We are picking up where we left off in our interview with Dr. Julia Agee, General Neurologist based in New York City. In Part II our interview will cover condensed medical programs, seeking out mentorship, and transitioning from undergrad to med school.
Dr. Norrell:
What are the advantages of doing something like a 6-7 year consolidated medical school program to get to your destination sooner? Is it more conducive to certain specialties?Dr. Julia:
Those programs usually come with ALOT of career guidance, counseling and community. So, if you're really clear on what specialty you want to go into that might be the better choice.N:
Any tips or suggestions for surviving medical school? How was the transition from undergrad?J:
For me, having gone to public school my whole life transitioning to a private school was a big shock. My peers were accustomed to a different lifestyle with a lot of resources. It is crucial to access mental, physical healthcare, as well as dental! Make counseling appointments early before midterm rush hits. Your brain is your primary tool for all these career pathways—so try to take really good care of it. Don't forget your body or your teeth!J:
Also talk with someone who has been through the process relatively recently and talk with someone at least ONCE a year. Have everything sketched out on your calendar. For any big certifications or tests find out what the approximate cost will be. Like the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) license is $900 but that's still a lot while you're on a resident salary.N:
It sounds like finding a mentor is a good idea.J:
Yes! Find multiple mentors! You want close peer mentors who can tell you what exam book to buy. It's great to have attending doctor mentors but they're 20 years out from med school so they can give great overview and overall advice. Some of the finer details have probably changed since they did it.J:
Sometimes it's hard to get gumption to reveal that you don't know something. It's hard to be vulnerable and ask questions but do it and do it often and do it shamelessly.N:
I think this is the misleading thing about all careers. People think you're supposed to just inherently know but you really can't know something without accessing it through others who've experienced it. This is especially the case if it's something that isn't written or it's the kind of information that becomes quickly outdated.J:
I love my Dad, but I think something a lot of boomer parents will say is to like cold call people for opportunities. You are SO much better off asking your TA or professor to connect you to opportunities; ask someone who has some slight connection/obligation to you. They are more likely to be able to help you figure out the next step EVEN if they can't get to it exactly.J:
Even if your professor does completely different research than what you're interested in, that's ok. Med schools want you to have research experience but having the experience is more important than making sure it lines up with what you do in med school. You likely won't continue the kind of research you did in undergrad in med school.J:
If you're looking for opportunities to shadow a doctor, ask your friend whose father is a doctor or ask one of your own doctors, maybe even your pediatrician. Sometimes cold calling can work but you've got to really research the person and write a thoughtful email. Even still it isn't guaranteed for that person to get back to you.J:
The last thing I'll say is that it's really, really difficult and unfair as a process. It is a system that will make you feel frustrated, devastated, outraged—all those feelings are valid. We have a lot of progress to make in terms of making a health care and health education system that are humane and equitable. Know that your feelings are valid and the only way the system changes is if the people who care and know things can be better take part in the system.J:
Arm yourself with the people who love you and care for you. Take everything one step at a time. If you need to take breaks, no matter how impossible it might feel, take a break. If you're not getting the help you need, ask someone different but keep asking.Major Takeaways
Lean into your network to help you find opportunities and to support you through this trying and difficult process. Since medical school is a marathon, you've got to prioritize taking care of your mental and physical health. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need. There is a culture of shame around not knowing, but you've got to break through that. There is no shame in not knowing something; you can't let anyone tell you otherwise. You must continue to shamelessly ask questions and learn through others.
