Medical school can be challenging for anyone, with high demands on time, the pressures of managing an ever-growing body of information, and the need to constantly juggle multiple responsibilities. The pre-clinical (first and second) years are spent in the classroom setting. Reading textbooks and sitting through lectures comprise the bulk of your workload. The clinical (third and fourth) years are spent in the hospital or clinic, where long amounts of time are spent with patients, and the skills you learned in the classroom are put to the test. Although “surviving medical school” may seem like an ominous task, there are numerous resources available to guide you toward your end goal – getting into a residency and, ultimately, starting practice.

Several handbooks and pocket survival guides are available in your medical school's library or online book retailer to help navigate the hazards of rotations, electives, specialty choice, residency selection and related issues. Many of these texts will help you better understand the counsel provided by residents, faculty and role models. To complement these resources, the AAFP Division of Medical Education has compiled a series of straightforward tips addressing common issues and challenges you will face in your clinical years of medical school. Many of these tips are also applicable to other aspects of your life and your future career.