Are you fighting change as a medical student, or are you embracing it? Unfortunately, while you may think you're pretty open to changes and perhaps even welcoming its arrival, you may be deep down inside a change fighter.

You may like the idea of reading a lot of medical books but deep down inside, because of stress and exhaustion, you may be resisting the idea of preparing for the MCAT and later, as a medical student, for the USMLE. You may feel disinterested or tired from studying that you need to take some time off.

If you're not sure which side of the fence you're on especially when you are already about to start your basic science years, then be on the lookout for these three warning signs of resistance:

Warning Sign 1: You're playing a new game with the old rules. As games change, you've got to learn the new rules; otherwise you are bound to lose. As change washes over your organization, you are indeed playing a new game – a game in which the old rules are about as relevant as last week's losing lottery numbers. If you find yourself playing the new game with the old rules, that's one sure sign that you are resisting change in your field.

Warning Sign 2: You're avoiding new assignments. Most medical students welcome new subject assignments and projects; especially when they help lead to new challenges, new opportunities and accomplishments. If you find yourself hiding out when academic projects are being assigned, this is a sign that you have decided that you much prefer the comfort of the status quo to the adventure that is part and parcel with change.

Warning Sign 3: You become a victim of change. There is perhaps no more sad sign that you are resisting change than becoming a victim of it. Instead of embarking on the arduous path of dealing with change and figuring how to use it to develop your own capabilities, you take the easy road, stubbing your toe along the way and ultimately sitting out the change altogether. Sitting on the side-lines nursing your wounds might be a comfortable place to be but you can be sure that everyone else will eventually pass you by.

The warning signs are just that – warning signs. If they have become part of your life as a medical student, it's not too late to do something about it. Before you know it, you need to welcome another change – preparing for USMLE.