I still remember the day I opened my acceptance letter to medical school. It felt surreal—a rush of excitement and pride that had me packing my bags months before classes began. As a kid, I was always a dreamer. My dolls weren’t just toys; they were part of elaborate stories where every character had a purpose and a world of possibilities ahead of them. Medicine represented the ultimate story—a chance to heal with my hands and serve with my heart.

But what would I tell my younger self if I could go back in time? Would I say, “Run for the hills—it’s a dumpster fire!” or caution that not all that glitters is gold? Would I still choose this path?

The truth is, I absolutely would. Yes, there are challenges—moral injuries, broken systems, and days that stretch far too long. But the heart of medicine, the privilege of being there for people during their most vulnerable moments, still shines. If I could sit down with my younger self—or anyone at the beginning of their medical journey—there are a few truths I’d want to share.

Be clear about your “why.”

The excitement of starting medical school can sweep you up like a whirlwind. You’ll feel energized by the possibilities, but that initial thrill can fade when challenges arise. And believe me, they will come.

Burnout among physicians remains alarmingly common—49 percent reported symptoms in Medscape’s 2024 survey. While that’s a slight improvement from the previous year’s 53 percent, it’s still higher than pre-pandemic levels. Financial pressures, relentless hours, and the weight of administrative tasks are just a few of the realities you’ll face.

Your “why” will be your anchor. Dig deep and reflect on what’s driving you to choose this path. Is it your love for science? A desire to serve others? A calling to make a difference? Write it down. Keep it somewhere visible. When the going gets tough—and it will—this will be your anchor.

Treat medicine like a relationship.

Medicine is like any deep, meaningful relationship. It has its honeymoon phase—the early days of medical school, where most things feel new and exhilarating. But, like all relationships, there will be challenges. There will be days when you question your choices, doubt and frustration creep in, or you feel disillusioned by the realities of the profession.

To keep the relationship alive, you’ll need to nurture it. Stay connected to the parts of medicine that inspire you. Shadow a mentor who reignites your passion, volunteer in a setting that reminds you why you started, or take a step back to appreciate the privilege of this work.

Research published in the National Library of Medicine underscores the importance of finding meaning in your work. Physicians who can tap into that sense of purpose are less likely to experience burnout. Find ways to reignite your passion for the field, even when the challenges seem overwhelming.

Build a support system.

Here’s a lesson I wish I had learned sooner: you don’t have to go through this alone. You shouldn’t. One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was thinking I needed always to be fiercely independent and self-sufficient. But medicine is not a solo endeavor—it’s a team sport.

Surround yourself with people who will uplift and support you. Seek peers who understand the grind, mentors who can guide you, and loved ones who can provide perspective when needed.

Join communities that “get it.” Whether it’s a study group, a professional organization, or a casual support network, these relationships will remind you that you’re not alone. They’ll help you weather the storms and celebrate the wins, no matter how small.

Embracing the road ahead

Starting medical school is a monumental milestone filled with hope, excitement, and possibility. If I could sit down with my younger self—or with you, as you prepare to embark on this journey—here’s what I’d say:

Medicine isn’t perfect, and neither are you. But at its heart, medicine is still one of the most incredible things you can dedicate your life to. It’s about healing. It’s about serving. And it’s about making a difference in ways that truly matter.

So, pack your bags with purpose. Hold tightly to your dreams, but don’t forget to stay grounded in your “why.” Treat this career like the relationship it is—nurture it and stay connected to what you love about it. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to lean on others. The road will have bumps, but you don’t have to walk alone.

When you finally reach the other side, you’ll see the journey was worth the effort.

Tomi Mitchell is a board-certified family physician and certified health and wellness coach with extensive experience in clinical practice and holistic well-being. She is also an acclaimed international keynote speaker and a passionate advocate for mental health and physician well-being. She leverages over a decade of private practice experience to drive meaningful change.

Dr. Mitchell is the founder of Holistic Wellness Strategies, where she empowers individuals through comprehensive, evidence-based approaches to well-being. Her career is dedicated to transforming lives by addressing personal challenges and enhancing relationships with practical, holistic strategies.

Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and book a discovery call to explore how she can support your wellness journey. For those interested in purchasing her book, please click here for the payment link. Check out her YouTube channel for more insights and valuable content on mental health and well-being.