Med School: Expectation vs. Reality

A lot of people see Medical Schools as a higher form of academic institution. It’s thought to be a place where book nerds study terms that would never make sense to the commoner, and a place where social life is deemed nonexistent or becomes a rare treat. Long before I finished my undergrad school, Medicine has always been an enigma and an enticement. Whenever I see someone clad those white uniforms, I instantly admire their valor for engaging in a challenge that would only either break you or make you.

But behind those premises, what is it really like to be in the four corners of a Medical School, particularly inside Silliman University Medical School? Will my expectations, meet reality? I’ll find out soon enough.

Expectation: Medical School is expensive

Reality: Don’t bother asking. It is expensive.

There’s a reason why people would look highly of medical students, it is because the notion of wealth and privilege will always be associated with them. While it is true that money is a major consideration for venturing Med School, every penny is totally worth it. Being a Med student is a calling and the drive and passion for it pales anything monetary.

Expectation: Medical Students always look nerdy

Reality: Falls in love six times on the first day of school.

Med School is indeed a place for people who finds the “fun” in studying brain-twisting books, and more often than not, are type casted as nerds. But after entering the league of this high institution, you’ll realize how dainty the ladies are and how composed the gentlemen are. Confidence is indeed sexy and everyone in Med School is confident as they get, it’s a mental thing. No matter what team you play in, there will always be an eye candy. Beauty and brains have never been so true.

Expectation: Read a lot of books

Reality: Read a lot of E-books

Times have changed and in this era, technology has taken over the learning process. Gone were the days when med students had to purchase those expensive, meter-thick books as a reference. Now, most of the students are using Electronic books downloaded in their tablets, smartphones, or laptops. The future of education is fast upgrading.

Expectation: The Doctors are harsh teachers

Reality: Doctors are kind and sympathetic

When you imagine being taught by a doctor in a field that requires high degree of intellectual capacity, you imagine them as strict and abrasive. Doctors themselves are also type casted as serious professionals who would not subject to anything fun, thus elevating our false beliefs. Although there is some truth to it, in SUMS the Doctors are surprisingly warm and welcoming. They have high standards that we have to meet, but they are still very gentle and surprisingly funny.

Expectation: No fun in Med School

Reality: We have lots of fun!

Most of us thought of this. Months before med school, we said goodbye to the fun and frivolity of life. Med school would suck up anything fun in this world as the thought of studying the course is no longer a meager degree, but a high-steak venture in life with lots of sacrifices and dire risks. But, how WRONG are we! SUMS surprisingly caters to the holistic development of an individual. From Variety Shows, Open House, Founder’s Day, Team Building and Intramurals, there will always be an outlet for the intense pressure that we feel in Med School.

So there you have it, a small truth to the many truths about Med School. We all have formed expectations about it before, but believe me when I say that you will always be surprised for what is to come. First year of Med School has been already very intriguing and I can’t wait for the next chapters to unfold. So brace yourselves, Med School is sometimes not what you might think. Bittersweet, but definitely all worth it.

Daniel Espanola