A Letter to Latinas Pursuing Medicine
Hello there:
Maybe you're trying to survive pre-med/organic chemistry, MCAT/AMCAS, just had your white coat ceremony, or maybe you're nowhere near school and have a little voice telling you to take the leap from wherever life has you. Or maybe you feel awesome and ready to take on the world. Wherever you are, some advice:
You will question yourself, sooner or later, and probably often. Officially called Impostor Syndrome. This is true of bright people. You're not alone, but figuring out how to handle it is a unique process.
The road is long and hard for everyone. Don't delude yourself into thinking that you're just too dumb/stupid/slow/crazy to handle it. Medicine is HARD. Period.
There's nothing and no-one can say that will ever truly make you feel fully comfortable. Only time and patience with yourself. That being said,
Maybe you're trying to survive pre-med/organic chemistry, MCAT/AMCAS, just had your white coat ceremony, or maybe you're nowhere near school and have a little voice telling you to take the leap from wherever life has you. Or maybe you feel awesome and ready to take on the world. Wherever you are, some advice:
You will question yourself, sooner or later, and probably often. Officially called Impostor Syndrome. This is true of bright people. You're not alone, but figuring out how to handle it is a unique process.
All the confidence in the world gets shattered sooner or later when you're competing among the brightest.It's okay, but don't just live with it: mindfulness, therapy, exercise, prayer, whatever you need, never give up on how to stay proud of yourself, even amidst failures.
The road is long and hard for everyone. Don't delude yourself into thinking that you're just too dumb/stupid/slow/crazy to handle it. Medicine is HARD. Period.
There's nothing and no-one can say that will ever truly make you feel fully comfortable. Only time and patience with yourself. That being said,
Stay hungry for mentors.
They may not look like you, they may not understand or agree, but they've been there. They offer all types of wisdom you won't find from Internet forums. But notice I didn't say to 'get' a mentor, I said stay hungry for them.
Don't be afraid to reach out, ask, admire, or simply say hello to a professor or presenter that struck a chord with you. If you don't know what to say try: "Tell me about your research" or "What words of advice do you have?".
Despite all classes and requirements, becoming a physician is truly an art taught by elders. Embrace that.
Elders also offer opportunity and networking. Don't be ashamed of pursuing networking. This skill more valuable long-term than anything you memorize in class. This can often be a difficult thing to do, when you're at the bottom of the hierarchy. Don't think of yourself as 'just' a student.
Dream. Hope. Plan out your career. No it's not too early. Research your next steps, do it often. Change your mind dream and plan some more. Being in school is about shaping the kind of career you want. Own that.
I know this is tough to do, particulary when you're 'supposed' to not be too proud, to be grateful for affirmative action, for the sacrifice of your parents, for the opportunity of an education, etc
And yes, you are lucky, you are blessed, it's important to keep your humilad. But also remember:
Although a white coat, diploma, award, is just that, it's also a cloak of comfort and orgullo. Don't feel silly for feeling attached to these things, especially in the hard moments.
You will hear it mentioned you only got to where you are because of your ethnicity. More than once you'll be asked "what kind of nurse do you want to be?", or be confused for a patient, a cleaning lady or cafeteria worker.
There will be haters. Maybe even outright racism or discrimination. Some will be in a position of power of you. It's not fair, but it is what it is.
It hurts to hear these things. Everytime. But if you take each one to a fight, you'll quickly deplete yourself.
You'll have moments, often with Latino patients, where your contributions will brighten, motivate and seem take your worries away. When a little girl lights up seeing your stethoscope or textbooks, when you can offer help or education that really changes someone.
But it's okay if they also/instead make you feel burdened and alone. Because you know, nuestra comunidad will still be shuffled around, misunderstood maltreated, and whatever your intervention was is simply a flash in a terribly unfair system.
But just because you can do more, doesn't mean you should or have to. You must always be kind to yourself.
As you travel through this exciting and scary journey, you'll be amazed how many emotions you can feel in a single day or even a single hour. Get used to them, ride them out like a wave. Finally, a practical tip:
Wherever you are, I wish you nothing but exitos and bendiciones. The days feel sooo long, but the years are short.
Stay the course. It will be worth it.
Con carino,
Don't be afraid to reach out, ask, admire, or simply say hello to a professor or presenter that struck a chord with you. If you don't know what to say try: "Tell me about your research" or "What words of advice do you have?".
Despite all classes and requirements, becoming a physician is truly an art taught by elders. Embrace that.
Elders also offer opportunity and networking. Don't be ashamed of pursuing networking. This skill more valuable long-term than anything you memorize in class. This can often be a difficult thing to do, when you're at the bottom of the hierarchy. Don't think of yourself as 'just' a student.
You're already a physician, it's only a matter of time.You'll often hear how much a of a 'trailblazer' and model you are for others. That is very true. They're not talking about later or with an MD after your name. But now, you've done great and are going places.
Dream. Hope. Plan out your career. No it's not too early. Research your next steps, do it often. Change your mind dream and plan some more. Being in school is about shaping the kind of career you want. Own that.
I know this is tough to do, particulary when you're 'supposed' to not be too proud, to be grateful for affirmative action, for the sacrifice of your parents, for the opportunity of an education, etc
And yes, you are lucky, you are blessed, it's important to keep your humilad. But also remember:
You have earned your achievements, don't let anyone make you feel otherwise.The position you're in came from the fruits of your labor. And you should be proud of that. If you've been wronged or mistreated, you are as deserving of a correction as anyone at your standing.
Although a white coat, diploma, award, is just that, it's also a cloak of comfort and orgullo. Don't feel silly for feeling attached to these things, especially in the hard moments.
You will hear it mentioned you only got to where you are because of your ethnicity. More than once you'll be asked "what kind of nurse do you want to be?", or be confused for a patient, a cleaning lady or cafeteria worker.
There will be haters. Maybe even outright racism or discrimination. Some will be in a position of power of you. It's not fair, but it is what it is.
It hurts to hear these things. Everytime. But if you take each one to a fight, you'll quickly deplete yourself.
'Picking your battles' is a team skill.
This is where the wisdom of mentors is so great. But that wont be enough. Join the community of other minorities in medicine. The internet, your school, national organizations, don't try it alone. Don't make it harder than it has to be. Even if you already have plenty of friends and support prior to embarking on this journey. It's as necessary as studying.
You'll have moments, often with Latino patients, where your contributions will brighten, motivate and seem take your worries away. When a little girl lights up seeing your stethoscope or textbooks, when you can offer help or education that really changes someone.
But it's okay if they also/instead make you feel burdened and alone. Because you know, nuestra comunidad will still be shuffled around, misunderstood maltreated, and whatever your intervention was is simply a flash in a terribly unfair system.
But just because you can do more, doesn't mean you should or have to. You must always be kind to yourself.
Prioritize time for self-care and familiaIf you don't know how to exactly 'do' self-care. Spend time googling, and experimenting how, but do not forget this. If you want to make it to the end with heart , you must master this. If you're in a moment chosing between self-care and studying, almost always self-care is the right answer.
As you travel through this exciting and scary journey, you'll be amazed how many emotions you can feel in a single day or even a single hour. Get used to them, ride them out like a wave. Finally, a practical tip:
Read your personal statements/application essays on a regular basis.Wherever you are on the journey, they'll remind you of where you've been, what your dreams are. On the days when you feel like giving up, sit down and read them. (Maybe with a good drink 😉 )
Wherever you are, I wish you nothing but exitos and bendiciones. The days feel sooo long, but the years are short.
Stay the course. It will be worth it.
Con carino,
