@monikabapna: You are not behind. You might just be on a different timeline. I took 4 gap years before medical school, decided on dermatology “late,” took a research year, and watched people around me hit milestones I thought I was supposed to be hitting too. At the time, every detour felt like I was falling behind. Now I realize those years weren’t delaying my life. They WERE my life. There is no prize for getting through life the fastest. No prize for starting medical school younger, choosing your career sooner, graduating first, or checking off every milestone on the “right” timeline. Take the gap year. Change careers. Start over. Take the longer route if it’s the right route for you. Other people’s urgency does not have to become your urgency. If you’ve been feeling behind in life lately, save this for the days you need the reminder 🤍 #MedicalSchool #Residency #GapYear #WomenInMedicine #LifeAdvice
Monika Bapna M.D
Region: US
Sunday 30 August 2026 10:30:00 GMT
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Jennie :
I was pre med when I started college at 17. I’m 29 now and my journey to medical school has had its pivots but I believe it’s prepared me even more. I plan to apply to medical school next year 💕
2026-08-31 06:08:40
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brianatega :
I was just thinking about going to med school for dermatology but I’m 28 🥹
2026-08-31 00:14:23
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divya :
I also took 4 years off between undergrad and med school. I’m an M2 now and I’m so grateful for the life I got to live during my gap years
2026-08-30 15:54:44
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Chalala :
I took 3 gap years before getting into PA school and wholeheartedly agree that everything happens for a reason! ☺️✨
2026-08-30 18:03:23
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moarpookie :
heading into my 4th gap yr 😭 needed this
2026-08-30 22:26:42
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nicole velasquez :
Queen I needed this thank you
2026-08-31 00:52:28
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Dr. Alyssa :
absolutely!! this needs to be talked about more
2026-08-30 23:22:14
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lara :
I took time off from school to take care of sick family members and it strengthens my dreams of going to med school. Do it anyway. Do it late. That’s okay.
2026-08-31 02:05:32
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lactateAUC :
Thank you, so much needed.
2026-08-30 23:42:38
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Dr.Soa :
Thank you for this!! 💖💖💖
2026-08-30 17:52:33
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HMC :
Thank you for sharing
2026-08-30 17:35:59
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Asamoah Bryan :
thank you I needed to hear this
2026-08-30 10:42:31
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Larisa | 👩🏾⚕️💰 :
Needed this !!
2026-08-30 18:28:52
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Trevion King :
Thank you I needed this
2026-08-30 23:40:58
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zmle00 :
wow thank u for this
2026-08-30 10:33:21
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Riyapat_ :
So true! People always have opinions on the choices you make for your own life. Best to take your time before entering any type of grad program
2026-08-30 15:40:48
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Pooja Thaker :
Thank you for sharing 🥺🥰
2026-08-30 17:37:34
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Nuke🖤 :
Needed this ❤️❤️
2026-08-30 20:56:09
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SharkTheBear :
“There is no prize for getting through your life the fastest.” This is such a powerful sentence! I need to write this down and frame it on my wall. I needed to hear this. I have been running through life trying to fit into other people’s ideas of what MY timeline should look like but never paused to think what timeline my actual wants and needs create.
2026-08-30 14:34:25
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jaiden m :
thank u for this❤️❤️
2026-08-30 13:27:11
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AB :
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing and congratulations <3
2026-08-30 11:12:49
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Cinnamon :
I need tips for someone interested in derm who’s the second year med student, DO
2026-08-30 18:53:12
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jesssvelez :
Thank you so much, I really needed this message 🙏🏽💖
2026-08-30 18:43:22
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Lexa | Cat Mom :
Needed this..second year med student here 🫶🏼
2026-08-30 18:27:42
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ed :
currently in my first cycle after 4 gap years, while i still struggle with comparing myself to others who are younger, i truly would not be the person i am today without those years, this vid really helped me out thanks monika
2026-08-31 02:20:15
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