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Any tips for medschool?

How do you recommend preparing for college and does anyone have any study tip on how to make it feel less of a drag and make it stay in our mind better?

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Subject: Career question for you

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Gregory’s Answer

Hey Adrian!

It sounds as if you have had trouble in high school retaining information that doesn't interest you or you don't see as relevant, as your question suggests. It is an excellent question, but a difficult question to answer. I would respond by asking you to consider these questions: What moves you with a real passion? What comes naturally to you? What makes you want to be better and better at something that you are willing to do whatever it takes to get it?

I ask you to reflect on those questions, because being a physician, at a core, means you want so badly to work with (sick or troubled) people that you are willing to go through the preparation necessary to become one. This means a lot of college classes that require you to memorize and learn a lot of basic information, for example in chemistry, calculus, physics, and biology. I think what made many of us who are doctors now get through those classes then was either being very bright (I was, and still am, not) easily able to memorize and grasp complex issues (I couldn't then, and still can't) or so committed that we were willing to force ourselves to study hard and do what it took to get what we wanted (which is the group I fit into, and I can't say that I was always successful either - after I got into medical school, I flunked my first gross anatomy exam and almost had to repeat biochemistry, but I doubled down and got through by the skin of my teeth).

So, you don't have to be a genius to get into med school. And you don't have to be a person who sails through those difficult pre-requisite classes effortlessly in order to become a doctor. But, you do have to learn to focus and pay attention and discipline yourself now, while in high school, to study information that may be a drag and uninteresting because you will need to learn to do this to be successful not only in medicine but in many parts of life, for example, sitting through an orchestra concert that your child may be playing in someday. Maybe being by checking out a classic book from the library and forcing yourself to read a few more pages each day - starting with just a few pages the first day - and then say to yourself what you have learned about the plot in those pages. I know, it sounds corny, but it is part of disciplining yourself to pay attention even to something that is a drag and good preparation for what lies ahead.

This is all based on an assumption, e.g. that you deeply want to become a doctor and for the right reasons. Only you can answer that question. I have worked with (and treated) many doctors in my career who hated their work and were miserable (and sometimes depressed with suicidal thoughts, which is why I would be involved since I am a psychiatrist). They went down this road to fulfill family expectations or because they were interested in money and prestige but hated taking care of people and always putting their patients ahead of everything else. So, maybe you should also ask yourself this question: Is the idea of all the classes being a drag and not sticking in my mind related to the possiblity that I may not really want to spend my days taking care of sick (or disabled, or troubled) patients"?

Good luck Adrian. Your question indicates you are a deep thinker and are looking ahead. I am sure you will find the answers you need because you are asking good questions.
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Emma’s Answer

Hey Adrian,

I went to PT school and I think there are some parallels to med school. I know what you mean about stuff not sticking in your mind and being kind of a drag sometimes. I feel like if this happens in a class a lot, a good way around it is to connect the class material to something you do like or that is interesting to you or is current in your life.

Weird example but I just moved to a German-speaking country and everything is in German (which I don't speak yet haha). So to get around, I notice and remember landmarks to help me position myself and remember where I am. One example is this medical imaging company, Isotopix, who's location I pass by on my way to work. Learning how to get around is something current in my life so I can connect it to something I'm learning in class that I don't like, for example, chemistry.

Do you know the Krebs Cycle? I hate it. So boring and so hard to remember. So here's what I did for the first three steps:

Step 1: Citrate synthase ==> Citreon car (a car in I've only really seen in Europe)
Step 2: Aconitase ==> Acorn
Step 3: Isocitrate dehydrogenase ==> Isotopix

So now I just picture passing by the Isotopix outside which there is parked a Citreon car and on the ground is an acorn that fell from a tree nearby. I know its super weird haha but this image is the first three steps of the Krebs cycle.

I hope this helps somehow! I know how rough it is to try to force yourself to remember pointless stuff just to pass a class haha. Its almost like you HAVE to figure out a brain hack for those cases otherwise you just won't do well in the class. The method above is essentially hacking neural circuits that already exist and are salient in your mind and piggybacking boring info onto them. Work smarter, not harder! Best of luck.
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Ayuba’s Answer

This is beautiful! Well I must say being in Med school or college is likely to be a life of sacrifice to live for people in sick condition please put this in mind in your preparation not to scare but to motivate you that you're signing up for a heroic Job. Now when it comes to studying well I can't give a specific method because we're all different, base on our capacity, and individual self. But one this is sure Start Studying it is when you Start that you begin to know how long you can, and Identify the uneasy ones for you and all. But in a Nutshell finds what suits you best and never joke with Practicals especially Anatomy.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hey there, Adrian!

