Medicine 101: Revealing the truth of Medical School with Kanicia Green

You just entered medical school, what was your first week like? 

My first week was actually really scary at first. SIUSOM has an innovative curriculum called problem based learning which is completely different than anything anyone has every seen in the classroom. There are no required textbooks, limited lectures, and A LOT of self guided study. On the first day of class, we were given a patient, their chief complaint (“what brought them to the hospital”) and we were told to “fix them”. We were given all of the patient’s medical history and lab results, had come up with a diagnosis, figure out why this diagnosis causes these problems, and what we can do to “fix the patient”. I was very intimidated by this but as the week progressed and I learned how to productively self-study and use resources that worked for me, it actually became really fun. It was similar to solving a mystery case and it was so rewarding to see my classmates and I all come to the same solution at the end of the week.

Additionally, on the weekend after our first week of classes, my classmates and I had a lot of fun exploring what the campus has to offer. For example, my roommate and I attended a Zumba class at the recreational center on campus which was a lot of fun. I definitely plan on using the recreational center to work out more often.

How are your classes structured? 

Everyday entails something different. During orientation we were given a schedule for the entire unit with blocks of time from 8 AM to 5 PM. There is really no particular pattern to what classes or sessions we must attend so it’s important to check the schedule every day. 

How long will it take for you to become a licensed physician? 

It will take me four years of medical school and three years of residency to become an obstetrician gynecologist.

What are some things that surprised you the most? 

I was genuinely surprised how inviting, welcoming, and understanding everyone (from staff to students) were. Coming from undergrad at Howard which is so very community/family like, I was leery about what kind of environment I would walk into at SIU. However, everyone here really wants to see you succeed and they go above and beyond to make you comfortable. 

What made you want to be a doctor? 

Growing up, I have always been fascinated by science and the human body. I was definitely the weird kid who actually liked the book, pen, and paper (non-exciting) side of science. Figuring out how things work beneath the surface level has always interested me. Also I love community service. What better way to connect science and service than becoming a medical doctor?

How do you handle the stress? 

I make sure to prioritize self care. I try to work out a few times during the week and not eat too horribly in addition to making my sleep a top priority. I also make it a priority to talk to my closest friends and family and check in one them. The medical degree will come. Theres no reason to beat yourself up more than necessary along the way. 

How much do you study? 

Yikes. My first week I typically woke up around 5:30 AM. Worked out, got dressed, had breakfast, and commuted to school. I then studied from 7-8 AM. I had class straight through 8 AM - 5 PM with a one hour break. I then studied from 6 PM to 10 PM and still felt very behind and unprepared. I used the weekend to do majority of my studying in which I woke up around 9 AM and studied to 5 PM with several small breaks in between. Finding time to adequately study and make time for self care is definitely a worry of mine already. 

Favorite thing about medical school?

My favorite thing so far is seeing everyone from different backgrounds come together for the same goal. My class is comprised of students from Springfield High, SHG, parents, people further in age, people younger than me, etc. Seeing us all come together to get this degree is truly beautiful to me.