Marisa F.
Photo provided by Marisa F.
If you're reading this, never give up.
Becoming a medical student is often described as one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys a person can undertake. The path is filled with long nights, endless reading, demanding clinical rotations, and the constant pressure of responsibility. Yet, at the heart of this journey lies the resilience to keep moving forward, even when the challenges seem overwhelming.
There are moments when exhaustion tempts students to question their purpose. The hours of study can blur together, and the fear of failure may cast heavy shadows. In these moments, what sets a medical student apart is not just intelligence or skill, but determination, the refusal to give up in the face of difficulty. Medicine is not a field for those who seek the easy road; it is for those who are willing to persist, knowing that their efforts will one day save lives.
Every setback is an opportunity to grow stronger. A failed exam, a difficult patient encounter, or a missed opportunity is not the end but a lesson in resilience. To persevere is to embrace mistakes as stepping stones and to understand that true success is built on persistence, not perfection.
The dream of becoming a physician is fueled by something greater than personal ambition, it is the desire to serve others. Remembering this purpose can reignite motivation when fatigue sets in. Each lecture mastered, each skill perfected, brings a student closer to making a difference in the lives of patients who will one day depend on their knowledge and compassion.
In the end, being a medical student is a test of endurance as much as intellect. To not give up is to honor the responsibility of the profession and the trust that society places in future doctors. The journey may be long and difficult, but every step forward is proof that perseverance can transform challenges into achievements.
Marisa F., First Year Medical Student
Q: Was there a particular rotation or patient interaction that changed how you view mental health in medicine? How did it shape you?
A: During my hospice rotation, I met a patient named Patricia who forever changed the way I think about medicine. She was in the final stages of her illness, and while her physical needs were complex, what stood out most was her longing for something much simpler: to be heard.
Patricia often spoke about her life rather than her symptoms. She told stories about her childhood, her family, and the small moments she cherished. At first, I thought my role was to focus on managing her pain and monitoring her comfort, but I quickly realized that what mattered most to her was not the clinical tasks I performed. What mattered was that someone was truly listening. When I sat down, set aside the chart, and allowed her to share freely, her entire demeanor shifted. She smiled more, she seemed lighter, and in those moments she wasn’t just a patient, she was a whole person whose life still had meaning and value. That experience taught me one of the most important lessons in medicine: patients want to be seen and heard just as much as they want to be treated. Listening may not cure disease, but it provides dignity, comfort, and a sense of connection that is deeply healing in its own right. Patricia helped me understand that being a good medical professional is not just about applying knowledge or carrying out procedures. It is about recognizing the humanity in front of us and offering compassion through presence. Her lesson was simple yet profound: listening can go a long way. It reminded me that while medicine is about science, it is equally about empathy—and sometimes, the most powerful form of care is to simply hear someone’s story.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self regarding coping and mental wellness?
A: Comparison is one of the quickest ways to lose confidence. In medicine especially, it is easy to look at classmates who seem to grasp material faster, perform procedures more smoothly, or always have the right answer. What I’ve learned, though, is that everyone’s journey is different, and progress cannot be measured against someone else’s timeline. By comparing, I robbed myself of peace and overlooked how far I had come. Instead, I would remind myself that true growth comes from focusing inward—putting in the work, being consistent, and striving to improve a little each day. Effort and persistence matter more than how quickly you reach a milestone compared to someone else. Working as hard as you can, for yourself and your patients, is enough.
Coping and mental wellness are about grace as much as grit. I would tell my younger self to let go of competition, embrace the process, and trust that their hard work will carry them forward. By not comparing and simply giving their best, they would find both resilience and peace along the way.
Several studies have revealed that medical students, physicians, and healthcare professionals experience mental health symptoms at rates significantly higher than the general population. Stethos[Cope] is a chapter of IfYoureReadingThis designed to help medical students and professionals cope with the unique stressors of medical training and change the narrative of mental health in medicine.
To read more letters and interviews from students, and to learn more about mental health in the medical community, visit the Stethos[Cope] home page.