Embarking on the journey to college and medical school can seem like a daunting task. But, with the right attitude, effective strategies, and study techniques, you can make this journey more enjoyable and enrich your overall learning experience. Here's a friendly guide to help you gear up for college and shine in medical school:

1. Cultivate good study habits: The key to success in college and medical school lies in developing strong study habits from the get-go. Design a study timetable that includes regular breaks and incorporates a variety of study techniques like active recall, summarizing data, and explaining concepts to others. Feel free to try different methods until you find the one that suits you best.

2. Keep things tidy: Both college and medical school require you to juggle a lot of information, assignments, and deadlines. Make use of tools like planners, calendars, or digital apps to keep yourself organized and prioritize your tasks efficiently. Breaking down big tasks into smaller, manageable bits can also help keep stress at bay.

3. Don't shy away from seeking help: If you're ever stuck, don't hesitate to ask for help. Most colleges offer resources like tutoring services, study groups, or academic advisors who can guide you through the complexities of your coursework. Also, forming a network of like-minded peers can offer you much-needed support and motivation throughout your academic journey.

4. Balance is key: While pursuing a rigorous academic path, it's crucial to look after your physical and mental health. Set aside time for activities you love, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and eat healthily. Taking breaks and indulging in hobbies or socializing can help ward off burnout and boost overall productivity.

5. Keep the fire burning: Stay motivated throughout your studies by setting achievable goals and rewarding yourself when you reach them. Keep your long-term medical aspirations in mind to remind yourself why you're working so hard. Surround yourself with positive influences and draw inspiration from mentors or successful individuals in your field.

6. Make the most of available resources: Utilize the resources at your disposal, both within your educational institution and online. Libraries, online databases, and academic journals can be treasure troves of information for research and studying. Plus, there are countless online platforms, forums, and educational websites that offer additional learning materials and practice questions.

7. Master the art of note-taking: Try out different note-taking techniques to find the one that fits your learning style. Whether you prefer traditional handwritten notes, digital note-taking apps, or concept mapping, find a method that helps you organize and remember information effectively.

8. Engage in active learning: Rather than just reading or listening to lectures, dive into active learning techniques like asking questions, participating in discussions, or teaching concepts to others. This active engagement with the material can boost your understanding and retention.

9. Stay abreast of current research: Medicine is a constantly evolving field, so it's vital to stay in the loop with the latest research and advancements. Consider subscribing to reputable medical journals or newsletters to stay informed about new findings and breakthroughs.

10. Prioritize your mental health: Medical school can be mentally taxing, so make self-care a priority and seek help if you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Many institutions offer counseling services or mental health resources specifically designed for students.

Preparing for college and medical school is a journey that requires commitment, discipline, and resilience. By putting these tips and strategies into action, you can enrich your learning experience, make studying more fun, and pave the way for success in your academic journey.

Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications/Domain Names:

Mayo Clinic - www.mayoclinic.org
Harvard Medical School - www.hms.harvard.edu
National Institutes of Health (NIH) - www.nih.gov

May blessings abound for you!

GIVE PEOPLE INSTRUCTIONS ON WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK TO BEAT DISEASE
________________________________________________________________________________________________

DIETETICS CAN ACHIEVE OPTIMUM NUTRITION - IF THE BODY CANNOT MAKE THE
MOEITY, SUPPLY IT IN THE CORRECT AMOUNT [ORTHOMOLECULAR NUTRITION]
~Professor Linus Pauling~
________________________________________________________________________________________________

MISSION: TO EMPOWER HUMAN BEINGS - ADVANCED NUTRITIONAL PRINCIPLES
AMELIORATING SICKNESS ~ RESTORING HEALTH
________________________________________________________________________________________________

FOOD FOR THOUGHT------>NUTRIENTS------->ACADEMIC/SPORTS PERFORMANCE
________________________________________________________________________________________________

0.0 Water 33 milliliters / kilogram body weight / day. Preferentially boiled to eliminate
toxic chlorine. Can be filtered to eliminate toxic residues. Add lemon juice.
________________________________________________________________________________________________

1.0 Vegetable Plant Foods Low in Carbohydrates:-
Leafy Green Salad Vegetables like Sprouts, Lettuce and
Kale. Spinach = too much oxalate. Carrot, Pumpkin.
Make them into smoothies. RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS!
Kelp Seaweed has iodine to make T3 and T4.
{tri-iodothyronine and thyroxine}

