It’s funny that no matter how old you are, the autumn season always signals a fresh start. As we move into August and September, my thoughts turn to the students heading back to school, and to the new medical students just joining our ranks.
I had the privilege of meeting with the new first-year students at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine last Thursday. Having taught hundreds of students for many years at military medical centers such as Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and civilian places like Harvard Medical School, I know that being a medical student today is very different from what I remember.
With schools moving to new curriculum models and incorporating technology into teaching and learning, it’s definitely a different world. But some things stay the same: the excitement of fall and starting a new year, and the exhilaration of immersing oneself into the world of medicine.
Those new to medical school can take advantage of all the AMA has to offer. Stay on top of important news, connect with your peers and take on leadership roles. Here are a few easy ways to get started:
- Check out AMA Wire®, the AMA’s news site, for comprehensive coverage of issues that matter to medical students. Recent favorite topics include: five ways to prepare for the United States Medical Licensing Exam, the top apps for the modern med student and how to manage student loans after graduation.
- Sign up for AMA Morning Rounds to get this news delivered straight to your inbox every weekday. It contains the most important health care and medicine news every day, helping med students stay in the know.
- Join the AMA Medical Student Section (MSS) to have a voice in the future of medicine. The AMA-MSS offers resources, leadership opportunities, advocacy and policy information and more.
- Follow the AMA-MSS on Facebook and Twitter for even more news, involvement opportunities and interesting discussion.
Good luck to both new and returning medical students as they get one step closer to becoming physicians.
