Mastering Med School: Unleashing Your Potential in the First Year!
Wow! It's crazy to think that I can now offer advice on studying effectively during the first year of medical school. I vividly recall the challenges I faced after my cardio exam, feeling overwhelmed and crying over the uncertainty about my performance. But don't worry; I won't scare you off with that experience. Instead, I want to congratulate you and remind you to cherish the journey that brought you thus far. You've worked hard, made sacrifices, and demonstrated determination to get here, so be immensely proud of yourself because I am so proud of you!
The first year of medical school can be challenging, but it's essential to become your own #1 fan. Remember, everyone feels unsure at times (really, most of the time), and you're not alone in that feeling. Now, let's dive into how I approached my studies during the first year.
My study routine revolved mainly around the information from lectures. I spent about thirty minutes skimming the slide deck the night before each lecture to identify the main concepts. To prepare for the day ahead and to establish a study wine-down routine, I would find the corresponding videos on external resources like Osmosis or Boards and Beyond and note them on my to-do list for the following day.I would then prioritize getting a good night's rest. Yes, I'm the girl who included sleeping in her study routine. I genuinely believe that rest is crucial for becoming a better student. All the information you're absorbing daily needs time to sink in, so you have to give yourself proper rest. In my doula days, I used to believe that 4 hours of sleep were enough for conquering the world, but wiser individuals showed me the importance of rest. So, please prioritize getting enough rest; your med school big sister is begging you for it! 😄
On the morning of the lecture, while having my breakfast and coffee or Celuis (iykyk 😉), I watched these videos at an accelerated speed (2x or more) to acquaint myself with the material. I found this approach beneficial as it introduced me to the lecture concepts before attending the actual lecture. This way, I better understood the content presented during the lecture and could pause and take notes on areas that needed clarification.
After attending the lecture, I white boarded the material with my study group. This collaborative effort allowed us to consolidate our understanding, connect concepts, and create inside jokes and mnemonics to aid in our understanding. A supportive study group was incredibly helpful, as it made learning seamless and provided a sense of community in the challenging medical school journey. It also alleviates the feeling of isolation. I once heard a comparison of medical school to drowning in the ocean, where your professors are onshore teaching you how to swim - a concept that holds true. However, your classmates are also struggling in the water, and having them by your side can offer support and assistance. So, it's essential to find your tribe. If there's one takeaway, remember to connect with your peers and avoid trying to navigate this journey alone. Building friendships will not only make medical school more enjoyable but also provide invaluable learning opportunities from your classmates.
Practice questions were another crucial part of my study routine. They allowed me to apply the information in a real-world context, making the learning process more practical and meaningful. I aimed to complete at least 10-20 practice questions daily. What made a significant difference was reviewing EACH AND EVERY question thoroughly, whether I got it right or wrong. This practice helped me identify my weak areas, understand the reasoning behind correct answers, and improve my exam performance. I cannot count the number of times I encountered an exam question that was just a remixed practice question.
As the exam approached, I increased the intensity of my study sessions. Two weeks before the exam, I started watching comprehensive review videos daily to reinforce the concepts I learned earlier in the module. Additionally, I would do 40-60 practice questions daily and use weekends to do and review practice tests.
Despite the rigorous study routine, it's essential to strike a balance and take care of yourself. Sometimes I needed to watch more videos and engage in whiteboarding for hours to grasp challenging concepts. On other occasions, I finished early and enjoyed my evenings watching Netflix, spending time with friends, or even taking the weekend off to refill my cup. Taking breaks and giving yourself time off, especially when feeling overwhelmed, is crucial to maintaining your well-being.
Lastly, remember that everyone's journey is unique. You don't have to study nonstop to succeed in medical school. Find what works best for you and adjust your routine accordingly. You can excel in your studies while still enjoying a fulfilling life outside of school. (This comes from the girl who went on several trips during her first year of medical school, so life doesn't stop because you are a medical student). So, stay motivated, find your support system, and embrace this incredible journey of becoming a doc. You've got this!
XO
Kyra
