The UNSPOKEN RULES of Medical School

These are the unspoken and unwritten rules of medical school - the things they don't say explicitly until you're already a medical student. This is what to look out for, what to do, and equally important what not to do, to be happy and successful in medical school.
🌍 Website & blog - medschoolinsiders.com
💌 Weekly newsletter - medschoolinsiders.com/newsletter
📸 Instagram - / kevinjubbalmd
🐦 Twitter - / kevinjubbalmd
🗣️ Facebook - / kevinjubbalmd
🎵 Tiktok - / kevinjubbalmd
🎥 My KZbin Gear: kit.co/kevinjubbalmd/
👀 Hand Picked Productivity Tools: www.amazon.com/shop/medschool...
🎵My Study Playlist: open.spotify.com/user/1231934...
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction
00:28 Your Unwritten Rules of Medical School
10:49 My Additional Rules
14:48 Conclusion
LINKS FROM VIDEO:
Pilot G2 pens: geni.us/wYuXy0W
Outliers: geni.us/VIhjZrY
House of God: geni.us/eyhWxTW
Dating Playlist: • Dating
#medicalschool #medstudent #premed
====================
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. 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. May include affiliate links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through them (at no extra cost to you).

[@nicholas8476]

Don’t ask a question that could easily be looked up later.

[@yogeshlakshman8488]

This is great and I do follow

[@reemmasri9274]

I learnt this also

[@Ali-yh9qi]

Another might be: don't be defensive when you're wrong or being corrected especially during 3rd and 4th year. Also.....be genuinely kind to ancillary staff in the hospital.

[@jwbbccp]

Don’t brag on yourself, but take every opportunity to make those around you look good (fellow students, residents, nurses, even attendings). Talking yourself up makes you look arrogant and nobody cares - talking up someone else makes you look like a kind person who appreciates others. Moreover, always being on the lookout for things to compliment others on helps YOU to maintain a more positive attitude - which others will notice, appreciate, and occasionally reciprocate 🙂

[@kevinjubbalmd]

This is great

[@samuelsmithmed214]

This one is great and easy to do because of the brilliant minds that inevitably will be in your med school class. I'm always amazed at the raw intelligence surrounding me and if you don't take it personally when you don't know something and/or cherish the opportunity to learn and point it out when your classmate/senior/doctor does; you'll have a positive experience in med school.

[@grapatin]

Understand the difference between ego and confidence so you can work well on interdisciplinary teams. Confidence sees a problem says, "I can fix this." Ego sees a problem and says, "Only I can fix this." Know your limits. Other people will have knowledge and skills you don't have. That is a GOOD thing. Pool your skills and knowledge and work together to take care of the patient.

[@carlosfernandosolisgutierr3260]

Do not be afraid of those who know more than you, on the contrary. When you can teach, do it leaving your ego aside.

[@sams.1970]

Yes! Even nursing students 2 years deep into clinicals have more hands-on experience than M3 students. PAs acknowledged me as a member of the healthcare team while doctors looked right through me.

[@LetmeTellyou11]

Don’t be a snitch and throw your classmates under the bus. Mistakes WILL happen and often small and unimportant, don’t go exposing people when your seniors are just to find someone to yell at.

[@JoseRamirez-gu1ck]

When I have to use my phone to quickly study/review something in front of seniors, I use the "grandpa method". I only use my index finger to tap/scroll the screen. It usually does the trick. Still dont know why.

[@mustang8206]

They probably think that if you use a phone like they do then you are only using it for important reasons like they are

[@User-to7nb]

The gossip thing is on point. It was baffling because as we grow and advance into professionals, it feels like the petty drama persisted and maybe even grew. It’s best to make excuses for people, we’re stuck together for years day in and day out so you have to take into account the humanity and assholery that happens. Pretend you didn’t notice it is my go to response for the tiny stuff.

[@Faustian_Bargain_Bin]

Might just be that no one tells me anything but there's pretty minimal gossip at my school. I agree though, it's good policy to assume the best a move forward

[@pegaseg70]

Befriend your colleagues (nurses, CRNAs, PAs, RTs, etc.) They will save your ass on more than one occasion And I say this as a patient who sees it happen all the time ^^

[@tukynii]

I'm a senior in highschool, not the best grades not the greatest student but I'm so excited for med school in the future. Hopefully I make it!!

[@rubisco_biscotti]

Best of luck and try your best!

[@alley5869]

You can make it! Your grades in high school just need to be good enough to get you into a college (any college) and once you get into college then your grades matter! Good luck!

[@namelessentity9007]

All the best!!!! You can do it!!!

[@starlet5350]

All the best from a fellow senior💚.

[@tukynii]

@@starlet5350 I will see you at the top

[@michaeljurasek]

I’d ask that everyone at any level of training take a moment to step back and understand some of the systemic problems these unwritten rules underscore. Rules that elevate the importance of “looking good” and “working aggressively” reflect a culture that is failing to shed some of the most toxic characteristics of medical training’s past. These cultural norms in medical training end up working against a student’s primary role - to learn medicine. And this is so important! That learning is what will translate into patient care for years to come. So please, for the good of yourself, your colleagues learning medicine, and for your future patients, please be watchful for practices you think hinder your learning and try the be the voice for change. You’re education is too important for the status quo - A tired MS4

[@sydneyhart]

Med school administrators look upon and treat medical students as expendable employees.

[@oscarwilde9581]

I used the iPad mini trick and was STILL criticized by an old bitch preceptor who thought it was inappropriate to use ANY KIND of technology on a rotation. She literally just wanted me to stand there in silence while she charted and I couldn’t see the screen.

[@carter5548]

Starting medical school next month and I'm exited for this video!

[@jonathanmendezm.d.1775]

Excellent. Remember to utilize Pomodoro, Anki, Spaced Repetition, etc. I wish you the best of luck in your pursuits!

[@noahbrown9497]

Same here! Best of luck!

[@ericpene1551]

You're about to hate your life. Enjoy this last month of being normal 😭😂

[@LetmeTellyou11]

Start hitting the books now

[@sohyangworld1544]

@@LetmeTellyou11 Ive heard it doesn't help. The only thing the can prepare you is ned school itself.

[@sherrydawson6253]

I'm not a med school student. A former Nurse. I found this very interesting. Your response was excellent advise especially in any medical field as well as who you are as a person.👍🤗

[@sams.1970]

When I was a nursing student, I caught an abnormal presentation of aphasia-- which you wouldn't see if you didn't know the patient's status before. The nurse wasn't with me. When the doctor came, he ONLY talked to the nurse. Why wouldn't the doctor talk to the witness? Don't forget that the people lowest on the ladder usually know your patients best.

[@whitestkid]

So many times in pharmacy school rotation.. we knew the patients in-and-out. Had the relevant lab values, meds we wanted to change, labs to draw in the next few days, and completely got overlooked. And these were only in patients I had to do vanco dosing for, not the assigned patients my preceptor had me follow.

[@Ineshiee]

Watching instead of studying for my last test this term. I mean... It's not like you can learn 'internal medicine' in a day anyway... I agree with you about dating. I thought there's no way in hell I'd be able to keep serious relationship in med school but life decided differently and it's the best thing that could've happened for my sanity. It actually improved my academic results.

[@aishwaryasudan1290]

Do not ask your attending anything during rounds. Whatever you ask them , you were supposed to know already. So unless you want to be told that you are an idiot with a scalpel, just shut up and figure your doubts out later with a nicer senior. Also respect nurses, they can be your best friends or worst enemy.

[@sebastiansepulveda3573]

Yeah if the Dr asks something to your classmate and you know the answer, don't answer it

[@LetmeTellyou11]

I wish others would follow this rule.

[@colin3111]

Go to bed early, exercise regularly, eat clean, read Dale Carnegie and Robert Cialdini. Everything else is easy after that imo

[@grahamdupont2322]

this entire comment is cope

[@avablobbity4757]

@@grahamdupont2322 emphasize

[@smellypatel5272]

@@avablobbity4757 because it's rarely possible for a lot of people. The amount of time needed to study prevents your ability to eat clean (requires time to meal prep), and often to exercise regularly or get sleep

[@MaxGamer-mc3xg]

I remember Miranda Bailey saying the 3 rules of residency “ eat when you can, sleep when you can and don’t mess with the pancreas” 🪑 🪑

[@isaiahpinkerton3445]

The gossip and drama os SO TRUE i did not expect that until I was in med school and couldn't believe how immature some of my classmates are/were.

