first year of medical school this year and honestly, I'm already a bit nervous about the matching process. I worked as a scribe and during my last few months I met at least 3 different scribes that had gone to medical school but didn't match and are kind of in this limbo trying to figure things out (and some of them went to MD programs in the US). I already know I'll be looking into ways to prevent this as soon as I get on campus, but if you could make a video about the matching process that would be much appreciated :) (If you already made a video like this, kindly direct me to it. Thanks!)

[@animetrends6208]

I'm 12 and I feel as if it is destiny for my to be a doctor I always wanted to be one and I will one day 😊 thx for the help.

[@maren7546]

omg same lol

[@animetrends6208]

@@maren7546 im 14 now :) and I still want be a doctor but there also all of my family saying i would make a great attorney :P

[@maren7546]

AnimeTrends? ? If you wanna be a doctor be a doctor i think you would make a fantastic doctor! 💜

[@Ryanbros]

@@animetrends6208 same man but they’ve backed down once I showed how much better of a doctor I would be in medical camp

[@jayritzgamarcha8022]

@@animetrends6208 yowwwwww same Like since i was like 5 years old im always saying that ohh i want to be a doctor that stuf then my family especially my dad he wants me to become a lawyer at first i like it, like that stuf but when i started searching about it i think that stuf doesnt suit me and i really wanna be a doctor

[@ComplexyHD]

I am really concerned about my shadowing hours i only have a few and i am planning to apply next year :/ Thanks for the video though :)!

[@sayurisato9897]

I'm a senjor but I'm here bc i need to be mentally prepared and aware of what's going to happen .

[@babygirlnat6]

I'm a sophomore in high school but I know for sure one day I wanna be a doctor. I don't know what type just yet but I wanna get a head on learning about med school.

[@thinkmedschool785]

Its awesome that you know you want to be a doctor so early! I'm currently in my 4th year of medical school and didnt know that I wanted to be a doctor till I was in college. You can definitely do it just keep moving forward, stay motivated, and work hard! Wish you the best of success!

[@GrandmaIsEatingMyRocks]

thanks, tomorrow i will join the medical school and this helped me a lot

[@tiktok-zh6ig]

good luck!!!

[@josepascual3535]

First!!! Love your videos!!!

[@marthasofiachalco8539]

I wish this video came up to me a year ago 🙄

[@soccermom6456]

i really wanna be a doctor. i am so scared of failing, being wrong , mistakes, studying, and self esteem. i really have bad self esteem.

[@MahmoudOscar98]

Hi there huge fan of your vlog and Med School Insiders. What app or software do you use for these animated med school insiders videos?

[@koshkumar8280]

Hi Dr. Jubbal. Could you please tell me about how many anki cards you made and reviewed per day? Thanks.

[@AnhNguyen-nh2jp]

I love all of your videos. I love to become a doctor but im planning to be a PA in a future, can you show me the different between PA and Physician?

[@sccm100]

I start medical school in a week. I’m worried I’m not good enough

[@saroishishido9024]

What do you need to know before hand like if you're still in middle school and going to start highschool how do you make yourself ready for med school during highschool and college

[@ShivamSharma-zd8lw]

Hi, as a suggestion, you should consider a video on study drugs: ie. adderall, vyvanse, et cetera... Sounds interesting.

[@ItsTaniworld]

I think I more scared about being overwhelm and having to memorized everything also going into depression

[@femalesneakercollector7201]

Im just trying to pass Orgo. I work in a OR, so I have alot of shawdoing and clincial exposure. Chemistry was also a struggle for me

[@Gabbieabbie0_0]

I’m 15 and Scottish so I don’t know why I’m watching an American med channel but I wanna be a psychiatrist so badly, I’m just afraid the work at med school will get on top of me😅

[@aymannaveed9071]

Same I’m 12 and Scottish

[@Gabbieabbie0_0]

Ayman Ayman oh wow cool! I’m nearly 17 now and about to sit my UCAT exam in a few days for medicine, i’m in the final stretch now haha

[@aymannaveed9071]

Abi Cambo cool hope u do good in ur exams

[@sweetdeception5185]

Ayman Ayman I’m 12 and in England

[@sweetdeception5185]

Abi Cambo Hope it went well, I’m aware that It’s very difficult!

[@femafull]

I saw tat you uploaded this video, and I was like: 😭 too late hahaha I'm already in second year of medschool! I'm watching it anyways

[@tarhyaza10]

Got my mbbs 1st professional finals in 3 days 🥺🥺

[@novembersveryown4350]

i'm starting soon and i'd just like to know some tips on how to manage the study workload.

[@mashedpotatoes1261]

I'm concerned about the matching into residence day

[@laurenberg3893]

I am a bit worried about dealing with the cadaver lab. I’m going into high school, and have taken an interest in Neurology, but the whole situation of surgeries and squeamishness worries me

[@zacharyharris469]

I did extremely well in undergrad by reading my textbooks everyday. Will this strategy work in medical school? What role does the textbook play at that level?

