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The Emotional Burden of Medical School and Residency: Med School Tutors FB Live Q&A
- by
- Mar 05, 2018
- Reviewed by: Amy Rontal, MD
Emma Husain, MD — one of our most experienced medical tutors and a certified admissions consultant — made her Facebook Live Q&A debut last week discussing mental health and the medical education experience. Here’s what Emma had to say:
“The process of getting into medical school, getting through medical school, getting into a residency and getting through a residency is incredibly difficult. Competition is high, standards are high, stress is high, and expectations are often unrealistic. There is a huge emotional burden associated with the path towards this profession and few forums in which to discuss it. As a closed group, medical students and residents suffer depression, low self esteem and despair, yet are reluctant to discuss it among themselves.
“I want to open the doors to a frank and open discourse about how and why mental health deteriorates in these situations; in addition we will discuss how to promote good mental health and protect yourself from potential damage to mental health inherent in a medical career.”
Those Facebook pictures Emma was talking about (glamourous shot versus “real life”)? Here they are, side by side in all their glory! #wecanallrelate
Also, if you’re interested, here’s the trailer to the documentary Emma referenced, Do No Harm:
On that note, there will be screenings of Do No Harm at the AMSA National Convention and at MD Anderson. A film tour is in the works and they are currently taking requests. Click here to request a screening.
Lastly, for further reading on the mental and physical challenges of a career in medicine, the impact, and what can be done, be sure to check out:
Finally, remember that no matter how isolating your path may feel, you are NEVER alone. If you’re struggling, remember that you can easily find a therapist near you through sites like Psychology Today’s therapist listing, or even ZocDoc. And if your time has been so consumed that it’s just not possible to meet in person, don’t forget that there are therapists who can meet with you online through sites like Talkspace and GingerIO. And if you’re feeling suicidal, remember that you are not alone and there are people you can talk to. Please call
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