The third year of medical school is generally comprised of six basic rotations: pediatrics, surgery, internal medicine, family medicine, obstetrics-gynecology, and psychiatry. Most rotations take place in the hospital, but some are community-based. Through these rotations, you are afforded the opportunity to develop procedural and cognitive skills, to practice your patient interaction skills, and to explore many aspects of medicine. These experiences will ultimately serve as your main point of reference for specialty choice.

What are these rotations like? The hours are often long, the expectations are high, and students’ roles vary by rotation and setting. Some rotations will allow you to see patients, take histories, perform physicals, take call and participate in procedures, while others are simply an opportunity to listen, learn and observe.

From the beginning of your first rotation in July to the end of your last rotation in June, you will experience many emotions. Emotional “highs” include performing a procedure for the first time, being able to successfully present a patient during rounds and, potentially, bringing a baby into the world. Lows may consist of such things as dealing with huge amounts of information, making mistakes, or coping with the death of a patient. Common emotions felt by students during the third year are anxiety, excitement, fear, frustration and exhilaration.

You will face many physical and cognitive challenges during your third year. Making the most of limited free time, being isolated from classmates, learning to deal with the hierarchy of the patient care team, knowing which resource to consult to find a quick answer, and handling post-call fatigue are just a few of the challenges you will overcome on a daily basis.

Overall, the third year in medical school is a very unique experience. It is a time like no other in the life of a medical student. When the year is over, you will have gained a better understanding of the art and science of medicine, tested your limits, identified some of your strengths and weaknesses, and, hopefully, you will have found your calling.

Here are tips to help you with the challenges you will face as an M3: