Navigating Anesthesia as a First-Generation Medical Student

by Adeline Whaley

On my first day of medical school orientation, I was overwhelmed by uncertainty. It felt like everyone else had grown up in a hospital, with a sibling who was an orthopedic surgeon, a dad who was a cardiologist, and a mom who was a pediatrician, while I was still trying to figure out where to pick up my ID badge. Questions began to fill my mind:

“Am I really as smart as everyone else?”

“Do I really belong in medicine if I didn’t grow up in it?”

“Are my experiences enough to be here with my classmates?”

Without giving too much away, I will say this: the answer to all three is yes. I’ve come to realize I wasn’t alone in these doubts. Many first-generation medical students carry the very same questions with them, unsure if their backgrounds, identities, or experiences are truly enough for medicine. While that feeling of uncertainty may never fully disappear, I’ve learned how to navigate it, especially as I begin exploring a career in anesthesiology. For any first-generation medical student thinking about anesthesia, I want to share a few things that have helped me find both belonging and confidence along the way.

Don’t Count Yourself Out

While it may seem like it at times, no one is born knowing how to intubate or manage anesthetics. These skills are learned over time, through practice and dedication, no matter your background or where you come from. As a first-generation medical student, you may have to start further back from the starting line, but that doesn’t mean you can’t finish strong. In fact, the unique challenges you’ve overcome to get here have already built the resilience you’ll need for the field. I have absolutely had my own doubts about pursuing a career in medicine, but now, as an incoming second-year student, I’ve never felt more motivated and confident in my path. I realized that changing my mindset was key, recognizing that I do belong here as a first-generation student. Don’t count yourself out of this field because of where you started. Your background doesn’t disqualify you; it makes you stronger.

Take Advantage of Opportunities

One of the most valuable ways to grow as a first-generation medical student is to say yes to opportunities that come your way, even the ones that you feel may be out of your reach. As first-generation students, we often don’t have the same family or social networks to guide us, so sometimes the path to specialties like anesthesiology can seem less clear or accessible. But the field of anesthesia is so vast and full of possibility; there are so many rooms to explore. If the opportunity to engage with the field arises, take it. If it doesn’t, create your own. You are capable, and you are allowed to take up space in this field. I was recently elected president of my school’s anesthesiology interest group, and I understand how daunting it can be to plan events when you don’t yet know many people in the field. If you don’t know where to start, check out the ASA “Suggested Events for Anesthesia Interest Groups” page. This page lists various events to hold with expected planning commitments. Whether you are attending an event or creating your own, each experience is building your future, one opportunity at a time. 

Find Your People

Finding people who will support you may be the best piece of advice I can give as a first-generation student. Often, we don’t have family members or close networks in medicine to guide us, so seeking out mentors who embody the kind of physician you want to become is crucial. To do this, start by connecting with school advisors, classmates, professors, or members of your school’s anesthesia interest group. A lot of meaningful connections begin with a simple ask. Some of the best mentors in my life were introduced to me because I reached out and asked someone if they knew anyone I could talk to. I remember the first time I contacted an anesthesiologist. I was so nervous she wouldn’t respond or would think I didn’t belong in the conversation. But to my surprise, she wrote back warmly. Since then, we’ve stayed connected, I’ve had the chance to shadow her, and we’ve even shared meaningful conversations about the field over dinner. That experience showed me how reaching out can open doors, and that genuine connections can come from the boldest first step. Of course, not everyone you contact will respond, and that’s okay. It’s all part of the journey. Don’t let setbacks deter you from pursuing your passion. 
Now, think of someone you feel comfortable reaching out to. I challenge you to email them. Ask if they know of anyone in anesthesia who might be open to connecting. That small step might just open the door to a mentor who will help guide you on your path forward.

As I reflect on my first year of medical school, I am confident I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t learned to navigate the uncertainty. Being a first-generation medical student is not something we can change, but it’s also not something that has to hold us back. Wherever you are starting from, know that you are not alone. To those of you who have also questioned if your place is in medicine or wondered if you’re capable of pursuing a career in anesthesiology, the answer is always yes.

References
Suggested events for Anesthesia Interest Groups. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). (n.d.). https://www.asahq.org/education-and-career/asa-medical-student-component/aig/events-for-aig