Navigating Medical School: Strategies for Overcoming Disgust During Physical Exams

Many medical students go through a phase where they feel especially disgusted during certain physical exams, particularly those involving the nose and throat. This feeling can be challenging, especially if you're already deeply invested in the medical career path. Here are some strategies to help you manage and possibly overcome these feelings.

Understanding Your Feelings

Firstly, it's important to understand that feeling disgusted during certain physical exams is a common experience among medical students. It's often a result of the intensity and intimate nature of these procedures. However, it's crucial to recognize that these feelings can be managed and mitigated with the right strategies.

Short-term Solutions

Find Your Balance: If you're still in medical school, consider doing so with a focus on short-term solutions that can help you manage these feelings. For instance, you could:

Choose Your Speciality Wisely: If you're not too far into your medical education, consider choosing a residency in a field that involves less direct physical contact. Radiology, psychiatry, or pathology might be better fits for you. Focus on Non-Physical Specialties: Some residents have found success in fields like radiology or engineering, where they can still contribute to the medical field without the same level of intimate physical contact. There are even stories of residents who created medical devices to help those in the field. Study Hard for Exams: Aim to excel in your studies and board exams to increase your chances of securing a residency in a field that aligns better with your comfort level.

Long-term Solutions

Consider Alternative Careers: If you're in a more advanced stage of your medical education, the path to a different career might seem more daunting. However, this doesn't mean it's impossible. Here are some options:

Colon and Rectal Surgery or Gynecology: These specialties might be more tolerable for those who find physical exams particularly uncomfortable, as the procedures are less frequently required. Career Change: Given your intelligence and the progress you've made so far, you might consider a career change altogether. Engineering, for example, provides an opportunity to contribute to the medical field by developing new technologies or devices.

It's important to understand that if you're deeply disgusted by blood and body fluids, you might need to seriously consider a career outside of medicine that doesn't involve such intensity. Pathology, while it can involve autopsies, might still be a viable option if you want to stay in the medical field.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while feeling icky during physical exams is a common challenge for medical students, there are several strategies you can employ to manage or overcome it. Whether you choose to find a different specialty within medicine or consider a career change, taking proactive steps now can make your path in the medical field more rewarding and less stressful. Enjoy the journey and keep your focus on the goal of becoming the best healthcare provider you can be.