Homeostasis: What is the gauge?

It has been some time of me on my pre-med journey. Recently, I’ve been preparing for the MCAT (medical college admissions test). One concept that is widely discussed in the world of western medicine is the concept of homeostasis; (def): “relatively constant internal conditions”.

In my time leading up to this exam, I’ve been working hard and doing my best to take care of myself. However, I feel that I’m lacking a gauge. How do I rank? How do I compare to others? When I was taking science classes at the local community college, it was easy to tell where I stood amongst the bunch. However, being out of school, I have been teaching myself many things and moving, non-stop, toward the goal.

When I was beginning my pre-med journey, I met a resident physician who was encouraging and chatted briefly with him. One day, I saw him again and I couldn’t help but feel motivated and inspired. He looked like he worked hard and I felt the need to compete against him.

Now, I am left wondering? Where do I stand? How do I compete? I know that I will find out when I send out my applications next year.

This summer will mark a full year of my pre-med grind. As I reflect on my life, thus far, I am so grateful for all of the hard work I’ve put in.

As I think about my next steps toward medical school, I feel a little in over my head. I’m learning exactly why American doctors are in debt.

I am also trying to undo all of the pre-conceived ideas I had about what doctor’s do and what their lives are like. From what I’m learning, its a lot of dirty work. It’s a lot of correction. A lot of the work done, which is motivated by the desire to help others, goes over people’s heads, and, mainly, ends up being criticized. Every time a significant amount of work is done, the goal post of “what makes a doctor” seems to be moved higher and higher.

Be blessed!

Ashley D. Chandrashekhar