Sneha M.

Photo provided by Sneha M.

If you’re reading this, trust that you’re growing through what you’re going through.

That’s not just a comforting phrase—it’s something I’ve lived, again and again.

There were nights I sat staring at reactions in organic chemistry, convinced I wasn’t cut out for this. Mornings where I woke up already tired, because the weight of MCAT prep never truly left me. The process of becoming—of choosing this life in medicine—has tested every part of me. But the truth is, I’ve never walked it alone.

My family has been my constant. They’ve held the parts of me I couldn’t carry. They beared the weight of this dream with me—without hesitation, without conditions. Whether it meant financial sacrifice, emotional support, or just believing in me when I couldn’t believe in myself, they showed up. Always.

They taught me what it means to push forward with heart. To never let fear make decisions for you. They reminded me that where there’s a will, there is always a way. Even in my lowest moments, they helped me remember that setbacks don’t mean failure—they mean I’m still in the fight.

Coming from a place where my success has never been just mine, I carry this purpose with pride. My family’s love has given me the strength to keep showing up, to keep trying, to keep becoming. It’s because of them that I know I can do hard things. And I’ve come to believe that a life in medicine—one built on compassion and service—is only possible when you have a strong foundation. That foundation is everything.

This path has not been linear. It’s been overwhelming. Directionless, at times. But looking back, I have no regrets—because I know I was doing my best. And maybe that’s the most important lesson of all.

So if you’re reading this and you’re in the thick of it, just know: it’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to not have all the answers. It’s okay to fall apart a little. What matters is that you keep going. Not perfectly. Not effortlessly. But honestly.

Let yourself grow through the hard things. Find a piece of strength, a sliver of wisdom, and tuck it into your pocket. Use it when you need to remind yourself why you started.

And if you can’t find the lesson just yet—ask for help. That, too, is part of growing.

You are not alone. You are becoming. And that’s more than enough.

Here if you need a friend,

Sneha M., First Year Medical Student

Q: What keeps you motivated when medical training gets hard?

A: Some days, it’s just about putting one foot in front of the other — reminding myself that I’ve come this far for a reason. What keeps me going is the deep belief that this path isn’t just about mastering material — it’s about building the capacity to show up for people with empathy, presence, and knowledge when they need it most.

When the days feel long and everything starts to blur, I think about the moments that brought me here — studying late in undergrad, holding onto hope after tough exams, or seeing my family’s pride when I got accepted into medical school. Those moments ground me. They remind me that the challenges now are a part of something much bigger.

It’s not always inspiration that pushes me — sometimes it’s discipline, sometimes it’s community, and sometimes it’s just trusting that the version of me who started this journey knew what she was doing.

Q: How do you cope with the stressors of medical school?

A: I try to see medical school as one part of my life, not the whole story. That mindset helps me stay grounded. I’ve found a lot of relief in setting non-negotiables outside of school — like cooking a new recipe every week or going for walks without listening to anything, just letting my mind breathe. Those little moments remind me that I still have an identity outside of medicine.

One practice that’s helped more than I expected is checking in with myself at the end of the week. Not just “What did I get done?” but “How did I feel?” That small act has helped me become more honest with myself, and when I need to rest or recalibrate, I give myself permission to do that without guilt.

Q: How do you manage the pressure of clinical training, like frequently changing environments and studying for shelf exams?

A: Though I haven’t started clinical rotations yet, I’ve gotten a glimpse of the fast-paced and shifting nature of medicine through shadowing different specialties. Each setting had a different rhythm — from surgical anesthesia to fast-paced ER — and that variability taught me how to observe, adapt, and contribute without feeling like I had to prove anything right away.

On the academic side, I’ve made peace with the fact that my study environment won’t always be perfect. I’ve learned to study in the car during long drives, in waiting rooms before appointments, and at odd hours when the day didn’t go to plan. Over time, I stopped tying productivity to a specific setup and started asking: “What’s realistic today?” That flexibility has been just as important as discipline.

Q: How do you cope with the stressors of The Match?

A: I see The Match as a process that’s meant to match us with what matches us best. That mindset keeps me grounded. It’s less about chasing a certain image and more about being clear on who I am, what I value, and what kind of environment will help me grow.

For me, that means keeping my end goal in focus and showing up with intention. I can’t control every part of the process, but I can control the effort I put in — researching programs thoroughly, reflecting on what I need to succeed, and being honest about what I bring to the table.

I believe the process works best when you approach it wholeheartedly. When you take the time to understand your priorities — and respect the priorities of the programs — the path forward feels a little more clear. I try to focus less on outcomes and more on preparation, knowing that doing the legwork ahead of time will make all the difference.

Q: What advice do you have for incoming medical students regarding mental wellness?

A: Start by accepting that this journey will challenge you in ways you can’t plan for — and that’s not a sign you’re failing. It’s a sign you’re growing. One of the best things I did early on was define success on my own terms. Sometimes, that means a high score. Other times, it’s letting myself take a full day off, or saying no to a commitment I can’t handle.

Build your internal compass — the set of values, habits, and people that keep you centered. The people I’ve confided in when I’ve felt unsure, the boundaries I’ve learned to set, and the moments I’ve chosen to rest over burnout have all kept me steady. And don’t forget this is a long road. You don’t have to sprint the whole 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.