What I Want to Know

By Amy Wise, MS I

People tell me the journey to physicianhood is long and challenging, but also filled with opportunities to grow, learn, and impact those around me. As I begin my medical career, I find myself searching for what will help me succeed — not just in terms of professional achievement, but in developing the skills, resilience, and mindset needed to thrive in this ever-evolving field.

I’ve quickly learned that one of the most critical aspects for success in medicine is mentorship. I have already seen the value of learning from those who have walked this path before me. Mentorship provides guidance on navigating the complexities of medical training, choosing a specialty, and understanding the nuances of different career paths. As someone deeply interested in neurology, I hope to connect with physicians who can share their experiences and insights, helping me build a fulfilling and impactful career.

Beyond clinical knowledge, I am eager to develop a deeper understanding of the broader health care landscape. Medicine does not exist in a vacuum; it is shaped by policies, insurance systems, and societal factors. Learning how to navigate these structures will be just as important as mastering the science of disease and treatment. Through my involvement with organized medicine, I have already started to see how physicians can advocate for change and improve health care systems from within. This knowledge will be invaluable as I move forward in my training.

Continuous learning is another key element of success. Medicine is a dynamic field, with new research constantly reshaping best practices. I want to develop the ability to adapt and integrate new knowledge into my practice. This is especially true in neurology, where so much is still unknown, and discoveries are rapidly advancing our understanding of the brain. The idea that medical textbooks become outdated within a few years is both daunting and exciting — it underscores the need for lifelong curiosity and flexibility.

At the heart of medicine is the art of patient care. While evidence-based medicine provides the foundation for treatment decisions, the humanistic side of medicine — intuition, compassion, and cultural sensitivity — cannot be overlooked. Success, to me, means being able to balance scientific knowledge with the ability to connect with patients as individuals. It means recognizing that quality of life is just as important as quantity and that even when a disease cannot be cured, a physician can still provide comfort, dignity, and support.

With that said, one of my greatest concerns is physician burnout. The reality is that many doctors struggle with the demands of the profession, and I want to learn early on how to maintain a healthy balance. I hope to find efficient ways to manage stress, advocate for work-life balance, and preserve the passion that led me to medicine in the first place. It is essential to take care of ourselves so that we can take the best possible care of our patients. Medicine is not a solo endeavor – it is a team effort, and leaning on colleagues, mentors, and support networks will be crucial.

I also want to ensure that I maintain an identity outside of medicine. While this career is deeply fulfilling, I believe it is important to cultivate interests beyond work. For me, music is a significant part of my life, and I hope to continue playing guitar, singing, and writing as creative outlets. These moments of self-care are essential to staying grounded and avoiding the feeling of being consumed by the profession.

Looking ahead, I want to contribute to making medicine more inclusive and accessible. Research and health care interventions must reflect the diversity of the populations we serve. Historically, many medical studies have been based on limited demographic groups, leading to gaps in understanding and treatment disparities. I hope to be part of a generation of physicians who work toward broader representation in research and better healthcare access for all.

Finally, success in medicine is not just about the individual — it is about leaving the profession better for those who come after us. Just as previous generations of physicians have shaped the field through advocacy and innovation, I want to contribute to positive changes that will benefit future doctors and patients alike. Whether through policy work, mentorship, or community outreach, I hope to play a role in strengthening the medical field for the years to come.

With all this in mind, what I want to know are your answers to these questions so that I can be best prepared for my journey. How did you find meaningful mentorship? How do you navigate the complex medical landscape? Where do you focus your attention to keep learning the latest developments in medicine? What tips and tricks do you have for best connecting with your patients? How do you combat burnout and maintain your sense of identity? What have you done to make health care more accessible for those in the greatest need? And, finally, what advice do you have to leave health care better than you found it?

I know this is a lifelong commitment and I hope to build a path that’s meaningful and sustainable. I’m excited for what lies ahead and for the chance to be part of a profession dedicated to healing and service.

Do you have advice for Amy and other medical students (including those above who attended Honors Medicine) about finding mentorship, burnout, working effectively with colleagues or other topics? Click here to send your thoughts to us and we’ll pass them along! Put "WIWTK" in the subject line.