[@jonathonchio4724]

Excited to start medical school next month! This video was timely. Good luck to my fellow Class of 2025 classmates regardless of school and future applicants!

[@kevinjubbalmd]

So wholesome

[@noahbrown9497]

Best of luck to you as well!

[@bryan5065]

@@noahbrown9497 Psh, I hope you guys fail Step 1, so I can secure that neurosurgery match spot at UCSF! Get wrecked! JK, JK, good luck guys

[@noahbrown9497]

@@bryan5065 had me in the first half, not gonna lie 😂

[@user-ho2rr8il3w]

Welcome to hell sorry i meant club

[@zzzzzzzzzz098]

0:59 Man those are my expensive pens...

[@staceyk2274]

Came here to write that!! If you're handing out Pilot G2s I guarantee your pens will continue to mysteriously disappear, lol. Go to the dollar store!

[@sultanaguy08]

Always have an extra stethoscope in your car. It's saved my ass several times during 3/4th years especially during busy mornings.

[@blockhead777]

You have inspired me to make content about medical school! Great video as always Dr. Jubbal! :)

[@SohiniHalder]

This was great information to know, thank you! I'm starting med school in just a few weeks and definitely was wondering about etiquette rules lol

[@DrWAS101]

There are so many of these in medical school, residency and beyond. Great video.

[@summera8613]

“Looking out for one another” can go either way. I’m in med school and honestly I can’t deal with this one at all. I get it when you need to help out others, if someone is struggling or doesn’t understand a part of the curriculum. You should definitely help them; but then there’s also those people that are leaching off of you every semester, which is Not okay. They just don’t want to do the work because they know, that “someone will help them” & that someone is unfortunately me. So I’d say be wise, help out those that need help. But figure out people as well, when you’re dealing with some of those people that don’t need help but are lazy enough to depend on you, learn to distance yourself. Those people have all the time to attend parties and what not, but don’t have time to do their work. ✌️

[@wajeedahyoung273]

This resonated with me because my natural response to someone needing help is to help. I'm like this in every aspect of my life however, I want to be able to tone that down before starting med school for the reason you mentioned. Instead of automatically helping a fellow classmate, I think it'd be in our best interest to observe what they have done to help themselves before seeking your help. If you don't see them putting in effort to try to comprehend the material then there's no reason to help them. They can utilize other resources for help. Either way it's not my problem. We all have the same 24 hours.

[@summera8613]

@@wajeedahyoung273 I’m with you on this all the way. When I tell you I had a pregnant girl in my class she was nice but ALWAYS needy. It became super annoying. She needed help with EVERYTHING I mean everything, open book tests, homework’s. At times I really wanted to ask her, “do you think you’re fit for this career?” But I chose not to because teachers always say that your grades don’t define who you are. But then again your actions do, if you can’t put effort into your homework you’re definitely not putting in effort to save someone’s life. I have also had students in my class that chose partying every weekend, but would literally put the class group chat on blast 2 hours before assignments were due, “did anyone do the homework?” NO, did you do the homework? 🧐 It’s crazy, but I wish you all the best. I learned the hard way because I know personally I’m a really nice person, but sometimes this kindness allows people to step over you. Don’t let anyone do that. Don’t think the first person to approach is your friend , if you guys make a class group chat, learn to play dumb at times; you honesty don’t have to answer anybody that’s just their cue to feed off of you.

[@LiminalBridges]

Literally using the ipad mini my med school gave me to watch this video haha

[@emmahferguson8176]

BE NICE TO NURSES

[@intrepidtomato]

I was looking for that!! If I went to med school, I'd make that rule number 1. They'd probably help you lots in the early years of training where they know things you don't and they can probably show you simple procedures that will help you get better and more useful. Plus they anticipate problems and can warn the med students ahead of time, they know the patients better... yeah always be nice to nurses, right?

[@Emily-mt5nw]

Loved it! Could have definitely benefited back in the day!

