Intro to Summer

DIY Summer

Every medical school tends to schedule summer break between the MS1 and MS2 years. For some, this break may be as long as 3 months, while for others, it may be a mere 6 weeks. Regardless, this is your chance to relax and enjoy what many refer to as “the last free summer” you will have.

Since we emphasize student wellness, precisely the inspiration behind writing this guide, we do agree that you should enjoy the summer break between MS1-MS2 to the fullest, given that following this break, you will be entering the workforce full-time after you complete your MS2 year.

Therefore, we urge you to use this summer as you wish to fulfill your needs and desires, whatever they may be. Go to the beach, watch TV, sit outside, travel, play with your dog, organize a sleepover, see an old friend, etc. You know your own needs best, so you can decide what you need to do during the summer to feel fulfilled, happy, and ready to start MS2.

Nevertheless, since a career in medicine involves a significant level of planning, anticipation, and delayed gratification, we should clarify that depending on which specialty you may want to pursue—and its associated degree of “competitiveness”—you may not want to pause all of your medical school activities and studying for an entire 6-12 weeks of summer vacation. Next are a few things you may want to consider as you decide on your plans for the summer.

One final thing to keep in mind is: What happens to Anki over the summer?

As you begin to relax during this potentially short but well-deserved break, don't forget about Anki. Doing your cards during the summer is a small investment that will pay dividends later on.

*All in-text references are available in the last chapter titled “References."