Page 13 - WCMS3Q21

Reflections on Entering the Second Year of Med School
Jesper Ke, M2
University of Michigan Medical School
Vice President of ExterSnal Affairs, UMMS American Medical Association Chapter
ince I last wrote a Sarosh, and Rose) and student AMA chapter members to reflection for the craft resolutions for the 2021 Michigan State Medical WCMS’s Winter Society House of Delegates. In the end, our chapter
2020 Bulletin, as I was entering med school, a lot has changed. We are now second-year medical students. We weathered the Michigan winter. Our M1 year has ended, and we now are preparing to embark on the next phase of our journey: clinical clerkships.
Reflecting on the M-1 year, there’s no doubt in my mind that it was one of the most challenging I have faced. Finding balance between our accelerated 1-year pre-clinical curriculum and social relationships, extracurriculars, and personal well-being was an overwhelming challenge at times. When I found myself struggling in the midst of this challenge, I always took a moment to remind myself of bright moments and things I was grateful for.
One of the brightest moments of the past year was working with fellow board members (Alangoya, Victor,
submitted close to 20 resolutions for consideration, 9 of which were generously edited and endorsed by WCMS’s Executive Council. Having members of the Executive Council working closely as equals with and carefully listening to medical student perspectives throughout this process was gratifying. In addition, it was rewarding to see the growth of our student writers, many of whom had no experience in drafting resolutions or writing policy, but who afterwards felt much more confident in their abilities. Medical students can often feel their voices are lost in the healthcare hierarchy, so it meant a lot to be able to share our voice both within WCMS and at the House of Delegates.
Moments of mentorship and support like these are ones I will remember and reflect on as we enter the clerkship year. While there will be many fewer opportunities to pursue outside interests, I’m excited to be passing off the leadership reins of our chapter to a new generation of M1 students and to anticipate the growth that this new year holds in store. •
Volume 73 • Number 3 Washtenaw County Medical Society BULLETIN 13