Hi, I’m posting this on the med student discussion site instead of the premed site because I would like to see if those of you with experience can tell me if it would work.
I have been accepted to med school in the fall and am quite excited about it. However, I would give it up in a minute if it would cause my family to break apart.
If I were to specifically plan family time on a daily basis, like studying for one of my basic science classes, would this be reasonable? For example, would it work to dedicate 2 hours to Gross Anatomy, 1 hour to Histo, 2 hours to Embryo, and 2 hours to family? As well as needing this for myself, I want my wife and kids to know that they have just as much a priority of my time as the classes do, and are the top priority of my life.
I know I’ve asked family time questions on previous posts, so I apologize if there is any redundancy. On this post, I’m actually trying to see if I can actually create a study plan that is flexible enough to account for variation, but structured enough that my family can count on me being there for them on a regularly scheduled basis.
On previous posts, I have read a very encouraging, but vague, “It can be done, you can do it.” I’m extremely thankful for that encouragement. Now I’m just asking if this plan is reasonably realistic.
For those of you with families, did you have a specific strategy to make sure you spent time with family while also succeeding in basic sciences? If so, may I ask what it was?
I am truly thankful for this community and all of you guys.
While I don’t have children, I do know of several classmates in med school who did. Many did exactly what you are suggesting, so yes, I think your plan is reasonable. That being said, you will need to be flexible enough that, when a particularly difficult exam is coming forward, you are able to modulate your schedule as needed. Also, I know at least one parent who did what you are planning to do and ended up AOA (the elite of the elite of med school students), so have no fears (or fewer! :-D) .
As you’re looking into whether it can/should be done, consider the number of families out there who have parents working multiple jobs just to be able to afford to keep a home and have meals for the kids. Med school is an investment that impacts/involves the entire family, but one that will produce added benefits to family/children in the future IMO.
the answer is yes. And while it sounds business like and unromantic, it ensures that everyone is together and activities to keep the marriage together and healthy are done.
If you look back at some of my older posts, I actually discussed this and my blog does as well.
Indeed, it has been done, and it’s doable. How concrete the “scheduling” aspect of it is will depend on your personality and habits, but one way or another, nontrads (and trads!) do make time for family. I think “make” is something of a key word there. Sounds like you’ve already got a good plan for that.
This is exactly what I was looking for. 
Thanks for the encouragement! Gabe, you’re awesome, dude! I’ll be taking notes from some of your posts.
Sure do appreciate you guys!