________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.0 Energy from Low Glycemic Index Carbohydrate
Plant Foods Starchy Legumes, Lentils, Soy Beans,
Sweet Potato, Peas, Humous, Low sugar fruits,
strawberries, blueberries. Choose Pumpernickel
Rye Bread. Use the dark unrefined versions of pasta
and grain foods. Use highest fiber breakfast cereals
with no added sugar or salt. Choose brown rice over
the white version.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

3.0 Protein Foods for brain amino-acids-------->
NEUROTRANSMITTERS / MEMORY. Try to get half
of your intake of 75 grams of protein a day from
VEGETARIAN PROTEIN COMPLEMENTATION:
THINGS LIKE A.B.C [Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Cashews]
or Legumes and Grain. Dairy and Soy Products.
Fish that is oily like Cod. Five fish meals a week.
Less chicken and meat - little bits in small protein
snacks.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

4.0 Lipids For example Nuttelex, Vegetarian Oils:
Fresh Palm Oil, Tahini, Wheat Germ Oil, Fish Oil,
1 teaspoon Cod Liver Oil a day.
Nut Milks. Nuts and seeds, AVOID DRIED FRUIT.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

5.0
Vitamins

A1 is Retinol in Cod Liver Oil, Leafy green vegetables (Kale, Spinach [has oxalate], Broccoli), Orange and Yellow Vegetables (Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin and other winter Squash, summer Squash),Tomatoes. Red bell pepper.
Cantaloupe, Mango, Beef Liver. Oily Fish, Milk. Eggs.
________________________________________________________________________________________________

B1 is Thiamine in Wholegrain Breads, Cereals, Pork and Yeast Extract.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

B2 is Riboflavin in Eggs, Organ Meats (Kidneys and Liver), Lean Meats, and Milk. Some Vegetables also contain riboflavin. Grains and Cereals are fortified with riboflavin in the United States and many other countries

________________________________________________________________________________________________

B3 is Niacin in Red Meat, Beef, Beef Liver, Pork. Poultry. Fish. Brown Rice. Fortified Cereals and Breads. Nuts, Seeds. Legumes.
Bananas

________________________________________________________________________________________________

B4 is Adenine in Dried Grass, Peanuts, Wheat Germ, Pork Brain and Pork Kidney. Amongst the grains tested white corn and hulled oats were definitely superior.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

B5 is Pantothenic Acid in Red Meat: Beef, Beef Liver, Pork. Poultry. Fish. Brown Rice. Fortified Cereals and Breads. Nuts, Seeds, Legumes. Bananas.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

B6 is Pyridoxine in Beef Liver. Tuna. Salmon. Fortified Cereals. Chickpeas. Poultry; also some vegetables and fruits, especially Dark Leafy Greens, Bananas, Papayas, Oranges, and Cantaloupe.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

B7 or H is Biotin in Egg, Liver, Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, Mushrooms, Milk, Avocado, Spinach, Bananas, Nuts, Sunflower Seed, Broccoli, Egg Yolks, Pork, Peanuts, Cauliflower, Legume, Beef, Tomatoes, Tuna, Meat, Almond,
Walnut, Oatmeal.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

B8 is Inositol naturally occurs in foods such as fruits, beans, grains and nuts. Your body can also produce inositol from the carbohydrates you eat. However, research suggests that additional inositol in the form of supplements may have numerous health benefits.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

B9 or M is Folate in Dark green leafy vegetables (Turnip Greens, Spinach [has oxalate], Romaine Lettuce, Asparagus, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli); Beans, Peanuts, Sunflower Seeds. Fresh Fruits, Fruit Juices, Whole Grains, Liver, Aquatic foods.

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B12 is Cyanocobalamin in Milk and milk products are good sources. Many ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin B12. Fish and red meat are excellent sources of vitamin B12. Poultry and eggs also contain vitamin B12.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

D3 is Cholecalciferol comes mainly from animal sources such as Liver and Oily Fish including Tuna, Salmon, Mackerel and Herring. Egg yolks are also an excellent source of D3. You will get around 10 per cent of your daily needs in each egg.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

E [8 isomers]; 2 Groups the tocols and the tocotrienols, each has 4 members alpha, beta, gamma and delta. Found in Sunflower Seed, Avocado, Almond, Spinach, Hazelnuts, Peanuts, Broccoli, Kiwi, Wheat Germ oil, Mango, Egg, Sunflower oil, Wheat Germ, Tomatoes,
Almonds, Sweet Potato, Bell Pepper, Nuts, Leafy Greens, Seeds, Vegetable oil, Pine Nuts, Olive oil, Oils.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

