Starting Medical School – What To Do This Summer

I’ve had several new college graduates ask me what they should do this summer to prepare for medical school.    It’s easy – don’t worry about it!  There is no studying or preparation that will improve how you do.  Seriously, you’ve been accepted and you will do fine.  I know you are anxious, but I can absolutely guarantee you don’t need to study anything to get ready!  That being said, I do have some advice about what to do this summer:

Take a vacation (or two or three…).

  • Visit family and friends – take a road trip and connect with people you haven’t seen in a while
  • Hang out on a beach, go for some great hikes, read some great novels
  • Sleep late, eat well, and just rest

Develop (or strengthen) an exercise habit.

  • Use this summer to develop  a daily exercise routine that you can take into your busy medical school life.  Overall, your goal for the summer should be to develop a balanced exercise program (cardio, strength training and flexibility).  If you’ve never done any strength training, hire a trainer and learn about it.  Your goal during medical school should be at least 30 minutes of cardio 4-5 times/week, 2-3 strength training sessions (that cover all the major muscle groups) and stretching everyday.  If you develop a balanced exercise routine this summer, it will be much, much easier to continue this once you start medical school.
  • Commit to doing at least 30 minutes of exercise a day this summer.    Running is by far the best cardio exercise for medical students.  Use this summer to become a runner.   http://wellnessrounds.org/why-you-should-run-and-how-to-get-started/

If you don’t know how to cook, learn.

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