My 20’s blew by faster than any other decade. This was a time completely saturated with school, school and more school. I enjoyed the years but now that I look back, there are 5 major areas I wish I had optimized as a premed, medical student, resident and fellow. Some of these things would have saved me a lot of stress and money (literally thousands). I’m sure many of you can benefit from some of my mistakes.
1. Don’t Chase Love
I know… this can be very hard for many young adults to appreciate. I don’t want to be the bearer if bad news but the truth is, love can get us all to do some very stupid stuff. At the time, it all sounds like a great idea. I cannot emphasize how important choosing the right spouse is. As a “soon”-to-be high income earner, you do not want to spend your life with the wrong person. Don’t select your school primarily based on someone who is not worth it. I have also witnessed so many med students put all their eggs in one basket and get so heartbroken that they struggle in medical school. A few weeks into medical school, one of my classmates dropped out because she missed her boyfriend. I observed a few divorces while students were in medical school. These things happen more than you would think. All that said, if you have a solid partner, your don’t mess that up. They should be understanding of your career and what it takes to reach your goal. They should not be a hinder to your goals.
2. Learn About Finances
Please, please, please don’t make the same costly mistakes that I am now trying to correct. As a medical doctor (or any high income earner) there will be leeches coming after you from every angle. I guarantee you that at some point during your training, there will be financial advisors knocking at your door. They may host a nice big dinner for you and other trainees. The herd mentality will be in full force with many of your peers attending events for the free food and being sold products. It will all sound good and you will feel pressured to buy now especially since premiums will be higher if you wait to buy. While some financial advisors have your best interest in mind others will just see dollar signs. You may want to make sure you have a fiduciary advisor working with and for you. It is also easy to borrow, borrow, borrow without having a solid strategy to pay off your loans. I implore you take the time to learn about finances starting now or at least while in medical school. A great book to consider reading is “The White Coat Investor”. You may also consider subscribing to their podcast. I am not an expert in finances and so do your self a favor by learning these things early before someone takes advantage of you.
3. Pick up Healthy Habits
I hate to tell you this but that six pack will not always be there. The habits you pick up in medical school may stick with you. Life always gets in the way. I understand it is very difficult to find the time to prepare meals, to go for a run, or to get that 7-8 hours of sleep. But think about it… if you can’t do it, then how can you expect it from your patients? As physicians, whether you like it or not, your patients will likely judge you on your physique. They will ask you for personal advice. I literally had a patient tell me they no longer see their PCP because they could tell he wasn’t following his own advice to them. Set the example for your patients, your children, and your community. Check out my previous blog post on health eating as a premed.
4. Keep in Touch
Don’t forget to call your mom. Med school, residency, and fellowship can consume your life. I always joke with folks that my 20’s felt like I was locked up in jail for a decade. I lost track of trends and events. Now this was probably before most of you were even born but I always joke with folks that coming out of med school I felt like Fly Guy coming out of prison from the movie, “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka” (YouTube it). More than keeping up with the trends, it is important not to miss out on important events if at all possible. This doesn’t mean you have to buy a ticket and fly across the country for every event but it’s good to text a friend who just had a baby or FaceTime your little niece on her big recital day. Take the time to communicate with loved ones because tomorrow is not promised. Cherish every moment with your grandparents and gather as much family history from them while they are still here and coherent. A simple phone call can make someone’s day and that someone just may be you.
5. Soak it all in
Breathe… You are young. You have so much life and opportunity sitting in front of you. These may be some of the best years of your life. You will probably form lifelong friendships, find love, start a family or grow your family, purchase your first car or home, and begin carving your pathway into society. Your 20’s and 30’s are awesome. enjoy them. While training, learn as much as you can. Take on zebra cases you may not see for another 20 years. Learn procedures best performed in academic centers. Have lunch with one of the attending physicians considered a guru in that field and pick their brain on how medicine has changed over the decades. Do something that challenges you. Take on a new hobby. Your training years are difficult at times but always think back to your premed years when you were working so hard to get accepted to medical school. This is what the blood, sweat and tears were for and many others wish they could be in your shoes. It truly is an honor and blessing to be here. Soak it all in!
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