Ronald Chen: Advice for Students Starting Medical School

Ronald Chen, Professor and Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, shared on LinkedIn:

”Here’s what I like to tell students heading off to medical school:

•  Expect a steep learning curve

Medical school is challenging! I thought I was a really good college student, but the transition to medical school ended up being very hard for me. That’s to be expected. Hang in there! Know that it will get (a little) easier over time, and you’ll come out the other end with an incredible knowledge base.

• Know your ‘why’ in becoming a physician

Being a physician is an incredible privilege – but you need to have a strong reason for why you want to become one.

1. Is it a patient story?
2. A personal story?
3. Or something else?

Remember your ‘why’ when you’re going through challenging classes, exams, and clinical rotations. This will help carry you through! As with many professions, there is burn-out in medicine as well. But having a strong ‘why’ is critical to helping carry you through medical school, residency, and in your long career as a physician.

While medical school can be challenging, it’s incredibly rewarding. Wishing the best for all the new medical students – we can’t wait to have you in the field with us!”

Other articles featuring Ronald Chen on OncoDaily.

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