THE GAME PLAN: A Woman’s Guide to Becoming a Doctor and Living a Life in Medicine

Good advice for the person interested in Med School or in Medical School or Imin a Residency program.I’m a doctor and read this book out of curiosity. I have friends and family members always inquiring about advice to give to perspective young people interested in becoming a doctor or who have entered medical school. There is a limit in what you can cover over dinner or coffee. I would now probably recommend this book!The most important insight: Do not give up on your dreams! You might stumble, but stumble forward, pivot if you need to, and realize if you really want something - “do not give up!” They are your dreams and goals and no one should stop you from reaching them. There will be people who will try and stop you, even people you love and/or trust, but if you really “want it” then find your path and find the people who will help you!This book I feels encourages you to move forward and gives you advice which is useful to help you along the path at different points in the Med School-Doctor path. Who would I recommend it for?1. The high schooler interest in Med School? Going to the best college possible requires good grades starting Freshman year in high school and persistent dedication. If that is not you, it’s okay - you just are going to have to think about how to approach your college path to medical school in a different way.2. The high school senior - what’s in the past is in the past (bad grades, bad choices, whatever)? Once in college (any college), you need to figure out the academic plan that works for you. Do not major in science if you will perform best at another major and can pick up good grades doing your science requirements on the side at a slower pace. If you want to do the science path - okay, but then “kick it” as hard as you can to meet the requirements and be a stand out. If you start as a science major and stumble pivot to another major and do the science requirements on the side…there are options!3. The college freshman or sophomore who thinks “I want to be a doctor” but what do I need to do?”4. The medical student who thinks “I’m in med school now so there is nothing else to worry about.” Depending on the residency you want it’s just another path to traverse. What if you do not “Match”? It’s not the end of the world - pivot!5. Any doctor who finds themselves in a residency and thinks…I screwed up and should have picked a different residency?6. The doctor who completes everything and thinks “now what?”Life is full of dreams and aspirations, this book makes sure no one stomps them out, if this is your dream. If you want to go to medical school or find that once you are on this path it’s not as easy or clear cut as you thought it would be, it provides some good advice and perspective. It will also help you realize there is a cost to your choice. Costs: length of training (it’s a long road and your residency choice will only add to it), delayed satisfaction, high student loans, job insecurity (due to loans, life obligations, starting a business and dealing with insurance companies, or working as an employee to a hospital with work hours/shifts and vacation being dictated to you), and the stress (on you and your family). There are also rewards but you know those, which is why you want to be a doctor! And if you change you mind about it anytime while walking the path…that’s okay too “it’s a journey” and sometimes it’s nice to have a good book to read while walking and contemplating life.

This was a smooth informative read! I recommend it to anyone that has the slightest interest in becoming a doctor. These Georgetown Medical School doctors, now authors provide a rich perspective as thriving in the life medical professionals who have been through some thangs! They share how they have become valuable assets in the corporate arena and manage their families. Someone said, “ Hindsight is 20:20!”Ok y’all😉They drop some true knowledge,folks. LISTEN up and let them mentor your Game Plan.

This book was so helpful and informative. I found it to be easy to read and the chapters so well organized. I loved the conversation feel, as if I was having a conversation with each of the doctors featured. Also, I thought the advice and recommendations for how to get into med school and survival tips were so concise and clear. Thank you for this book. I bought three— one for me, one for my daughter who aspires to be a doctor and one for my 86 year old mom who wanted to be a doctor but ended up being a Professor of Medical Records. Congrats to you all for making it!

This is amazing book written by amazing women! ImThe Game Plan is raw, down to earth and to the point! The information is invaluable and anyone reading can benefit, especially scholars in college and on the medicine track. You won’t regret your purchase. I bought it for my daughter entering in her freshman year at Hampton University . She wants to be an educator, but the wisdom is still needed and valued in the pages of the blessing!

Loved the book. Just finished it. So many practical things about learning, studying and determination to achieve set goals. I am recommending this for students preparing for college period and not just Medical careers. Lots of tips on becoming a doctor.These doctors have done the work and laid out a “Game Plan” for how young folks in easy step by step clear and simple ways on how to get it done especially as a Medical Doctor.

Enlightening information to help you navigate your personal life as you move forward in your medical career. No need to reinvent the wheel if the game plan has been presented for you!

I got this book from an attending I worked with and I absolutely loved it! It feels like having 5 different mentors at the same time. I really wished I had this book prior to starting residency and medical school but it is still so very valuable now. There is still so much info about how to think about your career after residency and I really appreciate that.I will definitely be gifting this to other people!

Diane Boykins and her fellow authors show the passion and sweat equity needed for medical school. There are tough choices about time, family, and shifts in individual goals. And the doctor-writers tell it plainly and effectively.