Spending A Quality Summer Vacation As A Medical Student

WRITTEN BY FATHIMA ZAHRA CLASS OF 2026.

This blog is about spending the summer vacation in a useful and effective manner. As I spent my summer vacation in my home country I will include all my experiences.

INTRODUCTION

 The textbooks are shut, the exams are (hopefully) aced, and summer stretches before you like a glorious, unscheduled anatomy diagram. But wait – for a med student, is "summer break" really a break? Can we have both the beach and the books?

 Taking a break as a medical student is crucial for maintaining both mental and physical health. The demanding nature of medical education can lead to burnout, stress, and fatigue which can negatively impact academic performance and personal wellbeing. A well deserved break allows students to recharge, reflect, and regain their energy. It offers an opportunity to relax, engage in hobbies and spend quality time with loved ones, ultimately fostering a balanced and healthy lifestyle. By stepping away from their rigorous routines, medical students can return to their studies with renewed focus, motivation, and a clearer perspective, ready to tackle the challenge ahead.

PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE

 Prioritizing self-care during summer vacation is essential for medical students to maintain their well-being and prepare for the upcoming academic year.

REST AND RELAXATION

·         Sleep: Catch up on sleep and establish a healthy sleep routine to recover from the demanding academic schedule.

·         Relaxation: Engage in activities that promote relaxation. As an example, reading, watching movies or spending time with family and your friends.

MENTAL HEALTH

·         Mindfulness: Practice meditation to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

·         Hobbies: Spend time on activities. As example, I did gardening and riding a bicycle during my vacation.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

·         Exercise: Incorporate regular physical activity. whether its yoga, swimming or going to the gym. As for me, i have done some daily routine gym exercises at home.

·         Nutrition: Focus on balanced, nutritious meals to fuel your body and mind. I have focused on meals that I can not get in Belarus, specifically jack fruit, green leaves, etc.

PERSONAL GROWTH

·         Self-reflection: Take time to reflect on personal and academic goals and plan for the upcoming year. You can make a timetable for the upcoming semester.

·         New skills: Learn something new or pursue and interest that is unrelated to medicine to foster a well rounded personality. I have attended classes that are focused on learning for the ERPM exam (examination for foreign graduate students based in Srilanka)

GAINING CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

Summer vacation is an excellent time for medical students to gain valuable clinical experience without the pressure of academic responsibilities.

 SHADOWING PHYSICIANS

·         Hands on learning: Shadowing experienced doctors in various specialities provides firsthand insight into different medical fields. As an example, if you are in to paediatrics you can learn under a paediatrician in a specific hospital.

·         Networking: Build relationships with professionals who can offer guidance, mentorship, and potential future opportunities.

INTERNSHIPS IN HOSPITALS

·         Practical experience: Participate in medical internships to apply classroom knowledge in real real-world settings. For example, if you visit a hospital ward take patient history, and investigations and compare and apply them to things that you have learned in medical university.

·         Skill development: Develop practical skills and gain exposure to patient care, medical procedures and hospital operations. As an example, you can assist for suturing in a certain operation and gain experience.

VOLUNTEERING

·         Community service: Volunteer at local clinics, hospitals, or health camps to give back to the community while enhancing your clinical skills.

·         Broaden perspectives: Experience healthcare delivery in different environments and understand diverse patient needs.

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES.

·         Clinical research: Join research projects or assist in clinical studies to contribute to medical advancements and enhance your research skills.

·         Publications: Work towards getting your research published, which can be beneficial for your medical career and residency applications. As an example, you can work under certain physicians in your regional hospital and work on research.

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

Summer vacation offers a valuable opportunity for medical students to engage in academic enrichment without the pressure of regular coursework.

ONLINE COURSES AND WORKSHOP

Specialized classes: Enroll in online courses or attend workshops on specialized medical topics according to the exams you are targeted on. I have attended online courses related to ERPM examination medicine and surgical topics.

 Skill development: you can enroll in practical classes that teach maneuvers of medical procedures. I have enrolled in a pediatric practical session.

READING AND RESEARCH

 Medical journals: keep up with the latest advancements and research in your field by reading medical journals and articles.

Books: Explore medical textbooks and books by renowned authors to deepen your understanding of complex topics. Examples- Netter’s Flashcards, Oxford Clinical Medicine, Bailey and Love Surgery books, etc.

TRAVEL AND EXPLORATION

Summer vacation provides a perfect opportunity for medical students to travel and explore new places, offering a refreshing break from academic rigors and a chance to gain unique experiences.

ADVENTURE AND RELAXATION

Balance your travel itinerary with adventurous activities and relaxation to destress and recharge. I have went to camping in Ella, that was a memorable and adventurous experience to me.

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SITES

Visit historical landmarks, museums, and cultural sites to broaden your knowledge. I have visited the planetarium in Colombo as apart from medicine, I'm interested in astronomy. So, grab your sunscreen, pack your curiosity, and prepare for a rejuvenating and strategically brilliant summer. Happy summer, med students