Prioritising physician mental health is key to delivering quality patient care and sustaining a long, fulfilling medical career.
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As a prospective medical student, acknowledging your own mental well-being from the outset helps prevent burnout, supports work-life balance, and lays the foundation for resilience, personal growth, and long-term success in the demanding field of medicine.
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, doctors who trained at St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, share their tips and insights for managing mental health challenges in medical school and beyond.
Here are some tips from SGU grads:
Find and cultivate your support system: Having a strong support network is crucial to success. Whether it’s family (even from afar), friends, mentors, or other colleagues, finding those who understand your challenges can improve your mental health. Having a strong support system, from peers to mentors, can make all the difference. Mentors can provide guidance, emotional validation, and advice throughout your journey.
Establish a schedule: A clear, structured schedule is essential for managing the heavy workload in medical school. It helps you prioritise tasks, stay organised, and make time for both studying and self-care.
Find a hobby outside of your studies Whether it’s joining an intramural sport or finding solace in reading a good book, pursuing something that is personally enjoyable outside of your medical studies can provide a much-needed escape, helping to reduce stress and restore balance to your life.
Listen to your body when it needs rest: In medical school, it’s important to listen to your body and recognise when it needs rest, as pushing through exhaustion can impair your focus, memory, and overall well-being, ultimately hindering your academic performance and health.
Work-life balance in healthcare professions: Prioritising mental well-being is key to becoming not only a successful doctor but also a compassionate one who can truly connect with patients. For prospective students, cultivating mental health from the very start of your medical journey is essential for long-term success and personal fulfillment.
To be sure, it’s important to recognise that certain medical specialties, like primary care, can offer doctors more flexible schedules, making it easier to juggle personal and professional responsibilities.
Of course, work-life balance is achievable in specialties other than primary care, but it may require a different approach. Procedure-oriented specialties could require long hours and early wake-up times. Thus, physicians in those specialties may have to be more intentional about how they schedule their time at work and home.
