Want to Study Medicine with Achi Paige Diño

How is your med school experience so far different from your pre-med course?

For pre-med, I took the Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (BS-OT) degree program at the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM). For med proper, I am currently attending the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree program of the Far Eastern University – Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (FEU-NRMF) as a second-year medical student.

Comparing my med school experience from my pre-med course, medical school is definitely a dream come true for me. Being in medical school is literally living the dream of

becoming a doctor. Just like my alma mater (FEU-NRMF)’s motto Ad Astra Per Aspera, which means “to the stars through hardships,” to get to the goal of becoming a doctor, one must go through challenges. It entails more sleepless nights to endure, more coffees to drink, more transfers to study, more books to read, and more sacrifices to make. Of course, we know becoming a doctor is not a walk in the park. This is very true since med school has more subjects, more difficulty, faster pace, and more requirements, which entails more focus, more work, and more effort in general.

Here are the key points I would like to point out as “different” in med school from pre-med:

• Online learning – Since last school year, we have been doing pure online learning. We use Moodle and Zoom as educational online platforms. Our lectures are done via Zoom, and our exams are taken via Moodle with Zoom-proctoring. Other platforms we use are Telegram, Viber, and Facebook for announcements.

• More sections (before 1 section in pre-med, now 5-10 sections in med), more classmates per section (before 30 students in pre-med, now 25-80 students in med)

• Professors are all doctors now, and we call them “Doc” (not Ma’am or Sir). We call each other Doc in med school. Professors and classmates call me “Doc Paige”,“Doc Diño”, or “Doktora. Team teaching is also done in all subjects, not just in some.

• Passing score is higher (75%) for all subjects in med school. Pre-med was 60% in minor subjects and 70% in major subjects. Some subjects do curve, and grades are adjusted by minimum passing level (but the curve is so small, you cannot rely on this to pass).

• Full schedule. Pre-med has more breaks in between and earlier dismissal; med school is full classes per day and breaks are few, lunch breaks are scheduled for daily exams.

• More subjects (around 4-6 major subjects in pre-med, 7-9 major subjects in med school) and more units taken per semester (15-20 units per semester in pre-med, and 34.5 units this semester in med school).

• Classes are mandatory (3 absences is already failed), no free cut in med school even if the professor is late (>15 to 30 minutes late like in pre-med is already an automatic free cut), and you need to wait for a late professor in med school.

• It’s not good if class cancels because you would have to study the lecture by yourself. This is not good as your requirements will pile up, less time to study and do other requirements (this denotes less sleep), and better to hear the lecture at least once to have an easier recall during self-study.

• All medical subjects, no more GEs, no PEs, etc.

• 3 major exams in 1 semester (preliminaries, midterms, and finals). Daily exams (shiftings/platings) per subject are scheduled weekly, so you’ll definitely have at least one exam every day.

• Other requirements per subject have submission deadlines weekly. You have to submit everything on time. Accomplish each one completely and correctly. Everything is graded.

• Oral presentations (small group discussions) and manuals are submitted per subject weekly. There are also lots of drawing and answering questions (manuals), computations, writing, video making, poster-/infographics-making, presentations, cases, small group discussions, exams.

• Skills you need: Need to be good at memorizing, understanding difficult concepts, clinical analysis, testmanship. Cramming is a no-no, but you’ll get better in this through time as well.

• Lunchtime is scheduled for shifting/plating exams. Need to manage time well. Eat quick. You will also definitely work outside the 7/8 am -5/6/7 pm classes.

• Need to listen during lectures, as it will save time, and better retention since you won’t be going through the topic just once.

• Transcriptions from upperclassmen are very useful, samplex, PPTs, notes, books.

• Organizer or planner with big spaces per day is a must. You will have lots of requirements per day, do not be overwhelmed by the load. Write down all the deadlines and accomplish them one by one. Take it one day at a time.

• Med school is already graduate school so the outputs must be of quality, and how you treat classmates and professors need to be professional.

• Most of the time, topics are not fully taught (not spoon-fed) and you’ll be the one to do self-study. This is why a huge factor needed in med school is maturity and self-discipline.

• In med culture, we take in a lot (study = input) and produce a lot of requirements (output) as well. And we do these with speed and accuracy (need to be quick and correct in all that you do). Everything is done consistently with excellence—with your best effort.

How is med school different from your expectations?

