Expectation vs. Reality

USask medical student, Amy Zhou, reflects on the complicated experience of beginning medical school in the middle of a pandemic.

By Amy Zhou, medical student, University of Saskatchewan

As medical students, we have overcome our biggest obstacle to date – acceptance into medical school. As for those in the classes before ours, this came with countless hours of studying and a significantly compromised social life. We were all so preoccupied with the anticipation of receiving the letter that would determine our career that none of us were prepared for the global crisis that would overshadow the moment we found out whether our hard work had paid off.

Shortly after COVID-19 hit, headlines proclaimed “Shortage of health-care workers” and “Health-care systems being stretched thin.” The education we were embarking on was now about so much more than a career – it symbolized the responsibility and service that being a member of the medical community represents to our currently understaffed health-care system. Getting into medical school wasn’t simply the fulfillment of our dreams anymore, it was a deep commitment to our health-care system, country, and global efforts against COVID-19.

The months leading up to the first day of orientation were filled with anxiety, excitement, and anticipation of what was to come. I think many of us were eager to step up and serve our health-care system in any way that we could. The reality was more mundane with hours spent in virtual anatomy classes, while subject to class-wide quarantines. There were strict prohibitions against shadowing, learning practical skills, and face-to-face interaction with patients. While necessary and understandable, these restrictions made our reality a far cry from our idealized aspirations of helping our country and loved ones in the battle against the pandemic. It felt discouraging – as if we worked so hard to be part of a team, only to watch the action unfold from the sidelines.

Despite the challenges and disappointments of the past year, there have been small but significant silver linings. The class of 2024 has worked harder than any other class to maintain and recognize the importance of mental health. The class of 2024 has optimized self-care techniques and checking in with friends virtually. The class of 2024 has remained determined to socialize and connect with the rest of the College of Medicine via safe means. The class of 2024 has grit.

One thing I noticed as a recent BSc psychology major is the shift in our class from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation. A study done by Lepper et al. in 1973, demonstrated the impact of the free choice paradigm and our ability to become intrinsically motivated. This year has allowed the class of 2024 to slow down and pursue subjects that are motivated by our own volition. The lack of interaction has led us to individually explore our preferences and priorities.

Physicians – as you stand with endless hours stretching out before you and a never-ending cue of patients and their worried loved ones – I want you to know that the class of 2024 supports you from a distance. We are saddened that we cannot stand beside you physically but please know that we admire your resilience and the way you have continued to provide your patients with the best possible care under these extreme circumstances. You should be proud of the lives you make better by your service. Although many of you have never met us, we hope you know that we look up to you and see you as our role models. We hope to see you in the halls someday and to shake your hand when all of this is behind us. ◆