In the September episode of The Pulse, I had the chance to sit down with a pair of pre-medical students to discuss good study habits and the ever-elusive issue of time-management when preparing for medical school. The conversation was robust and both students had several great tips to share that should help both traditional and non-traditional students; however, I couldn’t help but notice that while we spoke at length about the importance of making time for personal fulfillment (e.g., exercise, hobbies, and friends), neither student had much to say on the challenging question of starting a family while earning a medical degree.
While it might seem like a relatively minor point, I’m frequently surprised by the number of students for whom this issue represents a significant concern. The perception among many pre-medical students is that, busy as they are now, their schedules once in medical school will allow for little more than a monastic existence. It’s a valid concern, particularly considering recent research on sexual dysfunction and wellness among medical students detailed in the September issue of The New Physician, the monthly publication of the American Medical Student Association.
Fortunately, many medical schools do offer guidance and assistance for students in such a situation. The AAMC’s Aspiring Docs initiative recently published an interview with medical school grad and recent newly-wed Amber Wang, in which she describes not just how she and her husband (also a physician) managed dating and marriage while in medical school, but also how their relationship influenced their experience with residency applications and the Match.
Needless to say, students who begin families and develop relationships while in medical school are faced with a somewhat different set of challenges than their single peers, but it’s good for them to know that they don’t have to sacrifice the joys of family and friends to pursue their dreams.