[@nannettem.colondiaz7775]

T-minus two weeks till med school orientation. I’m so excited

[@masters0135]

Congrats!

[@sams.1970]

Congrats! Review your A&P and get some sleep while you can!

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

Once, during grand rounds, an attending asked a resident a question. The resident got it wrong, then the attending asked us students. I answered correctly. 😳The attending shouted, "The PA! The PA got it right but, YOU (the resident) got it WRONG!"😠 He was into intimidating people (vascular surgeon 🙄). I immediately and, very sheepishly, apologized to the resident for answering the question correctly.😓 He told me, "Don't worry about it." That was more than 2 decades ago; never forgot it.😅 Thanks for this video, Dr.Jubbal.🙂👋🏽👨🏽‍⚕️

[@AhmedAli-km5sp]

love your videos Sir, they are Fun to watch and informative at the same time..

[@locumjobsonline]

Thank you for sharing!

[@AH-hz5xc]

No 1 for me was don't get noticed - stick in groups

[@isaaca2545]

Yea I always leave, but don’t seem excited and over the moon when that happens. I ask specifically if there’s anything I can do before I go just to play it safe now after an interesting experience.

[@ricardomachado619]

Awesome video!!

[@abijahdixon2771]

Im going to use this advice for when I'm taking regular college classes again, especually when answering questions. I dont mean it to be rude, but I talk way too much in class and im sure that can be annoying for a variety of reasons to others, as well as the professors.

[@thomas.02]

Especially in rotations, you’re not really a student as you’re an intern, so act like you’re new to the job. This mindset follows with the don’t make others look bad, optics matter (don’t use your phone), etc.

[@nadaomar6373]

I did the answering a question that was directed at a resident when I was in my 3rd month of my training.. I never made friends in that hospital

[@linam9724]

Yeay! Awesome video as usual! Btw, i have a little question about Memm: do you plan on eventually making it for medical students too?

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Possibly. Not decided yet

[@victoriahilton9125]

Lots of these are good rules for life too. In particular don’t gossip and don’t bring down other people.

[@wegadogmomin6031]

Need MedSchool content on how to get away from Bullies!

[@Faustian_Bargain_Bin]

Depends on why you're getting bullied. I was bullied in elementary school and find that bullies want to get a reaction out of people. They want to see they can make the other person feel small because it makes them feel bigger. If you don't react, that stops working. Not to victim blame. The bully is the problem. But there are things you can do the avoid being a target. Also if you're getting bullied for being a member of a protected group (sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, nationality), it could be worth snitching because the bully can get in a ton of trouble.

[@valerianaranjocruz25]

First of all, tell your seniors, and the doctors in charge, but the comment above is also right. Bullying in med school is out of the question and most bullies want a reaction out if it. Don't give in. But remember: you're not a defenseless teenager anymore, you're an university student, defend yourself and surround yourself with people that can be on your side.

[@johnC-fj5nk]

I can not agree more with the video, I am a medical student myself and unfortunately, the mind game is real. Because of that, some students need to keep themselves busy ( Pretending to do something productive ) so as to get a good impression.

[@dipsikhapatowary5162]

Theres no such thing as pre med here so I never went to college. I yeeted myself straight into medschool after highschool. Out of the frying pan into the fire lol.

[@antonsachs5741]

Where is here? Pakistan or the Middle East? Good luck with that. It must be rough.

[@ilhamjirde2954]

I was the same too. I am in 5th year now

[@jishnudoley5415]

@@antonsachs5741 Happens here in India

[@antonsachs5741]

@@jishnudoley5415 Really, I thought so. I have a friend from India and he explained the school system. There's only like three tracks - engineering/science, computer science, and I think maybe humanities.

[@mysticmiserly7732]

@@antonsachs5741 just to point out , the school system in India follows the division of science, commerce and humanities

[@Anonymous-wo4zu]

Hey Dr. J, also starting Med school soon. I’m wondering now that step 1 is P/F do you still recommend keeping up with anki reviews from previous blocks? (Ie when histology is done keeping up with the anki reviews for histo untill step 1 rolls around?)

