Nick W.
Photo provided by Nick W.
If you’re reading this, dance like there’s nobody watching.
When I was growing up, my mom often reminded me of a Dr. Seuss quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those that matter don’t mind and those that mind don’t matter.” I didn’t realize how much I would return to those words until I started medical school a few weeks ago.
Getting here was not easy. Years of exams and extracurriculars led to this moment, but arriving also meant starting over in many ways: moving to a new city, meeting new classmates, and simply trying to find my place. In those exciting (and often overwhelming) first days, it was tempting to present the “perfect” version of myself, stifling the parts that felt too messy, too uncertain, and conforming to what I thought a medical student should look like. What I’ve learned, though, is that real connection comes from authenticity. The relationships that mean the most to me are the ones where I have been myself from the very beginning.
Medical school is full of opportunities to try new things, and change is an inevitable part of the journey. Coming in, I thought that meant leaving parts of myself behind. However, I’ve quickly seen that growth doesn’t come from fitting a mold; it comes from showing up as yourself, even when it’s scary. Was I comfortable running for that board position or shadowing a doctor in a new field? Definitely not. But I tried anyway, and each time I proved to myself that I didn’t need to become someone else to move forward. Embracing new experiences becomes easier when you approach them as you, not as who you think you are “supposed” to be.
Finally, medical school comes with a lot of noise. Between the pressure from classmates, endless advice on online forums, and worries about what you “should” be doing, it can be easy to lose yourself in the chaos. Comparison is natural, and self-doubt will creep in, but remember, you are here because of your unique journey and the strengths you bring to this community. For me, staying grounded is about tuning out the noise and trusting that my path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Because at the end of the day, I believe true success comes from being yourself.
So if you’re reading this, dance like there’s nobody watching. You are enough and belong here, not because you’re trying to fit in, but because of everything that makes you different. Trust that by embracing who you are and moving to the beat of your own drum, you’ll find the people who matter most, grow with authenticity, and succeed on your own terms.
Step onto the dance floor and find your rhythm!
Cheers,
Nick W., 1st Year Medical Student
Q: How do you cope with the stressors of medical school?
A: One of the biggest ways I’ve learned to cope with the stress of medical school is by knowing when to put the pencil down. There’s always more to study, more to review, more to catch up on, but I’ve realized that pushing past the point of exhaustion doesn’t help me learn. It just burns me out. So, saying no when I’m overwhelmed doesn’t mean I’m falling behind; it means I’m setting boundaries so I can keep showing up as my best self. I’m not going to know everything, and that’s okay. What does get me further is sleeping well, eating real meals, moving my body, and giving myself permission to pause.
Q: What do you wish other people knew about the stressors of medical school/medical training?
A: I wish people knew that medical school isn’t stressful just because of the exams, but because of everything that comes with it. Yes, the content is overwhelming and the tests are relentless. But what really makes it hard is the constant juggling act: clubs, research, classes, volunteering, networking, trying to eat well, exercise, call your family, be a person… and somehow sleep. It’s not that we don’t care about staying in touch or showing up; it’s that our days feel like they’re already borrowed from tomorrow. The to-do list never ends. And most of us are just trying to do our best without losing ourselves in the process. I want my friends and family to know: even when I’ve been away or quiet for a while, I’m still thinking of you. I’m still here. I’m just learning how to keep going without forgetting who I am, and I’m so grateful for people like them who remind me.
Q: What made you want to get involved with Stethos[Cope], and why did you want to bring it to Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine?
A: I got involved with Stethos[Cope] early on while still a premed, and I actually was lucky enough to help launch our website! As a creative writer, I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling and its ability to make people feel seen, so I was immediately drawn to Stethos[Cope]’s mission: to share real, vulnerable stories from trainees and physicians that remind us we’re not alone. Being part of this project equipped me in ways I didn’t expect. It gave me a sense of community and perspective that helped me enter medical school with more compassion, not just for others but for myself. Once I started at Stritch, I knew I wanted to bring that same sense of connection here. As an ambassador and now Director of Outreach, my goal is to keep making space for honest conversations both at my school and beyond. My hope is that Stethos[Cope] can show medical trainees that caring for others starts with caring for ourselves, and that mental health belongs at the heart of medicine.
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.