Medical Depression in medical school - should I drop out?

[SDN]

I am a first year medical student. I just found that I failed a second course. Right now I am in the process of treating and finding ways to manage my clinical depression, which is what I thought caused my first failure. I knew I was going to fail my second course because I didn't use wise judgement on timing during the final test day and ended up having to rush through the last half of the test, sometimes not even being able to read the full prompt or the important lab values. I've passed 3 other courses already so I thought I was capable. I believe I may be using inefficient study methods and need work on my test taking skills, but I don't really know what to do. I'm seeing the learning specialist regularly and have tried three different study methods already. Is there any chance for me to still complete my program and become a doctor? If so, is there any advice you can give me to help me improve my performance. Thank you very much.

Depression could significantly impact your learning retention and test taking speed. I'd recommend sitting down with your dean or appropriate staff member and explain that you've been struggling with depression and are trying to manage it before it further impacts your performance. It might be appropriate to work-out an academic plan so that you don't get dismissed from the school due to grades.

No matter what you do, continue to work with your behavioral health provider. Ask them for their advice and insight as well.

Good luck and let me know if you have any additional questions.

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