[@imenhashim6943]

4:40 i think theres a caveat here. I dont think you should go into a relationship during the first 2 years. 100%, you need to establish a flow. Your bassline changes drastically during the transition. I think the exception to this is going into medical school with a relationship, esp long term. Like im engaged, and having a real partner to help me through everything has been a godsend.

[@trishl707]

These “mind game” specialities are the reason those same specialities are lack enough people and we have a Doctor shortage.

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Nah those specialties are the most competitive and desirable which is why they can get away with it

[@wafaibrahim369]

Thanks you so much 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@kristenroberts9335]

Don’t say your Step score

[@johnashley41]

It was the outliers, I can confirm.

[@luv2bevl1]

There was info about Airline Co-Pilots not being allowed to Question the Pilot in America. It was just Taboo, & policy overall was pushed to change. I don't think it was limited to just one Airline.

[@gwillis01]

In my trivial opinion, it's not a small class unless there are less than 30 participants

[@frostedgraves6059]

My class has 20 students. Not in the US. The amount of gossip and drama is unbelievable.

[@carter5548]

I'm from Washington state and the only people I call sir or ma'am are cops 😂 Usually my go to is Professor, Mr., Ms., Dr., etc. I find it uncomfortable being called ma'am.

[@medicostudy101]

Looks like the The PEN HEIST is the most common thing about any hospital all around the world LOL

[@jsphfullmer1]

Got sick of buying pens. I bought one $25 fountain tip pen (Lamy Safari) at the start of med school. Finishing up 3rd year still using the same pen. Definitely recommend getting yourself one nice pen. Worked for me.

[@arturorios1675]

Perhaps have already done so but if not, can you do a vid about how it is to live in Vegas and why you chose to practice there, and how is it going. Is it a good place to work, retire?

[@mohamedshah5418]

Prefer the Pilot Acroball 07

[@phj223]

at any point there are between 0 and 6 pens in my coat, and I have no idea how they get there or how they get lost

[@annadorine7286]

Always dream to go to med school. Hope Iwill make it

[@Radico87]

So many med students and fellow docs are socially autistic. Too much is required to become a doc that most give up their lives, and essential life building experience, to do so. I was a non traditional one, had about 8 years professional xp in an unrelated field before deciding to hop into the whole med school and doctoring thing. That experience really made a massive difference compared to some colleagues. The biggest piece of unsolicited advice from my anecdotal experience is: socialize credit, privatize blame. And throw the ego out the window, leave that for engineering students who are the academic equivalents of vegans: they'll tell you without you asking! Circling back, try to gain that life experience, med students. Material's standardized and pretty simple when you look back on it after the Steps, you've all got this. Also grow a pair because mid levels aren't your peer. Rant done.

[@Startupsandsushi]

Wow I never had that much fun eating 🍽 in PhD. Should have done an MD instead - where the action is. ;)

[@joaoaox5485]

Thanks for your existence. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt. What's your advice for creative pre-med students? How can I link medicine to my passion of graphic design/illustration?

[@murraysolomon4924]

Find out who is most facile with the EMR and ask them to tutor you and show you the shortcuts.

[@louloubear444]

do a part 2?

[@caramelslice1748]

Will we get a vid on the racing sim?

[@harrywang6792]

yass!

[@Mgsogs]

Just realizing this after watching quite a few of his videos… his voice is a different tone, but has a similar rhythm to Obama

[@loisenolp4746]

I have a question. Is it a good idea to be in a long term relationship while in med school. I.e. living with the person and having 3 dogs, Home etc. my daughter is currently living with someone who is starting rotations and they moved across the country with their 3 dogs. I’m worried it’s too much for him. He is a lovely sweet kind person and I just hope it’s not too much.

[@pegaseg70]

I would say, trust them You can bring your concerns in a non-judgmental, kind and calm way, but in the end, they know their relationship and limits best

[@abstract5249]

Say it's okay to wind down because you deserve it, but don't actually do it because 1) There's simply no time and 2) It makes you look lazy to your peers and professors.

