Electronic Fall 2023 | Issue 56
The Final Year
By: Agnieszka Mynarska and Tristan Hazebrook
Third year was both anxiety-provoking, full of unknowns and unstable schedules, and exciting, as the “sweatpants” changed to scrubs and a white coat. Thus far, fourth year has followed a similar pattern, but with a sprinkle of confusion and confidence added. Now that fourth year has come upon us, I thought it appropriate to chronicle its new challenges and excitements. This is in response to my good friend Tristan Hazebrook’s piece in the Spring 2023 newsletter last year about mental health as a third-year medical student.
Whether you’re a first-year medical student who has just joined the IPS family (welcome!), a rising second-year about to embark on a challenging year, or a third-year who has just finished their first few rotations of the year, this is for you. Every year comes with its own vibe. Looking back, I think it’s important to recognize that each year comes with its own type of uncertainty, and uncertainty can breed anxiety. With the acceptance that uncertainty is certain, it can be understood that a little bit of anxiety is expected.
Fourth year is exciting because it is our last year of medical school! It is the best year. At least that’s what we’ve been told! At this point, we have become a bit more accustomed to a constantly changing schedule and to the expectations on rotations, though prioritizing our mental and physical health remains somewhat of a challenge. Many of us have decided what specialty we will be pursuing and are looking towards our future. Though it may not feel like it, we know more clinically, feel more confident walking into a patient’s room, and are beginning to feel more comfortable with our assessments and plans (just think about how you felt one year ago). But with residency application deadlines looming, the thing we are not accustomed to is how all of this works. I’m talking about ERAS, how we should be using geographic preferencing to our advantage, and this new concept of 'signaling.’
Let this serve as your reminder that you have made it this far, and you will continue to go far. You will end up exactly where you are meant to be, and your journey is your story and yours alone. Below is some advice we have received from residents in psychiatry so far.
Keep in touch with your friends and family, your people. Keep them updated about what you’re doing with applications, not necessarily in detail but about how you’re feeling, what you’re thinking, etc. – keep your people in the loop about the process, so they can be there for you, support you.
Be yourself in your personal statement, during interviews, on audition rotations.
Look for programs that fit your needs. Try not to focus on prestige but instead focus on where you will be best served.
Have fun! Try to enjoy the process and know that things tend to always work out for the best.