K3 is Menadione in Spinach [high in oxalate], Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Asparagus, Nattō, Collard, Cabbage, Curly Kale, Leafy vegetables, Kiwi, Parsley, raw Blueberries, Lettuce, Egg, Turnip, Egg Yolk, Kale, Soybeans,
Mustard Greens, Pumpkin, Turnip Greens, Avocado, Sauerkraut, Soybean oil

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Preferentially from foods.
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/
.
________________________________________________________________________________________________

6.0 Calcium from the cheeses on your pizzas!
You Are Allowed Pepperoni!
Milk and Yoghurt also for Calcium.
Magnesium {Richest Source RICE BRAN}
Zinc from oysters!

________________________________________________________________________________________________

7.0 AVOID sugar, honey, jams, treacle, table salt
(sodium chloride), use potassium chloride -
more intense flavor, so use less. AVOID alcohol, stimulants, drugs,
soft drinks.
________________________________________________________________________________________________

James Constantine Frangos.
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Rian’s Answer

Hi Adrian!
When getting ready for medical schoolm you'll have to spend a lot of time doing multiple extracurriculars to support your application. My advice would be to find and do thing that interest you, not just because other people are doing them. By doing that, you'll not only be able to craft a more meaningful application, but when doing the extracurriculars it will feel fun, as opposed to work or something that you have to do.
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Jacob’s Answer

Certainly! Preparing for medical school is a challenging but rewarding journey. Here are some tips for medical school preparation and effective study techniques to make learning more engaging and memorable:

**Preparing for Medical School:**

1. **Strong Academic Foundation**: Prioritize your undergraduate studies by maintaining a high GPA. Focus on foundational science courses like biology, chemistry, and physics.

2. **Extracurricular Activities**: Engage in healthcare-related extracurricular activities, such as volunteering at hospitals, shadowing doctors, or participating in research projects. These experiences will help you gain insights into the medical field.

3. **MCAT Preparation**: Start preparing for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) early. Consider enrolling in MCAT prep courses or using study materials to ensure you're well-prepared for this critical exam.

4. **Letters of Recommendation**: Build strong relationships with professors, mentors, or healthcare professionals who can write compelling letters of recommendation for your medical school applications.

5. **Clinical Exposure**: Seek opportunities for clinical exposure, such as working as a medical scribe or EMT. This hands-on experience can reinforce your commitment to medicine.

6. **Research**: If research interests you, get involved in research projects related to medicine or biology. Presenting your research at conferences or publishing papers can enhance your application.

7. **Extracurriculars**: Participate in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and commitment. Medical schools value well-rounded applicants.

**Effective Study Techniques:**

1. **Active Learning**: Engage actively with the material. Summarize, ask questions, and discuss topics with peers to reinforce your understanding.

2. **Spaced Repetition**: Use techniques like spaced repetition software (e.g., Anki) to review and remember information more effectively over time.

3. **Visual Aids**: Create visual aids like concept maps, diagrams, or flashcards to simplify complex topics and make them more memorable.

4. **Teach Others**: Explaining concepts to someone else, even if it's just an imaginary audience, can deepen your understanding and help you retain information.

5. **Breaks and Pomodoro Technique**: Take regular breaks during study sessions. The Pomodoro technique, which involves 25-minute focused work sessions followed by 5-minute breaks, can help maintain concentration.

6. **Practice Questions**: Use practice questions and quizzes to test your knowledge and identify weak areas. This active recall helps solidify your learning.

7. **Study Groups**: Join or form study groups to discuss and teach each other. Explaining concepts to peers can reinforce your understanding.

8. **Healthy Lifestyle**: Prioritize sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet. A healthy lifestyle enhances cognitive function and memory.

9. **Mindfulness and Meditation**: Incorporate mindfulness or meditation practices to reduce stress and improve focus during study sessions.

10. **Goals and Rewards**: Set achievable study goals and reward yourself when you accomplish them. Positive reinforcement can make studying more motivating.

Remember that medical school is a long and challenging journey, so developing effective study habits early on is essential. Stay dedicated, seek support when needed, and maintain a healthy work-life balance to succeed in your academic pursuits.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Harvard University would serve as an excellent venue for you to acquire medical knowledge. This is a prestigious institution. I had the privilege to educate doctors and nurses four decades ago, emphasizes the importance of fundamental subjects. High school biology, biochemistry, and chemistry are essential and are given the attention they deserve. This is a golden opportunity for you to learn from the best and enhance your expertise.
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