If there’s one thing I knew before starting medical school, it was this: Burnout is real.
I had heard the horror stories—students collapsing from exhaustion, sleepless nights turning into weeks of fatigue, and some even quitting because they just couldn’t keep up.
So, I made a promise to myself:
If I needed a break, I’d take it. No guilt. No hesitation.
And honestly? That worked… for a while.
However, as the workload got heavier and the expectations piled up, burnout stopped being a distant concept.
It became my reality.
🚨 The Warning Signs
It started subtly:
❌ Staring at my notes for hours, but nothing stuck.
❌ Sitting through lectures, but my mind constantly wandered.
❌ No matter how much I slept, I was always tired.
❌ Studying felt like a chore instead of a passion.
That’s when I knew I was running on empty.
🤝 What Saved Me? My Study Group!
We weren’t just study partners. We were survival partners.
📚 We tackled tough topics together, making complex concepts easier to grasp.
😂 We laughed over the most ridiculous things (sometimes over how lost we were in a topic).
🎮 We planned small game sessions, movie nights, and random fun activities.
But the real magic? We reminded each other to REST.
We understood that medical school wasn’t just about grinding—it was about surviving with your sanity intact.
🔥 Why Study Groups Are a Game-Changer
✔ They make studying more effective. Explaining concepts to each other boosts understanding.
✔ They keep you accountable. You’re less likely to procrastinate when your group is counting on you.
✔ They prevent burnout. A good study group knows when to take a break and have fun.
✔ They give you emotional support. Having people who “get it” makes the journey easier.
📌 My Takeaways
✅ Burnout doesn’t happen overnight—it creeps in slowly. Pay attention to the signs.
✅ Rest is part of the process. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
✅ Surround yourself with people who remind you to breathe.
If you ever feel like medical school (or any course) is draining the life out of you, PAUSE.
Find something that keeps you grounded—a study group, a hobby, or even moments of silence.
👉🏽 Have you ever experienced burnout? What helped you push through? Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️💬
Written By: Dr. Clement Nyawornota
UDS SoM Alumni
@Dr. Med Clement UDS
Posted by: Dr. Richeal Shola Makinde, UCC School of Medical Sciences Alumni, LinkedIn Profile
