I'm new!

Hi, my name is Michelle... My boyfriend sent this web site to me, he will be starting med. school in Aug. He wants me to read and see what is in store for us! So, someone tell me the truth, am I going to go thru hell? thanks!!!

You guys are just both in for a really great adventure! I wouldn't call it hell



My husband recently finished residency and fellowship, so we are at the end of this journey...it will go by fast, believe it or not (though there were some times when we were in the middle of things that I thought we'd never cross the finish line! )



Are you a student also? Have you decided what you will be doing while your boyfriend begins medical school? I found that for me, keeping busy really helped.



I look forward to getting to know you...feel free to post any time...everyone here is very understanding....



Kris

Michelle,



Have you been able to look into any programs for you that might be available at the med school he'll be studying at? I know it will mean a move for you too...but it might be worth it so that you can see each other more often. We have a couple of members here who are teachers, so they may be able to point you in the right direction....after the weekend, more people usually check in...so you might see what they have to say then!



Honestly, there will be some tough times...but you CAN do it! There are a lot of great times too....I know that we sure made it into an adventure! Think of the stories that you'll have later...three hours away, sneaking time together on the weekends.... It might just even add a bit more intrigue to the relationship!



Kris

[DCJenn]

Welcome Michelle-



I wouldn't call it hell- at least not all of the time. Although there are some seriously hellish times. But there are some fun times, too.



We're finishing up 2nd year (pediatrics) and I'm soooo glad!



Welcome!



Jenn

Thanks Kris for your reply!

Yes I am a student still, I finish up next year... I'm going to be teaching elementary school. The only thing that worries me is he will be 3 hours away at school. So I don't know how often we'll see each other... I'm sure it will work out though.

Since we have been together so long, 6 years, that gives me confidence that things will be okay, you know? Yeah, I heard you need to stay really busy, I was thinking about getting my masters after I graduate and we are married. This will be after his second year... Well, thanks again!! ~Michelle

Well, it's hard at times, but in the end, it's worth it. Each year is such an accomplishment for the one going through med school/residency/fellowship and then the one supporting them... It takes a lot of energy to support med student/resident, just take each day at a time and don't overwhelm yourself... You won't see your boyfriend as much as you may like, but those times when you do see one another wil be special if you don't let yourself get angry at him for not seeing him (if that makes sense!) I hope this helps. These are just my little experiences!



Christy

Welcome Michelle! I would just echo what the others have said: it will be an adventure! Not an adventure that you will want to repeat ever again but one that you will surely remember for the rest of your lives. I met my husband during medical school and we were very long-distance for the first two years of his residency while I went to graduate school. You'll have "your" life and he will be busy almost all of the time - you'll work it out! And just think of what you have to look forward to when you are together again in the same city!

Although I missed him a LOT, we had some really wonderful times together when either one of us would visit the other for the weekend or week. Again, welcome to the board & I look forward to chatting with you!

[houseelf]

Michelle,



Welcome! Sorry for the delayed response--I've been playing hookey from work, and consequently, this board.



I'm not going to lie, there will be some rough patches, but I haven't met anyone who hasn't had a fair amount of rough patches in his/her life, regardless of professional choice. You will just take a different path.



Medical school was actually a great time for me and my dh--we met and fell in love and solidified our relationship. My strongest advice is to encourage your mate to go into a more family friendly specialty. This will ameliorate some of the pain of residency.



Best of luck to you! I look forward to chatting more extensively below!



Kelly

Hi Michelle,



I am a year behind you in this process. My boyfriend will be starting med school NEXT year, but I'm trying to prepare myself for what it will be like. I would love to hear how things go for you so I have an idea of what it will be like. Good luck!



Beth

OK, truly medical school kicked me and my husband's butts! It is hard to make the adjustments to the truly difficult second and third years of med school and it will test your relationship and your sanity but it's kind of like giving birth: it hurts, it distorts you, you feel like you might die - but you won't and many, many people have done exactly the same thing and survived just fine. Just remember you aren't the only one - that was my biggest psychological problem the first two years of medical school. I didn't realize just how many women (and men!) were having my exact same experience as a spouse of a medical student. So, hang in there! It's tough, but once you're done with training you will be part of an "elite" group of couples that have walked through h**l and lived to tell the tale!



Jennifer