As I reflect on the last four years of medical school, I only know one thing for certain: there are many things I do not know. It feels pompous for me to claim that I know things, because the reality is that there is more for me to learn than ever before.
But in the tradition of someone who is applying general surgery and enjoys a bit of pomp, I have thought of a list of things no one told me before beginning this journey that may serve as reflection points for others. I know that these things will change as I evolve, and I hope that evolution will also serve others.
Things No One Told Me (that you may or may not wish you knew as well):
1. You do not have to know who you are yet.
- You will be asked to declare a future before you’ve had the time to even ponder who you would like to be as a person. Your answer may change. Curiosity does not equal flakiness.
2. There is no single right way to be a physician.
- But there are many ways to do it poorly. Everyone you meet will shape your career. Having plasticity will serve as your (flexible) anchoring point.
3. Everyone will be doing better than you.
- This is a lie. Some people are just better at hiding their fear than others. Regardless, there is something to learn from everyone. Learn carefully and without fear that you are falling behind.
4. You will probably grieve versions of yourself while becoming who you are meant to be.
- Let Dr. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross guide you in your grief. Set aside a place for who you used to be. Revisit often. What has decomposed will become fertile ground for who you will eventually become.
5. You will, inevitably, disagree with people who are powerful.
- Sometimes, they will be wrong and powerful. Learn when to disagree loudly. Learn when to disagree inwardly. Learn from those who allow you to disagree loudly, and why others you must disagree with inwardly.
6. Becoming a physician does not mean you are becoming invulnerable.
- Care always, but do not carry always.
7. You do not have to earn your place every second of every day.
- You are here because at least one (and more often than not, more than one) person believed in you. Some days, that has to be enough.
8. Ask questions, especially when your voice wavers.
- Those are the ones that need to be answered the most.
9. It is okay to protect the pieces of yourself that are most central to you.
- “You take the man out of the city, but not the city out of the man.” Keep dancing, running, painting—whatever it is that brings you joy. It will bring joy to others in return.
10. To Err is Human.
- The remainder of that phrase is often forgotten in the impact of its commencement but I feel it is the most important: “to Forgive, Divine.” You will make mistakes, some over and over again. Learn from those mistakes and forgive yourself. You can do this.
Cindy Reynolds is a member of The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix Class of 2026. She graduated from Arizona State University with her BS in Biochemistry with a minor in English Literature in 2021 and her MS in the Science of Health Care Delivery in 2022. She has special interests in health policy, running, ice cream, and fuzzy socks.