So your S.O. has decided to go to Medical School…

I remember this conversation like it was the other day. Geoff told me that he wanted to become a doctor and go to medical school. All I could think (or say for that matter) was ‘Okay’. In my mind it was a WHOLE different story. I started thinking about all the life changes, the sacrifices, and the unknown. My father was an Internal Medicine physician with a very successful practice. Geoff’s father is currently a practicing Anesthesiologist. Both have shared their experience, advice, and insight into the whole process. My mother-in-law supported Geoff’s father through medical school – so I leaned on her for advice and support. Did I really know what I was getting into? I said I knew…but did I REALLY?

If I could give you any advice this is it – run for the hills! Just kidding, don’t do that. But in all seriousness though, be prepared for a significant change. A change that will shape not just you and your significant other (S.O.) as individuals, but as a couple. It sounds so obvious, and you may roll your eyes, but trust me…when you look back on who you both were at the beginning of the journey and at the end of the journey, you won’t be the same. And that’s okay.

Be prepared to be “essentially single” most of the time. Be prepared for your S.O. to be physically present, but mentally absent (at times). Be prepared to have to plug in when they need you, even though it feels like ages that you’ve had too. Be prepared to to do almost everything. Cooking, cleaning, taking care of the pets, of the kids, the bills, the rent, and them! It will be a lot to handle, but you got this.

Make sure that you and your S.O. talk about medical school, the journey, wants & needs for the other person, wants & needs as a couple, and really make sure you’re on the same page. Medical school will take a lot of effort on both sides and you don’t want to leave things unsaid. You have a long and tough 4-years ahead. It is not going to be easy, but it will be worth it. To see your S.O. pursue their passion is really exciting. To see them grasp a concept or to see their eyes light up when they talk about what they want to do is inspiring. You will then know that the long days and nights were 100% worth it.

xoxo