Amid the demanding schedules and academic pressures of medical school, students at the 兔子先生 Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine are finding ways to relax, connect and support each other outside the classroom. Whether gathering for group dinners, engaging in sports or simply sharing the stresses of exams, these students are building a community that helps them navigate the rigors of their education.
Reflecting on how he felt about Match Day, fourth-year student Nabeel Ahmad says it brought with it a mix of emotions. 鈥淚 was quite nervous and anxious about
Match Day,鈥� Ahmad said. 鈥淏ut catching up prior with classmates who feel the same helps
to alleviate my feelings, especially when good food is involved.鈥�
Ahmad emphasized the importance of networking and collaboration throughout medical school. 鈥淎ttend local and national conferences, build relationships with our faculty and faculty at programs you鈥檇 like to match at, and collaborate on research projects,鈥� he advised. 鈥淓ach project can count toward a publication and a poster.鈥�
Reflecting on his time at the College, Ahmad fondly recalled field day during his first year. 鈥淲e played flag football at Eleanor Tinsley Park, enjoyed Torchy鈥檚 Tacos and Crumbville cupcakes,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was a celebration of completing our first year and brought our class closer together.鈥�
For third-year students like Brendan Rosamond, preparation for Step 1 and Step 2 exams are major milestones. Having recently passed
the Step 1 exam, Rosamond felt relieved and ready to move on to Step 2. 鈥淏esides the
drag of studying, it鈥檚 great to get a full overview of medicine before starting back
on advanced clerkships,鈥� he said.
Rosamond believes that surrounding himself with like-minded peers has been invaluable. "Everyone understands what you鈥檙e going through, so it makes socializing and having fun easier," he explained.
鈥淲e鈥檝e had multiple class hangouts all over Houston, and some of us even run together on Tuesdays and Saturdays. One of my favorite parts about my time here is how much of a family the entire school feels like.鈥�
Stephanie Sanchez, another third-year student, echoed this sentiment. 鈥淭he experience can be overwhelming
when faced alone,鈥� she said. 鈥淗aving someone to reach out to after a challenging day
fosters a sense of belonging.鈥� She also credited student organizations, including
the Latino Medical School Association (LMSA) and Med in Motion Run Club, with providing
valuable opportunities to connect and support each other.
Third-year student Sydney Gandy described the pressures of medical school as intense, often leading to feelings of imposter syndrome. 鈥淓very day is a battle against self-doubt,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why having like-minded individuals around is invaluable. They understand the lows, the setbacks, and remind you that one moment doesn鈥檛 define your journey.鈥�
Gatherings like a recent dinner at Aga鈥檚 Restaurant have provided students with an opportunity to step back from their studies and reconnect. 鈥淭his is the first time our Learning Communities have come together beyond movie nights and field days,鈥� Gandy said. 鈥淭he Class of 2026 has always bonded through sports, whether it鈥檚 watching games, playing volleyball at Sports Creek or joining UH intramural teams. It has been nice being able to connect with our classes鈥�
As medical school pushes students to their limits, these moments of connection remind them that they are not alone. Through shared experiences, they continue to support each other on their journey to becoming future physicians.