[@467076]

First rule about fight club, never talk about fight club 😤

[@hetvikhetia4354]

Nice guitar 👌

[@sylviailo2483]

me in medschool on youtube in the middle of the night....alright guess i'm out then

[@Aaron-cc7yq]

Please don't bring up politics haha. It will most likely get brought up in one way or another because universities are one-sided, but if you disagree with any of their views, just hold your tongue and realize it is only for 4 more years lol. It is not worth the trouble it may bring.

[@kufoovu4148]

that is why no change exist and many ppl who are suffering decry out Fake Allies

[@drwizarrd4421]

omg true. someone brought up Trump the other day and the awkward silence and looks was brutal

[@Aaron-cc7yq]

@@drwizarrd4421 haha yeah, but I'm sure if Biden was brought up, it would be so different. My school was promoting defund the police, outwardly against Trump, and even had a pro abortion and pro Democrat voting outreach club. I couldn't push back on any of that of course

[@nyasha7721]

Waiting on that link for the pens 😭😭

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Oops! Added it to description

[@person1077]

Are classes in med school 8 hours long? Like high school?

[@phatjollyvn]

No but that is how long I usually spend on intense studying every day. Classes are shorter but the info is very dense.

[@AH-hz5xc]

They're 24 hours long

[@valeriebowie6481]

You should stay. In my country they look this as a test. And if one of your classmates stays you should do it !!!

[@bradleylouis4379]

If it’s a resident and not the attending, I’m GONE if it’s not a specialty I give a rip about.

[@fightingalefight]

Another rule ,when in doubt -ASK!

[@folumb]

Not being sincere about letting med students go home. The ortho program at my hospital does this to all their away rotating students. It's gross.

[@Teaslime96]

I’m using good notes on my iPad, do you even need pens? 🤔

[@Maddawg31415]

I'm not there yet, but when 3rd year comes, I'm really going to try and pick and choose my battles when it comes to staying late. Especially when it comes to surgery, because that rotation is a beast I hear. It's one thing to be up 24 hrs straight on call and get a great experience out of it; it's another to average 4 hrs of sleep/night over the span of 8 week. Do not sell your soul to the devil.

[@juliezhu282]

Pen link ?

[@Alex-ik8pr]

Lmao, first time watching, 20 seconds in PEN AD 😂 wtf

[@GeekPhilosopher]

What's with the bass in the background? Do you play?

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Not much anymore

[@drwizarrd4421]

I'm personally staying away from relationships cause you just know there's going to be drama in terms of the Match

[@jacqueline8566]

#1 dont go to medical school

[@PepsiT98]

Completely unrelated but... do you play that bass in the background?

[@kevinjubbalmd]

Not so much these days

[@Zetsuke4]

nice

[@gwillis01]

hello dude

[@aryankhodadadi2403]

I wanna see that one guy who disliked this

[@Zetsuke4]

this made me stress

[@SAb-tt4kz]

2:16 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@emanzapata7317]

First!

[@romeromikaelangelorabino2689]

Damn. Didn't know Davie504 went to med school

[@princeisreal1636]

😁😁

[@princeisreal1636]

Cl

[@harrisoncape4857]

The writing paper said "I will not speak with an Indian accent" hahaha what?

[@kevinjubbalmd]

😂 watch my “what’s in my backpack” video and it makes sense. Same b roll

[@harrisoncape4857]

@@kevinjubbalmd ohh😂😂I need to catch up lol

[@vatsalbhatnagar4351]

What would paying those hard working mind games do ? What even happens if they are impressed?

[@jenaybrown4575]

Conventional medicine is horrible. I think those wanting to go into medicine should bring innovation and challenge the medical system. Our medical system needs repair and a new model or to be completely deconstructed and rebuilt. I think medical students should question the system of their schooling and what they are being taught. You really have to have compassion to be a good doctor. Diseases have a root cause, be a doctor who is curious and not a doctor who treats symptoms. Don’t be brainwashed by your medical schooling. The medical system wants blind followers who don’t question much and do what they are told. Please don’t be a sheeple doctor. A lot of doctors who do speak out on our inadequate medical system are made to look like they are the ones “loosing” it but in fact they are the ones with real solutions. For Profit Health organizations are madly deceitful. Either doctors know this and don’t care or they are under the spell of the system and lack the ability to question things and think for themselves.