Mehraeil Z.
Photo provided by Mehraeil Z.
If you’re reading this, be proud.
To be proud of yourself does not mean you are arrogant, selfish, or narcissistic. Pride and humility are not opposite. In fact, learning to be proud of yourself can be one of the most healing and empowering things you ever do.
Medical school is hard. And along the way, many of us wrestle with the same quiet but heavy thoughts: Am I doing enough? Am I good enough? And worst of them all, feeling guilty when taking time off. The fear that you’re falling behind—it’s real, and it’s exhausting.
But what helped me start breaking through those walls wasn’t just the incredible support of family and friends, it was learning how to be proud of myself. It is so important to be proud of all the hard work you’ve put in, regardless of the outcome. The truth is, being proud of your effort, your growth, and your perseverance is not self-indulgent. It’s survival. It’s fuel. It’s what keeps you going on the hardest days.
So be proud of every step you’ve taken to get here, the courage it takes to keep trying—even when it’s tough. Be proud of the person you are, and the journey that shaped you. If no one has told you this recently: I am proud of you. You are doing something incredibly difficult, and you’re doing it with strength, so be proud!
Mehraeil (Mera) Zaki, Second Year Medical Student
Q: How do you cope with the stressors of medical school?
A: One of the most effective strategies I’ve found for managing stress in medical school is having a structured plan. Creating a plan has helped me prioritize what’s most urgent and stay on top of upcoming responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. At the beginning of each block, I would map out a realistic study schedule leading up to the next major exam. I’d break this down into daily realistic goals, listing which lectures I aimed to cover each day. Equally important, I scheduled breaks, meals, lab sessions, and rest periods into my day. I am married to the most amazing man, and it was important for me to dedicate space to spending time together. I intentionally blocked off time for dinner dates, weekend outings, or simple moments like grabbing coffee or walking together in the park. Attending church and sharing that spiritual connection was also an important part of our weekly routine.
By intentionally planning both my academic and personal time, I found that I could come back to my studies refreshed, and motivated. This helped me perform better while also maintaining my well-being and relationships—something I truly believe is essential for thriving in medical school.
Q: How do you recognize the signs of burnout in yourself or your peers, and what steps do you take to address it?
A: Burnout looks different for everyone. For me, it often shows up as difficulty concentrating, a lack of motivation to study, and a growing sense of dread about opening my books, yet at the same time, constantly feel guilty for not studying. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that pushing through these feelings doesn’t always work. In fact, forcing myself to keep going when I’m mentally depleted usually leads to diminishing returns and I end up just as unproductive, but even more drained.
Persistence is key in medical school, but so is self-awareness. It’s important to recognize when you’ve reached your limit and need to step back and recharge. Things that I’ve done to help me recharge include spending low-pressure time with my spouse, friends, family, or church community. The key is choosing interactions that feel supportive and not energy-draining. A simple home spa day with a face or hair mask, listening to music I love, and cooking a warm, nourishing meal has also gone a long way. Sometimes, doing nothing at all for a little while is exactly what I need. Throughout this journey, you will absolutely recognize your burnout signs, the strength is to stop, breath and recharge. Recharging isn’t time lost; it’s an investment in your resilience. You’ll come back sharper, stronger, and more grounded.
Q: What do you wish other people knew about the stressors of medical school/medical training?
A: The way I think about responding to this question is to address it to the general public, family and friends of people in medicine. If you're reading this, please be patient with those of us training in medicine and try not to take our distance or silence personally. We truly want to spend time with you. We miss home, we long to hang out, and we’d love nothing more than to go on that trip or share a meal with you. But the reality is, medical school is incredibly demanding. Before starting this journey myself, I didn’t fully understand it either. When friends in medical school couldn’t meet up for months, I used to think, “How can they be that busy?” Now that I’m in their shoes, I get it. We’re doing our best—juggling exams, clinicals, sleepless nights, and the weight of becoming someone people will rely on in their most vulnerable moments. At the same time, we’re trying to preserve our own mental health and remain present for the people we love. Please know that even if we’re slow to respond or seem unavailable, it’s never because we don’t care. We care deeply. We miss you more than we can say. And your understanding, your patience, and support mean more than you’ll ever know.
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.