What MBBS Has Taught Me About Life, Medicine, and Myself.

Medical school is a whirlwind of challenges, emotions, and growth. As an MBBS student, I’ve realized that while the journey is demanding, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Here are some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned so far:

LESSON 1: You Don’t Know Nearly as Much as You Think You Do

After cracking NEET UG, it’s easy to feel like you’re on top of the world—after all, you’ve conquered one of the toughest exams in the country. But the reality of medical school hits hard. Professors make it their mission to make sure that you know it. As one of my professors puts it, “It’s our job to humble you and bring you down from cloud nine.” The sooner you accept that learning is a continuous process, the better off you’ll be.

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LESSON 2: Patience is a Virtue

No matter how short-tempered you are, medical school will teach you patience—whether it’s waiting for lab results, enduring long lectures, or interacting with patients. Especially with patients, you’ll realize that compassion and understanding require time and effort.

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LESSON 3: The Basics Are Everything

Subjects like anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry may not seem as glamorous as surgery or medicine, but they are the foundation of everything. Without a solid understanding of these basics, excelling in clinical years is impossible.

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LESSON 4: How to Deal with Failure

For many of us, including myself, MBBS may bring our first taste of failure. I had never failed before medical school, and when it happened, it felt like the world was crumbling. Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration—but it was tough. Learning to bounce back from setbacks is one of the most important skills you’ll develop here.

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LESSON 5: Self-Care is a Necessity, Not a Luxury

In the chaos of first year, it’s easy to lose yourself. The stress can feel overwhelming, and self-care often gets neglected. But I’ve learned that taking time for yourself is essential. Whether it’s a hobby, meditation, or a short walk—schedule time to recharge.

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LESSON 6: The Value of Life

The first death you witness will stay with you forever. Seeing people suffer and lose their lives teaches you to be grateful for your own health and the time you have. It’s a humbling experience that shapes your perspective on life.

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LESSON 7: Time Management is Key

Balancing personal life and studies will often feel impossible. The workload is relentless, but finding a routine that works for you is crucial. Prioritize, plan, and make time for both work and play.

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LESSON 8: Celebrate Small Victories

The journey is long, and the challenges are many. Learn to celebrate the small wins—whether it’s understanding a tough concept, acing a test, or just surviving a tough week. Let those small rewards keep you motivated.

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LESSON 9: It’s Okay to Not Know Everything

In medical school, it’s impossible to know it all right away. Accept that you’re here to learn, and trust the process. Over time, everything will fall into place.

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LESSON 10: Learn from Your Mistakes

Making mistakes is inevitable—it’s part of being human. What’s important is taking responsibility and ensuring you learn from them. Each mistake is an opportunity to grow.

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Medical school isn’t just about academics; it’s about growing as a person, learning resilience, and appreciating the value of life. These lessons have not only shaped me as a student but also as a future doctor.

To anyone reading this, remember: the journey may be tough, but it’s worth every moment.