I got in the University of Santiago de Compostela! I’m very happy :) 4 days ago

I got into medical school. I got into three medical schools… Now I must give myself props right and polish my ego a bit by acknowledging how challenging the admissions process is…

because I am among the 5% of students who elected to discontinue their studies. I was by no means at the top of my class, or anywhere close for that matter, but I did not fail out. (falling along the lower end of the bell curve is quite difficult for medical students, because in undergrad we were all used to feeling like the “smart kids” – and, even though you KNOW the environment isn’t the same, you still wind up feeling like a dumb kid sometimes). I’m completely confident that it was the right thing for me to do; knowing that is a huge comfort. There is just no possible way to anticipate the intensity of the environment of med school – for me personally, the costs of continuing at that pace for several more years, and then close to that pace, for my entire working career, were prohibitory.

Dropping out of school was a the most difficult decision I’ve ever made, and if I’m being honest, it has taken some time to come to terms with, but I’m almost there.

Sometimes things don’t wind up the way we imagine they will, and we just have to roll with the punches, and I’m doing just that. Fortunately, I don’t doubt that it was the right decision. 3 months ago

I wasn’t sure which goal to put this under, but decided to go with this one. I’m a big believer in the Hippocratic Oath and think that everyone going into the field of health and medicine, including the pharmaceutical industry, should have to take it.

A modern version of the original Oath by Hippocrates ~

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:

I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that] are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.

I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon’s knife or the chemist’s drug.

I will not be ashamed to say “I know not”, nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient’s recovery.

I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given to me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.

I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person’s family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.

I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

I will remember that I remain a member of society with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, be respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.11 months ago

I actually received an offer letter in August and accepted my place in late September. Ever since, I’ve been preparing to move to the city where my medical education will begin. It turns out that city is located in Australia ! :) I’m extremely excited to begin my journey this January! 18 months ago