Vinee V.
Photo provided by Vinee V/
If you’re reading this, the journey isn’t over yet.
The journey to medical school is like climbing an endless staircase. You take one step, and before you can catch your breath, another one appears.
Do well in college. Score high on the MCAT. Don’t mess up your interview. Get accepted.
You think there’s a moment to breathe, but then it’s Step 1, Step 2, rotations, residency, and the next impossible expectation. There’s always another step. Always something more. And somehow, you’re supposed to keep climbing, even when you feel like you’ve reached the edge.
But then, one day, everything pauses.
When I saw that call coming from Blacksburg, from VCOM, I almost didn’t pick up. My heart raced—was this the moment? The moment I’d dreamt about for years?
And when I heard “Congratulations,” it felt like my heart skipped a beat. But it wasn’t joy that overwhelmed me—it was exhaustion. I had spent years pushing myself to the limit, trying to meet every expectation, every benchmark. And as much as I wanted to celebrate, I was honestly terrified. Could I do this?
Getting into medical school is just the beginning. Reaching this moment felt like I had already lost so much of myself. No one prepares you for how much this path takes from you. You start to fade in ways you don’t always notice. You cancel on friends. You stop texting back. You show up physically, but mentally, you’re buried somewhere in your Anki deck.
While everyone around me was celebrating, my acceptance letter caused me to lose my mind. The doubt began to overwhelm me, and I kept thinking: What if I can’t keep up? What if this breaks me? What if I don’t belong here?
But, deep down, I knew this path was meant for me, and my acceptance to VCOM—though it overwhelmed me—was proof that I belonged, even if I couldn’t feel it yet.
That realization—that I’ve already done so much I once thought I couldn’t—shifted my fear into excitement for the future. It was remembering every late night I wanted to give up—but didn’t. Every time I showed up, even when I was anxious, burnt out, or convinced I wasn’t enough. This journey is not a race; you are allowed to take a moment and be proud of how far you have come.
So if you’re reading this, this journey is meant for you! You’ve already made it further than you think. You’ve already shown up when it would’ve been easier to quit. You are exactly where you need to be. The staircase is steep. But every step you take, take a moment to be proud of yourself. Enjoy this journey because soon you will get there.
I promise you—you will.
Vinee V., First Year Medical Student
Q: What made you want to get involved with IfYoureReadingThis, and why did you want to bring this to VCOM?
A: Writing a letter for IfYoureReadingThis during my fourth year at UVA was the first time I allowed myself to be fully vulnerable. I remember reading others' letters and realizing that so many of us were feeling the same way. That moment helped me see how powerful it is when someone simply says, “Me too.”
Bringing IfYoureReadingThis to VCOM is important to me because I know how isolating medical school can feel. We need a space to be honest—about the hard days, the doubt, and the moments we feel like we’re not enough. I wanted to help create a space where vulnerability isn’t seen as weakness, but as something that connects us, heals us, and reminds us we’re not alone.
Q: How do/did you manage the stress of preclinical training, such as learning high volumes of detailed information and increased levels of competition?
A: The stress during my preclinical training, especially while preparing for the MCAT, was overwhelming at times. Senior year, it felt like all I did was study. But what really helped me manage that stress was getting into running. After an exam, when I felt overwhelmed, or after a long day of studying, I’d head out for a run around campus. It gave me a moment to forget everything and clear my mind. Cooking meals for myself was another way I found peace—especially in college, when it was a time to unwind and catch up with my roommates. Having that support system made a difference in helping me manage the pressures of school. I realized during my fourth year that I needed to take care of myself, especially my mental health, because if I couldn't take care of myself, how could I be expected to take care of others?
Q: What is your motivation when medical training/education gets hard?
A: My motivation when medical training gets hard is knowing that I am living the life I’ve always dreamed of. As a little girl, I wanted to be a pediatrician, and every step I take gets me closer to that goal. When the journey feels overwhelming, I remind myself of how far I’ve come and the challenges I’ve already overcome. Whether it was during my gap year as a medical assistant, navigating self-doubt, or tackling exams, each hurdle has been an opportunity for growth. Knowing that my family and friends are always there to support me fuels my perseverance. Ultimately, my passion for medicine and the people who believe in me inspire me to keep moving forward, even when it may seem difficult. I know that these challenges will one day make me a better physician, and I am determined to give my best for the patients I’ll serve.
Q: What’s your hope for IfYoureReadingThis and Stethos[Cope]?
A: I hope to help grow this chapter at VCOM and create a supportive space for students to feel seen, heard, and connected. As Stethos[Cope] and IfYoureReadingThis continue to grow, my hope is that we foster a culture where vulnerability is met with compassion, not judgment. Seeking help—whether as a physician, resident, or medical student—should never be taboo. I want this initiative to remind people that they’re not alone, and that taking care of your mental health is a strength, not a weakness. If even one person feels less alone after reading a story or joining a conversation, then we've already made an impact.
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.