Studying in medical school is very stressful and challenging for many medical students. Burnout, depression, anxiety and overwhelms are the most common feelings of medical students. A study suggests that more than 50% of medical students reported burnout and 11% reported suicidal ideation.
Transitioning into medical school is a stressful process that takes a lot of determination, energy and effective study techniques to succeed. In the preclinical years, students are supposed to digest a fast-paced flood of information, complete a lot of assignments and get ready for the surprise class test.
The sheer amount of knowledge makes medical school harder. But the good news is that you can learn innumerable medical terminologies and concepts by following some really effective learning strategies. Fortunately, there are some strategies every medical student should follow to make medical school less intimidating.
Have a look at them.
Table of Contents
1.Concentrate on Your Lectures
Attending lectures with full concentration is one of the most important strategies every medical student should follow. There is no denying the fact that lectures are a valuable source of learning and retaining important information. Listening to what your teacher says and trying to concentrate on the topic allows you to better absorb the information. Class participation is a great way to stay engaged throughout the lecture and stay on top of your medical school courses.
2.Develop Good Study Habits
In order to succeed in medical school, you need to develop some effective study habits to become a successful medical student. Everyone’s learning style is different, so it is important to figure out which style suits you best. There are a number of medical books, videos, podcasts, multimedia learning and interactive modules available. You can choose the one that best suits your learning style and helps you better absorb the information.
3.Watch Informative Videos
In medical school, you are required to learn complex concepts of physiology, pathology and memorize anatomical terminologies. You will find different medical YouTube channels that provide interesting video lectures to hone your understanding. Whether you want to understand a pharmacological concept or endocrine system, videos are the best study tools for medical students that can help them improve their understanding.
3.Take Practice Tests
The amount of information you have to learn in a short amount of time, complete assignments and prepare for the upcoming test can be overwhelming. You can do your best when you know the right study strategies. Taking practice tests is one of the best learning strategies for medical students that allow them to know the topics that need their immediate attention. Similarly, you can refresh their concepts and improve your long-term memory by taking practice tests.
4. Create a Study Routine
If you want to avoid medical school stress, you need to create an effective study schedule to boost your productivity in medical school. Whether you want to plan your preclinical classes, complete your lab work, review your lecture, or prepare notes, the key is to create a study plan. Studying for at least 2 to 3 hours daily after your medical school routine can help you fulfill all your tasks. Creating a to-do list is a sensible approach to figure out which tasks are on high priority and what is the most difficult topic you need to cover first.
5. Set Aside Time to Explore Medical Specialties
During clinical years, medical students get the opportunity to work in a number of clinical settings in order to gain hands-on experience. It is advised to find research opportunities and internship programs in your preclinical years to gain exposure to different medical fields. Try to find a shadowing opportunity to learn how to observe patients, create treatment plans, order diagnostic tests and other important traits you need to polish to become a good physician.
Gaining some clinical experience during the first and second year will prepare you for the clinical rotations in advance and expose yourself to different clinical situations. You can also participate in career advising opportunities provided by your medical school to choose the right medical speciality.
6. Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health
If you want to succeed in medical school, you need to be super active and healthy to face medical school challenges and successfully complete the rigorous coursework. You can balance the demands of medical school by efficiently managing your time and prioritizing important tasks. Add some relaxing activities to your task list to supercharge your mind and body.
Due to the heavy academic load, many medical students face medical school stress and experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. In order to keep your mind fresh, it is advised to set aside time for activities you like most.
Whether you like to watch Netflix series, go for an evening walk, play a video game, or go out with friends. Following effective time management strategies allow you to set aside time for your favourite activities. Besides improving your mental health, you need to eat a balanced diet and exercise daily to stay physically active. By keeping your mind and body healthy, you will better prepare for the medical school challenges and stay successful at medical school.
To Sum, All Things Up
Studying in medical school is a great opportunity to fulfil your dream of becoming a physician. You can successfully balance the demands of medical school, absorb study material and polish your clinical skills by following the above-listed strategies. These tips will transform your medical school journey into a pleasurable one and help you become a successful medical student.
