Success in Med School - and Interview with President of the Caribbean-based Medical University, the University of Health Sciences Antigua

I recently had a chance to interview university president, Dr. Adedayo Akande, about how students can adequately prepare themselves for success at top universities. 

Once accepted into medical school, the preparation shouldn't stop. To be well equipped to begin classes, Dr. Akande says there's a number of things students should be doing.

 

“Just because you’ve been accepted doesn’t mean you’ll be successful, you need to mentally prepare for your future by working with mentors, among other things," says Akande.

• How can students use spare time to set themselves up for success in medical school?

Set a time to study. Although much of medical school involves lectures and simulation experiences, at least in the beginning stages, particularly with the modern curriculum, students will find it is their responsibility to budget for study time. Once you begin medical school, gone are the days of acing exams by luck. The board exams are a challenging process, and failing them can be detrimental to one's future.

This brings me to my next suggestion, which is finding time for breaks. The pressure of achieving high passing scores can take a mental toll on medical students. In the end, medical students must find a balance for succeeding while also avoiding burnout.

• Why is networking important and how can students make meaningful connections?

As we know, networking is a way to open the door for opportunities in any industry, and in medicine, it is just as important. From an education standpoint, medical students network when requesting letters of recommendation from their admissions application all the way into their future. We recently processed a letter of recommendation for a 1980’s graduate to give you an example. Outside of medical school,  students will network with their classmates, future colleagues, and mentors, opening doors to new job pathways.

• Stress is naturally a part of med school - what are some ways that students can deal with that stress?

I mentioned the importance of finding balance earlier because medical school is not easy. However, our institution supports students who might experience challenges. Students must also establish a support system. Whether friends or family, having others around who can provide advice and offer support is essential. Students should also dedicate time to hobbies and activities that allow them to set their minds at ease. Thankfully being in the Caribbean, our students also can destress at the beach, even at the peak of winter.

• What are some skills that students might overlook that can help students stand out and be noticed?

In medical education, exam scores are heavily looked upon. There is no avoiding that. However, it's also important to be a well-rounded individual. At the end of the day, doctors are humans, so it's essential to grow as a person. Be one that prioritizes serving those in need, whether volunteering or mentoring the disadvantaged. From a scientific standpoint, conducting independent research is an excellent addition to one's CV.

Dr. Adedayo Akande is a Chicago-born/Antigua-raised businessman. He is the Chairman and President of the Caribbean-based Medical University, the University of Health Sciences Antigua. During his tenure as President, UHSA has witnessed numerous developments, even during the pandemic, including expanding its international programs and venturing into new areas of business such as psychedelic research.  He’s been featured in Influencive, NY Times, Authority Magazine, LA Wire and More.