Don’t worry... You’ll be okay.

A medical student’s advice to the new kids

By Kelly Neely

Medical School is not hard just because of the work; it’s hard because you have to ‘live,’” says Jelani D. Ingram, a second-year medical student at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston.

“It’s hard to have a normal life and study the amount of work given within each semester,” he says. “I don’t believe doctors get their degree for finishing the required work, I think it’s because medical school assaults them with a giant hammer and they miraculously lived.”

This realization, along with many others about the intensity of medical school, shocked Ingram during his first year at the Medical School. As a way to relax in his few free moments between study sessions, Ingram began writing his observations in a journal. Then, with a little push from his supportive family, Ingram turned his journal into a book and self-published it under the title “Fighting with Your Eyes Closed: A First Year’s Guide to Medical School.”

“I know what you are thinking, ‘Man…that guy is really a nerd,’” says Ingram in his book. “My response, ‘Yeah I know.’ Guess what: If you are going to medical school, you are, too. We are the world’s collection of the coolest nerds, but nerds nonetheless!”

Ingram, a native of DeSoto, Texas, received a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he graduated cum laude. He is a recipient of the Oprah Winfrey Endowed Scholarship Fund, which aids students in completing their education at Morehouse College. After graduation, Ingram decided to head back to Texas to attend medical school.

“I wasn’t unprepared for medical school but more oblivious to how different it would be,” Ingram says. “I don’t think I’ve talked to one person who felt like they were totally ready for medical school because it’s so different than college.”

Ingram’s book serves as a helpful guide to prepare students for the impact of medical school. In the book, Ingram introduces practical knowledge every soon-to-be and current medical student should know: such as the importance of the syllabus (or as Ingram describes it, the per class bible), the wonderful world of financial aid, stress diversion, and of course time management.

The book also includes quotes from medical students from across the United States. “I wanted to make sure the reader understood it wasn’t my view,” Ingram says. “Although there are a few differences from school to school, typically medical school is a generalized experience around the nation.”

Ingram wrote this book to help incoming students understand the intensity of medical school. It provides a quick introduction to a world full of tons of work, barely any sleep, and little money.

“I wrote this book to help students realize a little bit more of what’s expected of them,” Ingram says. “There’s nothing that’s going to bring them to the point where they know they’re ready, but hopefully this book will give them an idea of what to expect.”

Ingram says he feels the best advice he can pass on to future medical students is to remember to take time out to rest mentally and physically. His book stresses the importance of time management and the art of balancing medical school and life.

“There will be stress, family issues, and emergencies during your first year,” explains Ingram in his book. “Just don’t panic. Keep in mind thousands of people have made it through medical school to become doctors and so will you.

“You’re not going to really know anything until you’re a third year, so make sure you pass the memo on to your family,” Ingram adds. “Congrats! You are now a pre-doctor. Your abilities don’t even include changing bed pans.”

Ingram’s book, “Fighting with Your Eyes Closed: A First Year’s Guide to Medical School,” is available at http://www.lulu.com/content/749325