This is What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Doctor
Becoming lesser than you were meant to be is a life wasted.
A few weeks ago I finished intense training to become a Medical Doctor.
The journey has been a rollercoaster.
One that makes you nauseous and asthmatic at every peak, turn, vale, twist.
But I’m happy about the man it has carved out of me and the light it has helped me spark within.
As I was enjoying my free time, I got invited to give a speech to medical freshmen at another university by an acquaintance who had been reading my work.
I jumped at the opportunity, writing the words below in a fit of energy right after the gym.
I was excited.
But a day before the event I backed out because the company planning the function didn’t align with my values.
It didn’t happen.
That aside, I don’t waste material.
So, here’s the speech I’d have given. Enjoy!
Beyond Medical School
“Everything in life can be taken away from you and generally will be at some point. Your wealth vanishes, the latest gadgetry suddenly becomes passé, your allies desert you. But if your mind is armed with the art of war, there is no power that can take that away.” — Robert Greene
Hello everyone,
Most of you think you joined this great university for academics.
You're wrong.
I’d like you to think broader, deeper and further than that.
Many doctors have flooded the market and you risk going hungry and broke.
Worse, you risk becoming another ordinary consultant.
It's depressing knowing how much potential you have.
How much greatness is inside each one of you.
How much impact you could impart.
Becoming lesser than you were meant to be is a life wasted.
And I wouldn't wish that grim fate on you.
You deserve better, young doctors.
And it's time you re-strategize your approach in medical school so you can succeed.
First, learn…
Social Skills
I want you to become someone people want to connect with by respecting yourself, exuding good vibes, having fun and choosing to help everyone you meet.
I want you to approach people by sharing value with confidence.
Not meeting them with ego and entitlement.
I want you to learn how to listen. To empathize with individuals. To dance with a conversation.
So, volunteer in various school events to meet new people and practice your social skills.
Still on being social, you’ll be wise to realize this sad reality.
You're getting used.
By who? Meta, Tiktok, X.
They own the platforms you spend countless hours on and they make billions every year through advertisement.
And what do you get in return?
I understand it's entertaining.
But you're getting a bad end of the deal.
It’s clearly a toxic relationship.
And it's time you came to understand something.
You can flip the dynamic and use social media to your advantage because I know you're all ambitious students.
It's why you excelled in your examinations and qualified to be here.
Social Media
Share your work and accomplishments. Be genuine. People are drawn to authenticity.
Reach out to people. Meet up. Drink some coffee and share ideas with them.
Congratulate their successes. Be part of their life and they'll join in on yours.
Love people and they’ll love you back.
Your future opportunities, customers and collaborators will come from social media.
Tap into that power.
Well, that's good and all.
But you'll notice another big problem that might cost you your career.
Having some influence doesn't mean people will listen to and follow you.
And it's wise to learn how to lead without seeming like a leader.
To help people aspire to be the best without saying a word — through your actions.
To support your team in cultivating their greatness without them resenting you.
And this is why you'll do well to learn…
Leadership Skills
Congratulations on being among the top students in the country.
You're a leader by default.
You're chosen by God.
And it's time you embody this divine role.
Your destiny.
Volunteer to be a class representative. Start a business. A company. Try your hand at student politics. Anything.
Know that you don't need an official position to lead.
However, there's a problem. Your leadership will be tested.
You'll come to learn there's a way you ought to talk to people. Your superiors. Colleagues. The mentees you meet along the way.
Why? So they can listen to you and help you solve any problems you'll encounter toward your goals.
This is where communication comes in to play.
And not just communication. But…
Effective Communication
Everyone can talk. But not everyone can make themselves heard. Make a clear and concise point.
Not everyone can arouse emotions in you. Make you want to fight for your career. Win. Become the best.
It's an art.
You'll be far ahead of your peers if you learn how to communicate. Sell yourself — your ideas. And how to argue through the written and spoken word.
So, practice the different styles of writing and express yourself with courage.
Self-care
Juggling all these life aspects will tax your mental and physical capacities.
There are many days and nights you won’t feel like going on with any of it.
And it’s during these times you’ll benefit from what the great writer Ryan Holiday says,
“It’s not ambition or skill that is going to set you apart but sanity.”
Get your 7-8 hours of sleep on most nights. Call your friends to hang out. Eat high quality and healthy food on most days. Party like you own the night. Meditate. Train hard. Busk in the sun. Do some earthing.
Procrastinate your relaxation. But check in with yourself to know when you need to rest.
Take care of your health because you’re in the game for a long time.
It’s a marathon.
With that, I want you to know the world will be yours. You’ll become a great doctor. Opportunities will flood your doorstep. And when you doubt yourself, remember the words of Marcus Aurelius, to…
“Practice even what seems impossible. The left hand is useless at almost everything, for lack of practice. But it guides the reins better than the right. From practice.”
Share this with someone who needs it 💌
Have a great week ahead,
Antonius Veritas.
What I’m listening to:
And don't sign on to a group practice of 30 other docs and a corporate business model focused on bottom line profits.
Excellent speech, and congratulations on finishing training. Wishing you all the best.