Being a doctor is... a profession
And how to keep the motivation from the times when you felt like it was a mission?
Sometimes it's not going to happen any other way than tooth and nail. But sometimes motivation will stick to you like a tick, and so will you at school. Why?
Because you will receive an ISIC card with the reverse side printed with the logo of the Faculty of Medicine and a red stripe.
Because you can wear a white coat (even if it's only for the autopsy in freshman year).
Because every relative of yours will be interested if you've ever been to an autopsy.
Because figuring out and learning what all the bones and muscles and nerves and blood vessels everywhere lead to is extremely difficult, but very cool.
Because after passing freshman year, you have reason to celebrate.
Because the preclinical subjects of other years will at least give you an awareness of the breadth and depth of individual (not only medical) fields.
Because you get to see different doctors and examiners and you realize that a human approach is the most you can ever give your patients anyway.
Because sometimes and often you will be interested in a topic that you will want to learn more about and so you will.
Because the body is one big miracle and its functioning, even with all modern knowledge, sometimes remains shrouded in mystery.
Because grandma and grandpa's diagnoses will tell you more than what google will explain.
Because he's a great helper, but a bad doctor.
Because over time you will be able to evaluate whether this cold and sore throat is worth a visit to the practitioner or not.
Because the world of diagnoses, but also medicines and other treatments opens up to you and you are at least oriented.
Because you will stop buying overpriced beautiful boxes without active ingredients at the pharmacy, but you will know which ones are worth reaching for.
Because you will meet a variety of patients during your mandatory hospital internships, and many of them will be brightened by a kind word and your presence and concern.
Because you start to appreciate the health you have, the body that serves even though it's probably not perfect in your way.
Because medicine has an immense number of specializations and subspecializations, and eventually everyone will find their own, and it doesn't have to be in a hospital at all.
Because some ability to push yourself while studying for endlessly comprehensive exams is a very useful life skill.
Because at the end, you will not only leave with a degree, but also with a huge life lesson of humility and self-discipline.
Because being a doctor requires lifelong learning and you never rest on your laurels.
Because to some extent, being a doctor really is the mission.
Author: @medickamudruje
