From Scrubs to Self-Care: Balancing Resilience and Wellness as a Medical Student
Author: Mysa Abdelrahman
Keywords: Women in Medicine Summit, burnout, resiliency, wellness, self-care
“There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.
Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go,
To the place where the sidewalk ends.
Yes, we’ll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we’ll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children they mark, and the children they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.”
-Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends
Shel Silverstein's poem 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' draws a parallel with the experience of being a medical student through its exploration of the contrast between the imaginative world of the poem and the structured life of a student in the medical field. Just as the sidewalk in the poem represents the known and routine path in life, the journey of a medical student often begins with a well-defined and rigorous educational path. 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' signifies the boundary between the known and the unknown, much like the transition from medical education to the unpredictable world of clinical practice. In both cases, there is an emphasis on using imagination and creativity to break free from monotony. Medical students must apply their knowledge and adapt to complex clinical situations, much like the readers of the poem who are encouraged to explore a world of endless possibilities and adventures. The parallel lies in the idea of transcending boundaries, embracing creativity, and ultimately making a meaningful impact on the world.
Balancing the demands of being a medical student with maintaining a sense of personal identity and well-being is a crucial aspect of navigating the challenging path of medicine. Oftentimes, the line between academia and identity tend to blur, in the shadow of the expectations we set for ourselves. However, finding ways to separate these two concepts can be essential to our mental and emotional health.
Engaging in self-care activities, such as reading a good book, taking a leisurely walk, or spending time with friends, has been my source of reprieve from the constant scrutiny and pressures of a medical education. These activities provide moments of respite, allowing me to momentarily step away from the role of a student and reconnect with the things that make me—me.
Reading a book, for instance, helps transport me to different worlds and perspectives, temporarily releasing me from the confines of medical textbooks. While, taking a walk in nature helps clear my mind and provide a sense of serenity, allowing me to escape the countless cards of Anki that await me. Lastly, hanging out with my friends offers a social support system that reminds me that I am more than my studies, while providing me with an environment of laughter and joy that replenishes my soul.
This balance between identity as a medical student and identity as an individual is a crucial aspect of resilience and wellness. It helps prevent burnout and fosters a healthy perspective in our journey. By carving out time for self-care activities, we not only recharge our emotional and mental well-being but also gain the resilience to face the academic and emotional challenges of a medical education with renewed vigor. Ultimately, embracing this balancing act between our role as a student and our personal identity is an investment in our long-term success and well-being in the field of medicine.
All in all, I have found that reconnecting with my inner child, whether through hanging out with friends, by indulging in simple, trivial tasks, or through the whimsy of poetry like Shel Silverstein's; serves as a powerful recentering technique. In the hectic world of medicine, it's easy to get lost in the demands of patient care. However, tapping into the innocence, curiosity, and wonder of childhood revitalizes my perspective. It reminds me that, at the heart of it all, I became a healthcare provider to make a difference in people's lives.
#WIMS2023 reminded me that it's possible to thrive in a demanding field while staying true to my nurturing and empathetic nature; emphasizing the importance of self-care in my day-day routine, I have incidentally enhanced my empathy, creativity, and resilience, ultimately allowing me to better serve and connect with my patients.
About the Author: Mysa Abdelrahman, is a third-year medical student at St. George’s University School of Medicine. She received a dual bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology with double minors in Neuroscience and Global Studies from CUNY Brooklyn College. Her interests include medical equity, global public health, and literature. (Twitter: @mabd53 )
