10 Hard Truths I Wish I Knew as a Premed

Summary

In this brutally honest video, a doctor and anesthesiology resident reflects on their 10-year journey from being a premed student at UCLA to becoming a doctor in New York City. They share 10 hard truths about the premed experience, emphasizing the importance of dedication, passion, resilience, and making smart choices. The video covers topics such as the realities of being average in the premed world, choosing the right path, the pressure of hard work, and how to navigate rejection and failure. It's an inspiring and candid guide for future medical school applicants.

Takeaways

• 😀 Being average is not enough to get into medical school. To succeed, you need to go above and beyond with your grades, experiences, and application.
• 😀 Consider what kind of doctor you'd want caring for your loved ones. It's important to prioritize balance, well-being, and commitment over sheer competitiveness.
• 😀 Passion comes second. Start doing meaningful work and let your passion develop from your actions, not the other way around.
• 😀 Successful applicants tend to be humble and let their actions speak for themselves, rather than boasting about their achievements.
• 😀 The journey to medical school is hard. Expect rejection, late nights, and imposter syndrome—but don't stop pushing forward.
• 😀 Choose your hard. Whether it’s difficult coursework, finding shadowing opportunities, or sending hundreds of emails, everything about the journey is tough. You decide which hard is worth it.
• 😀 Be cautious with how you define yourself. Negative self-talk can trap you in a cycle of limitations, while a positive, growth-oriented mindset opens doors.
• 😀 Some things take time. Whether it’s gaining experience, improving your health, or building your application, don’t expect instant results. Consistent effort leads to success.
• 😀 Take full responsibility for your journey. Blaming others or external circumstances only disempowers you. Own your struggles to gain control and move forward.
• 😀 Premed advice is like clothing—what works for one person may not work for another. Adapt and find what fits your individual journey.

Q & A

What is the main takeaway from the first brutal truth about being average?

The first brutal truth emphasizes that being average in terms of GPA, MCAT score, and extracurricular activities is unlikely to lead to acceptance into medical school. To succeed, you need to stand out by surpassing the statistical averages.

Why is it important to think about what doctor you would want caring for your loved ones?

The second brutal truth stresses that you should aim to be the type of doctor you would want caring for your loved ones. This includes being well-rounded, dedicated, and taking your education seriously, rather than sacrificing your well-being for the sake of ambition.

How does passion fit into the journey to medical school, according to the speaker?

In the third brutal truth, the speaker explains that passion should come second to action. Rather than waiting for passion to appear, you should take action first and then discover if it truly aligns with your goals. Building your application around activities you engage in actively is key.

What does the speaker suggest about competitive premed students?

The fourth brutal truth reveals that the most successful premed students often do not boast about their achievements. Instead of telling others about their grades and accomplishments, they let their work speak for itself, highlighting the importance of humility and genuine effort.

What does 'this is what hard feels like' mean in the context of getting into medical school?

The fifth brutal truth acknowledges the difficulty of the premed journey, including the intense studying, rejections, and impostor syndrome. It’s a reminder that the process should be challenging, as you're training to handle real-life responsibilities, and the difficulties are part of the growth.

What is meant by 'choose your hard' in the sixth brutal truth?

The sixth brutal truth highlights that while there are many hard aspects of being a premed student, including early mornings, studying, and seeking shadowing opportunities, you get to choose which 'hard' you want to focus on. Both paths will be challenging, but the choices you make determine your future.

What does the speaker say about the self-limiting beliefs people hold?

In the seventh brutal truth, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the negative identities you assign to yourself. Negative thoughts like 'I’m not good enough' limit your potential. By shifting your mindset and actions, you can overcome these self-imposed barriers.

What is the significance of the 'can't make a baby in one month' analogy?

The eighth brutal truth uses the analogy of pregnancy to highlight that some things, like building a strong application or developing yourself personally and professionally, take time. You can't rush meaningful progress, and the most impactful achievements require consistent effort over time.

What lesson does the speaker want to convey with 'the power follows the thinker'?

The ninth brutal truth explains that blaming others for your struggles robs you of control over your situation. Instead, taking full responsibility for your challenges gives you the power to improve your circumstances and succeed on your terms.

What is the purpose of the tenth brutal truth about premed advice?

The tenth brutal truth encourages you to evaluate the advice you receive as a premed. Not all advice is applicable to everyone, and some may only be useful temporarily. The best advice will remain relevant and help you for the long-term, so don't be afraid to discard what doesn't fit your situation.