[@confettifaith9982]

I'm just afraid I won't be able to score a high enough GPA/MCAT score and set myself apart enough to even make it in.

[@khaledabuzaid5137]

What sources should i use in firs year of medical school Where i will be learning the foundations, For example Biochemistry, Genetics, Anatomy..etc

[@Zainabak2005]

My 1st yr will start in january and i'm kinda nervous. I'm sure i have pretty bad memory, i aced all my exams till now but I'm that type of person who immediately forgets everything once the exam is over and i'm the worst when it comes to remembering names. idk if i can remember all those things we're supposed to as med students!!

[@jacobvo3694]

I'm 27 yrs old and I have lived in the U.S for almost 3 years. I'm kinda new at English. Still get difficulty in listening and speaking, but I can read. I want to become a PA or even a doctor. I always doubt myself. First thing first, I need to hospital volunteer or shadowing, but will they accept a person who's still not good at communication. I'm so stressful right now.

[@glennryan3921]

Does age matter when applying? I've been told that someone was rejected because they were too old for medical school

[@beayoutiful9686]

Gosh medical school sounds like hell... But somehow i still find myself wanting to get in.

[@mariliagkika1216]

What's your opinion about midwifers? I study midwifery but I think I want to be doctor

[@flasheed_playz8212]

Ima Junior in Higj school and I’m trying to figure out what I’m going to do after I’m done. Thought of joining the medical field but don’t know the first thing about it, need help 💀

[@ashleyfleming4765]

I am from South Africa so obtaining a medical degree is slightly different. Sometimes I put pressure on myself thinking I an not as smart as the other kids. All because matrics must get top marks into university. And I keep asking myself "Will I be good enough?". Can you help?

[@andymaiya4697]

Which computer suits this education, MacBook Pro or air?

[@billywager8800]

Im on a gap year and staeting med school in september, what would you suggest i do to prepare?

[@reuvenbenzeev2022]

can I make it through med school as an "ok" student? I'm a Bsn nurse with an 85+ average (not in the USA at the moment), do you think its enough for getting through the 4 years?

[@nightshockplayz5894]

I always get concerned about where I stand in comparison to others. I know I should not do this to myself as a means of trying to fit in, but I want to know where I stand in my road to get matriculated into medical school. I am a Biomedical Engineering Major Pre-Med who just finished his first year of College and I am taking summer classes to get some classes out of the way since BMEN Pre-Med is very crammed in 4 years. In terms of grades, I manage them well with around a 3.76 GPA and I am starting to study for my MCAT. I also collected nearly 200 hours of shadowing a Cardiologist and I am starting to do Vascular Research on Atherosclerosis. Of course, as for Volunteering I only really have about 13 hours of Hospice Volunteering. I know there are brilliant people in my level that are trying to get in, of course, my concern is whether I am ahead or behind from these competitive applicants.

[@nightshockplayz5894]

1-Minute Medical Terminology thanks for the advice, I'll take these things into account as I move on the nthe future!

[@ezellstewart3894]

I’m going to apply to the school of radiation sciences for fall 2019. My main focus for the 2018-2019 year is to lock in on my studies and raising my gpa.

[@melathadish2411]

How many time did we need to study at night ??????

[@mixrable1212]

I'm going in 2 weeks and my biggest worry is how the fuck I'm going to manage all the notes that I take. I hate that despite living in 2020, I have to have physical notebooks and can't just type things on my laptop and take pictures instead of drawing the diagrams by hand like an 18th century architect

[@gabriellazuniga1872]

I am scared that I will forget or not practice my study strategies correctly or that I do them and they don't work.

[@jacksonfontaine8697]

Hey! Love your videos! Here is what I am concerned about: I am a current Senior at CU Boulder seeking to apply to medical school a year after graduation. I have not taken the MCAT and am unsure as to when how to start the process. I do not have the greatest GPA. Currently I'm majoring in molecular biology with a 3.3 GPA. This grade point average is not "great," but my grades have continuously improved every year. I did not take my first few years of university seriously and thus fell behind and received terrible grades. Overall, I am concerned my grades do not make me a competitive applicant. I feel this will be the main reason I may be rejected from medical school. While I have done research, currently work in a lab, regularly shadow surgeons, and keep up with my extracurriculars, I fear that I do not have a chance to make it into medical school. I would appreciate any advice on what to do and where to go. Please answer!

[@johngrey1074]

Ask on SDN

[@jazperkevin7220]

I dont know what shall I choose,can you help me?

[@jayd3199]

I'm in high school....and I want to be an orthopedic surgeon.....Don't know if that will change but I like that side of surgery right now.

