Initiating your coronation

Abstract

Earning an advanced degree in biomedical sciences can be a challenging experience, and recent data indicate high levels of stress and anxiety among the current generation of learners. We propose here a new illustration for all graduate students to visualize their didactic journey as a coronation process. Before their coronation, trainees must undergo rigorous preparation. During the training, four key attributes, best described by the acronym COST (Credibility, Opportunity, Strength, and Tenacity), are cultivated. Throughout their academic journey, which is a critical period of intellectual and personal growth, the trainees will enhance their understanding of the responsibility of wearing a CROWN, which requires accepting the Cost of earning a diadem, Revolutionizing their thought construct, being Open to innovation and research, acknowledging that Wealth is intrinsically connected to their health, and Never forsaking their aspiration and pursuits. Executing these principles daily will provide a mechanism on which to rise to the stature of achieving individual career goals (i.e., being a Regent of your life). Actualization of this process requires sacrifice, maturity, and a sense of fearlessness. The results of taking this approach will lead to an educational legacy that establishes a pattern of academic success that can be emulated by future learners.

Keywords: biomedical research; career goals; graduate school; mentoring; opportunity.

Figure 1.

The five areas of health that make up the crown. Crown image was obtained from the public domain image (https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/pictures/100000/velka/golden-crown.jpg).