Hi everyone,
I’m a 26-year-old medical student currently studying in Romania, and I’m about to finish my first year. I feel very grateful for the opportunity to be here, but I’ve been struggling with a concern that I can’t really ignore.
To be honest, my program feels… too easy. I’m doing well academically, but I’m worried that I’m not being pushed enough, and that my actual level might be below what’s expected internationally. I’m afraid that I might be missing important foundations and that this could catch up with me later.
My goal is to become a very competent doctor. I’m originally from Switzerland and I’m planning to return there for residency after graduating. Because of that, I feel some pressure to make sure I’m not falling behind compared to students trained in more demanding systems.
Time is also something that weighs on me. I started medicine later, and at 26, I feel like I can’t afford to waste years in a system that might not fully prepare me.
So I’d really appreciate advice from people who have been in a similar situation or who understand the expectations in more competitive systems:
How can I objectively assess if my level is sufficient?What should I focus on outside of my university curriculum to strengthen my knowledge and clinical reasoning?
Suring summer internships, what should I actively ask for or try to learn to maximize my progression?
Are there specific resources, habits, or strategies that helped you go beyond a “basic” curriculum?
I'm motivated and willing to put in the work, I just want to make sure I’m moving in the right direction early enough.
Thanks in advance for your help.