[@jayd3199]

Oh and I love your videos

[@user-nv4tf6we8r]

Hi Dr. J! I have a question about programs offered at some undergrad institutions that offer acceptance to undergrads to their med schools upon completion of their degree. For example, at Boston University, they offer the MMEDIC program where if you get accepted, you will be guaranteed a spot at their medical school. What are the pros and cons of applying/accepting for such an offer?

[@samya.the.author2408]

What did you end up doing?

[@stefanstamenkov2796]

For now iam studying computer science and now iam thinking to going to medicine,but iam a bit afraid of the huge change,any motivations 😂

[@enough2471]

Does medicine need more memorization or understanding?

[@aliyah3226]

I'm worried about the debt I will be in afterwards.. Is it alot?? Can someone answer please

[@twizted8469]

Starting med school in 3 days 😬

[@StarWarsNerdy02]

I don’t even have the “college experience” to compare to med school because I’m starting med school in another country coming from A levels. I’m nervous as hell to start 😞

[@talhasaleem5649]

I started med school right after A levels too. It was a big jump right after high school, and the first year was horrible. But with time I learnt from my mistakes,(and had some great help from this amazing channel, of course), and now I'm doing great!

[@StarWarsNerdy02]

Talha Saleem that’s great to hear. I’m just a little worried because I’ll be on my own in a different country as well. I’m from the Caribbean and I’ll be studying in Ireland so it’s a big adjustment.

[@talhasaleem5649]

StarWarsNerdy02 Don't worry, and good luck! Studying abroad is a very rewarding experience.

[@tahasinnarwala8206]

So Kevin my med school start at about 1st 2018 and I have a lot of free time do you think studying the courses now would be help to me or should I wait instill med school starts for studying. P. S. Really cool video!

[@sulaimanaljabari]

Tomorrow will be my first day! 😅

[@lynnyuness7160]

Hey.I am 16 but I am interested in medicine.I can't find myself in other majors.I hope my decision is true .But I am a little bit afraid and worried.Thank you for this video .waiting for more videos doctor❤️.

[@Sema-jv2zb]

How's it going?

[@sominshadi6235]

Haha, in Yemen and I think I can't go to library or coffee shop I'm just studying in-home,no exercise no mediation, nothing just studying... and I think that because I'm in yemen so medical school is not like that you showed up here because it's so different so it's not going to help me:((

[@jcct311]

I’m still at 8 grade but... What would you suggest in the line of meds?

[@his_life6523]

Enjoy this time as much as you can Cuz when the time for MCAT comes thre no turning back to a normal life believe me So just Relax and enjoy the few awesome years you have left before a bomb drops and keeps exploding in waves through following steps 1. MCAT 2. Applications 3. Waiting 4. Start of Med School 5. Study 6. Pressure 7. More pressure 8. Everyday A ton of Info to just push into your Brain 9. Every other Week new assignments 10. Work 11.HARD WORK "Sorry cant go Further cuz that's where I am Now"

[@user-lu2se3jt4w]

Wow

[@luistuliao6940]

Seriously,dati kona gusto mag doctor..peroo nawalaa..tas ngayon,gustoo konaa ulit na inspiree sa He's Into Her HAHAH uwaa maxwellll

[@yusefdanielhassounharmouch1520]

I am scared that my hands will not be good for surgery

[@mazolg3440]

does GPA really matter if your MCAT score Is high ?

[@johngrey1074]

Yes

[@devikabharun6982]

I'm 14 and wanna be a doctor. I don’t know which book should I read.Is there have any doctor who can say me which book should I read first for understand the basic?🤔

[@thinkmedschool785]

Hello! I'm a 4th year medical student. Its great that you know you want to be a doctor. Right now its probably best to just focus on your classwork and get the best grades you can so you can build a strong foundation for college with good study habits. Wish you the very best!

[@pitbull-wi2uw]

How much time do u think is required to study for MCAT exam from scratch(having no idea of the subjects of MCAT exam)

[@johngrey1074]

You should take gen chem, orgo, gen bio, intro phys, and biochem prior to the mcat

[@friesandpizza8244]

I'm just starting college on August. What am I doing here? I still have 4 years before med school.

[@rahuljosephkickyourass]

lmao im in 11th grade and im watching this.

[@caterinablanco9614]

ahahah i’m going to 9th grade when summer ends😂😂😂

[@devikabharun6982]

What should I do?I am 14 year old and Wanna be a doctor. What should I read in home? Any doctor here for help me?☺☺

[@zakinabyzada4275]

Sir if i message you and ask you 2 question would you answer ?

[@krizelda2148]

Is working out or getting fit still possible in med school?

[@krizelda2148]

Thanks for the reply! Just graduated my premed and went for a gap year. Got accepted at my dream med school. over the summer, I pushed myself in trying to workout cos i am overweight. Ive lost 16 kg so far but most of the people I know say that med school is so stressful that id probably stress eat a lot and prefer using my time for studying/sleeping than working out. But some still say it is still feasible and it’s just really about time management. I hope you can make a video on this someday! About balancing med school and personal life and health! :)