A new documentary released on Mar. 31 follows five students from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry as they navigate the demanding journey to become doctors. The film highlights both the academic rigor and personal growth experienced during their training, offering a rare glimpse into the realities of medical education.
The documentary addresses why individuals choose to pursue medicine and how early experiences in medical school shape their professional identities. This exploration is significant because it sheds light on the emotional and psychological toll that physician training can have, as well as the resilience required to succeed.
Michael “Mick” Krasner, MD, professor emeritus of Medicine and co-director of UR Medicine Mindful Practice in Medicine programs, said, “We wanted to know why people chose to become doctors and how this early stage of their medical education, medical school, shapes their professional identity.” Krasner practiced Primary Care Internal Medicine for decades before retiring in 2022.
The film documents students’ lives in classrooms, anatomy labs, and hospital inpatient units. It also features footage from a group trek along Spain’s Camino de Santiago near the end of their studies—a pilgrimage known for fostering introspection and transformation. The documentary captures moments ranging from joy to loneliness as students reflect on successes and setbacks.
One student participant reflected on sharing personal stories through video blogs: “Being part of this project was interesting and now I realize how we were able to be open during our vlogging (video blog.) It was a safe and secure environment, and we could be transparent and vulnerable,” Choe said.
By following these future physicians through academic pressures and transformative experiences abroad, the documentary offers viewers insight into both the challenges faced by aspiring doctors today as well as opportunities for growth.
