the most to me? What is my unique approach to addressing them? How am I involved in the community to show that I am an advocate for these issues? What do I plan to do next, and who can help me? By being an advocate for the things you care about most, you are fueling your passions and fighting burnout.
Many times throughout our medical careers, we are asked to“ brand” ourselves. We write personal statements and interview for leadership roles, residencies, jobs and more— repeatedly. Yet branding yourself doesn’ t have to be viewed negatively. It is a chance to show that we understand ourselves, our meaning and how our story and values align with what we are pursuing academically or professionally. Next time you give an“ elevator pitch,” redefine the way you describe yourself. Tell your story; you control how others understand you. Be you, and they will understand you better.
2. Leadership is a behavior, not a position
Even if you don’ t hold a single recognized“ position” beyond being a student in medicine or a physician, you are still a leader. The way you carry yourself and interact with those around you says a lot about who you are and what you stand for. Residency directors, employers and colleagues want to see that you can do what is asked of you when you’ re asked to do it. Be the person who shows up. Apologize and take accountability when your team makes a mistake, and spread the credit when you receive a compliment. Be the first person to be vulnerable: put yourself at the point of attack.
If you’ re not feeling interested in what others bring to the conversation, ask them more questions. Be curious, present and willing. When you’ re not, have grace with yourself.
3. Understand that the people you teach, teach you more
Pre-med culture often deposits counterfeit currency into your emotional bank account. Everyone is competing against one another— or at least, that’ s how many of us view the application cycle for medical school and residencies. Challenge yourself to instead open a joint emotional bank account with your classmates and colleagues. Invest in your future together, as everyone has something valuable to contribute to projects, extracurricular activities and organizations. Often, you’ ll thrive more working with others than working alone. Ask yourself,“ How can those around me help me become my best self?”
To be a leader, you must be a learner. According to Dr. Bill Cutrer at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, to be an adaptive learner means you must constantly be adjusting, planning, assessing and learning
( continued on page 18) August 2025 17