Being in medical school has opened my eyes to the reality of med school. Wanting to get into med school is different from actually being in med school. At first, I thought it was going to be relatively easier since I already have a background in some subjects already like Anatomy, Physiology, Neurology, Epidemiology, Pathology, Rehabilitative Medicine, Pediatrics, Ethics, Research, etc. I had the notion that since I came from UP and from a white college, it would be much easier for me. Well, most of the subjects I have a background in because of my pre-med, helped me do well in first-year med, but that is still not enough. I realized while I was in the first year and now in second-year med that:

• I only know so much, even if I graduated as a paramedical professional from one of the top health science universities, I still do not know a lot. I still need to learn more, and medicine is all paramedical professions combined, everything is being studied.

• I need to put more effort into subjects that I do not have a good background in (Biochemistry, Radiology, Pharmacology, Parasitology, Internal Medicine, Surgery). Not to mention, all the other subjects I mentioned previously that I have taken previously, are not fully covered in pre-med. The subjects Anatomy, Physiology, Neurology, Epidemiology, Pathology, Rehabilitative Medicine, Pediatrics, Ethics, Research are different in medicine. They are studied extensively, and not just in the context of a paramedical profession’s use. For instance, in Anatomy (Medicine), we study all organs systems, not just the musculoskeletal system and study the neurovascular structures as well.

• I need to build a habit of studying every day, even if it’s tiring or difficult. Since exams are scheduled every day, and other requirements and presentations I need to work on, I am obliged to prioritize my studies over leisure.

• I never knew I can do something until I am forced to do it, and eventually, I would realize that I have already done it—that I have exceeded past my limitations. I can learn to like or love the things that I don’t. (i.e., Difficult subjects that I dislike studying, I try to like to be able to study it).

• It is okay to be grade conscious because I will eventually be. I know I need to get high grades and pass and not fail. I need to keep track of my grades and aim high.

• If I cannot study for an exam or do not finish studying for an exam, I will surely fail. Exam questions in med are more than recall questions (i.e., Which one is NOT questions: Given so many details about the answer and you need to know all details about it) and exams have questions that are not taught during lectures.

• I need to read medical books, not just powerpoint presentations and transcriptions. Medical books are references used to cover exam questions.

• I study not just for the grades, but for professional growth as a future medical doctor. I am a work in progress.

What is the best and worst thing about med school so far?

The best thing about med school so far:

• Best place to grow yourself in all aspects. I believe you’ll be able to exceed past your limitations, and of course, learn and grow more. The challenges that you go through each day will build your character, as well as work ethics over time.

• People-oriented profession - You’ll understand people more and become more empathic and compassionate towards others. You’ll develop a sense of maturity and calm. You’ll be kind towards yourself and others because you now know and understand more.

• Witness the Beauty of God’s Creation -You will see how complex the human body is, that only God can create something like that. You’ll be amazed by God through and through.

• Experience God More Personally - God will reveal himself to you through many ways and in all times. Just realizing you can only do so much, allows you to depend more on God. You’ll experience Him in the daily hustle you do, and you’ll realize that that one thing you do, it’s not you but God at work. You’ll realize that God has and will never leave your side.

• Humbling and Being Humbled - You’ll realize doctors can only do so much because the ultimate giver and taker of life are God.

• God-honoring profession -You can evangelize and disciple even during med school. Don’t wait for the future for you to do the Great Commission. I had the notion that when I become a doctor, that’s when I will start sharing the gospel, but you can already witness to whomever, you will meet during pre-med and med school per se. You can share the gospel by being the salt and light of the world, by obeying Christ, and praying for the people around you—this little way you can bring people to Christ or closer to Him.

• Holistic-honing of students - Make time for other goals aside from med school (academic/career goals) you must have other goals in life, like spiritual goals that you should not neglect. You will begin to realize that it’s not about intellect, but character building and good doctors are not just smart but have good work ethics, good character, persevering, patient, hardworking, prudent, wise, mature, dependable, good leaders, and good communicators (verbal and written). Erratum: Not all doctors have good penmanship.

The worst thing about med school so far:

• Disappointing grades - You need to always aim for 100% because you will most likely not get that.

• Tiring and Energy-demanding - You have to be excellent in all that you do (exams, presentations, outputs) and you’ll develop the habit of submitting on time. Submitting requirements on time should not be a problem in med school, if you still have problems with this, you’ll most likely flunk your subjects.

• Time-Consuming - You cannot do other things aside from studying. It will shift your focus away from your studies. You’ll be studying most of the hours in the day, and most of the days in the week. Studying may entail sacrificing sleep to study more, especially during exam week, where sleep is a luxury.

• Pressure - The need to pass sometimes shifts the importance from studying to learning to studying to get high grades.

• Competitive - You’ll feel as if everyone is a competition, but focus on self-improvement. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and you do you in med school.

What is the most important thing a student must know before going into med school?

