Adjusting to Medical School Rarely happens overnight- today we’ll talk about some common stages/experiences you might expect as go through adjustment process, signs you may be having more difficulty/need help to navigate, suggestions to facilitate the process A balancing act

Stages of Adjustment Honeymoon Uncomfortable/Hostility Humor Balance

Honeymoon Stage Feelings of excitement, anticipation Meeting new people, sense of welcome Sense of freedom

Uncomfortable Stage Culture shock Academics Social Feelings of uncertainty Homesickness Illness Culture-new place, people, housing, food, surroundings, etc Academics-Stanford printout Social-Busy schedule may make you feel like you’re losing touch with friends and family, don’t have time to establish conections at school; values and/or beliefs that are important to you may feel devalued or not understood by others Uncertainty- at first may be challenging to adjust to pace and assessments of med school, leading to questioning “am I smart enough to handle curriculum?”; may worry about having prof skills and personality to connect with and optimally help patients; major life changes cause us to question who we are, what we’re good for/at, are we on the “right” path in life **given all of the above, makes sense that may also experience periods of frustration, anger, anxiety, feeling down/depressed

Humor Stage Initial adjustment Regaining sense of routine, studies start to feel more manageable Starting to relax, make friends, laugh at minor mistakes

Balance Stage Feeling connected to campus, community Able to navigate demands of studies Integrating good experiences along with challenges Adjustment and integration; feeling more like “home”, friendships and connections deepen

How to know if you’re having difficulty adjusting Isolating yourself Excessively irritated/angry over small things Feeling extremely homesick Changes in sleep and/or appetite Lack of engagement, feeling disconnected Physical symptoms Feeling sad/blue, crying more than usual Relationship strain Loss of ability to study or work effectively Physical symptoms-headaches, gi upset, fatigue/excessive tiredness Any of these may happen from time to time—if they become an issue everyday or most days, might be a good idea to seek help

What can help Patience Maintain self-care habits Seek out opportunities to get involved on campus and connect with others Practice time management and prioritize Maintain self-care habits Utilize campus resources #1-transitions can be challenging, everyone experiences some “growing pains” during change; don’t feel like should know everything/have it all figured out #2- join student orgs, study groups, attend social functions #3- organizing schedule allows time for work and self-care, leisure time #4-many first term students feel there is no time for anything outside of study, important to maintain habits/activities that help with managing stress and maintaining health #5-PSC, DES, DOS, advisors

Campus resources Psychological Services Center (PSC) Campeche Hall 439.2277 pscscheduling@sgu.edu Department of Educational Services (DES) Next to Pensick Hall Dean of Students Office Bourne Hall, upper level