3 tips for the first year of medical school

Students learn a lot from textbooks during their first year of medical school, and they also learn a great deal about the field of medicine outside of textbooks. Here are three tips for first-years on professional development and personal wellbeing that you likely won’t find in a textbook. The first two are from the AOA and the third is inspired by this essay by psychiatrist Katherine Gantz Pannel, DO.

1. Get started on your curriculum vitae, or CV, as soon as you can. Even if you don’t have much to put on it yet, having a template to work off of will give you a great head start once you do. It’s critical for your career, and it’s never too early to start.
2. Looking into summer opportunities is important, too. Internships and research can set you apart in a competitive field, and will be especially valuable when it comes time to apply for residency.
3. Take your mental health seriously. Let’s face it: Medical training is difficult! You will likely face unfamiliar emotional challenges, and you should never be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. Remember that the osteopathic medical profession is pulling for you.