• Know yourself enough: how you best study, how you best cope with stress, what type of learner you are, what your personality type is, whom you belong, where your identity is, and why you pursued Medicine

• Your self-worth is not found in grades, accomplishments, or worldly success. It is found in God, and the difference between selfish ambition and serving the Lord through your profession is allowing God to take over your plans, goals, and future.

• Have Faith. You need to have courage. Doubts will always be there, and uncertainties, but have faith and be courageous. It is about having the faith in what is to come even when uncertain, trusting that God knows what’s best and will do what is best for those He loves.

• Rest but never quit. Never give up on your dreams/goals. Always take breaks. Rest when you need to. It’s okay to rest from time to time, and mandatory to do quiet time with God and respect the Sabbath.

• When you quit, you don’t win or lose. The more you keep going, the more you get closer to the finish line. Sacrifice the short-term and think long-term—Yes, a balanced life is good. We all need sleep and good grades. But when asked to choose, choose to sacrifice a little of your sleep to study. You can get back sleep and eyebags, but not failing grades.

• Medicine is a training ground more than a battlefield—you’ll fall and stand back up many times in the process. Be willing to make mistakes to learn. The real battle is when you become licensed physicians and start handling patients of your own. It is better to make mistakes now than make mistakes later.

• Practice a healthy, holistic lifestyle. You’ll need to be healthy to be able to endure the demands in Medicine. Not only do you need a strong mind, but you also need a strong body. Improve physical, mental, socio-emotional, and spiritual health. Keep on growing.

What advice would you give for students planning on becoming future doctors?

Pray about it and assess carefully if this one’s really for you. Set goals and make them happen. Remember:

• God equips the called. Being a doctor is a calling from God. We are His instruments in healing, and we are called to serve God through what we do day in and day out.

• Everyone in med school has the same goal--that is to become medical doctors. Your dream will now be a reality, and you’re living the reality. Some have been overwhelmed by the reality and realized it is not for them.

• Doctors will study their way through med school and need to study more than ever. More subject, faster pace, more difficult, higher expectations (better quality outputs, more professionalism). You won’t have the luxury of sleep (you’ll be happy you get 5-8 hours every night). You will earn later and marry later than the average person. That said, being a doctor is not a walk in the park, and being one entails a lot of sacrifices (time, money, effort, health, etc.).

• Medicine is like college (a privilege and not a right), don’t waste the opportunity to train to be equipped to serve in the healthcare sector. Med school is expensive (tuition, miscellaneous, books, uniform, dorm for others).

• You will keep on experiencing stress daily, and stress becomes a part of your life. You need to be able to manage stress as much as possible (that you can go about it already, and not view it as something you must go against; you have to embrace the fact that med school difficulty and stress is part of the journey, and learn to dance in the rain)

• Anyone, any age/place/country/course, can be your classmate. More varied in med school. Fewer people you know. The higher you go up the educational ladder, the fewer and rarer you become.

• Most of my classmates are from white colleges, meaning they know some subjects well. Do not think since you are not in that paramedical profession, it’s okay to know less. Build on your strengths, as well as weaknesses. Double the effort in areas you know less of. Build on those. Need to pass ALL subjects and not just be good at some.

• Paramedical course topics covered only during a week to a month of med school. You need to know more in medicine (anatomy, for example, need to know all organ systems not just muscular, skeletal, neurologic systems in OT). Every single thing is studied in detail in medicine, studied from different points of view—normal/abnormal, cellular, molecular (biochemical), physiological, pathological, microscopic, gross.

• A lot of students fail. This is the norm but aim not to fail. Failure will be part of the process. It will challenge you and build your resilience. Remember that failure is part of the journey towards success. You will never learn if you do not fail. That said, learn from your previous mistakes, and stand up every time you fall.

• Pressure yourself enough to challenge yourself, not to the point you set unrealistic expectations for yourself. Be kind to yourself. Know when to sleep especially when nothing is already being retained by the brain. Eat nutritious food and exercise also. Have quality time with the Lord and your loved ones.

• Set aside distractions. Limit them as much as possible. It is good to take breaks from time to time, to avoid burnout when studying.

• Studying smart is more important than studying hard.

• Have discipline, diligence. determination, faith and a growth mindset.

• Time management is very important, as well as the passion for Medicine and desire to serve God and serve others.

Some Bible Verses that I live by:

• Proverbs 16:9 (NIV), “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

• Hebrews 12:1-2a (NIV), “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

• Philippians 3:14 (NIV), I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

• Philippians 4:13 (NIV), “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

• Isaiah 43:2-3a (NIV), “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”