The Unofficial Guide to First Year - University of Oklahoma Health ...

UNOFFICIAL GUIDE
you need. Whatever system of organization you use – file folders, three-ring binders,
whatever – start organizing the first-week and stick with it.
Go to class. “Home-schooling” is a popular option at OUCOM, which works very well for
some students. If you choose to study at home, however, you’ll have to know which classes
just need a thorough reading of the syllabus and which classes require a complete review of
taped lectures and other class materials. You won’t have the instincts needed to homeschool
effectively in your first test block, so attending class in the early weeks is a great idea
– you’ll also be making new friends and finding study partners. You can develop your own
study style with experience later.
Take care of yourself. Once you realize what is expected of you, “take care of yourself”
may sound like impossible advice. In fact, it’s the only way to survive. The medical school
workload is a stress to your mind but it’s also a stress to your body. It’s very easy to neglect
advice that may seem absurdly basic. Eat properly. Get adequate rest at night. Even if it
takes some time away from your study schedule, get some regular physical exercise to
maintain your body and to reduce your stress. Take time away from your studies on a
regular basis – some students have a “no study” rule for one day each week or for a couple
of evenings each week in order to recharge and to spend time with friends and family.
One thing is certain: if you try to study around-the-clock and neglect proper eating,
sleeping, and exercise – you will “crash and burn,” sooner or later.
What to do when everything else fails. You may try to follow every bit of wise advice you
receive and still be faced by an overwhelming amount of stress. You aren’t alone and there is
help available. Don’t be embarrassed to talk about how you feel! Friends and family can be
a great source of support but don’t expect them to fully understand what you’re going
through – they can’t. Fellow students, especially module-mates, can be a huge source of
help. Many of us try to “cover” our stress on campus, but if you’re willing to discuss how
you feel, you’re likely to find that your module-mates are experiencing the same stresses you
are.
Sometimes you need more than supportive friends for support. The OUHSC Counseling
Center is available to help you at no cost.
Individual as well as couples and family counseling is available. All records from
counseling are completely confidential; no one will know that you’ve asked for extra help
unless you choose to release your records. Counseling help will not adversely impact your
future medical career! OUHSC has excellent counselors who have a good idea of the
stresses you’re facing. If you do need some extra help, visit the Counseling Center page at
http://student-affairs.ouhsc.edu/counseling.asp or call (405) 271-7336.
The physical symptoms of stress may also need treatment. If you’re having trouble sleeping
or other symptoms of excess stress – shaking, excess sweating, depression, etc – don’t suffer
in silence because many medical students have difficulty coping with the stress of adjusting
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