5 answers
Sophie
Student
Genoa City, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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How do you remember it all?
How to you remember all of the things you learned in medical school? What things did you do to remember everything? Are there any tips or tricks that I can use to remember things?
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5 answers
Belinda Schoeman
Software Trainer
6
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Belinda’s Answer
Hello! Absolutely, medical school does involve a significant amount of memorization. But don't worry, there are effective strategies to help you tackle this. One of the most common tools that medical students use are flashcards. Apps like Anki and Brainscape are quite popular. Of course, if you prefer a more traditional approach, you can always create your own flashcards using paper. This way, you can customize them to your liking and quiz yourself anytime, anywhere. Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your dream. You've got this!
Hwal Lee
DMSc, MSc (PA-C)
192
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Sophie,
I feel like this question was on my mind frequently when I was in training, and although much less frequently, I'm still amazed by the breadth of knowledge and skills needed to be retained and updated now that I'm in practice. I'm an early-career family medicine PA and take care of the health of community members of all ages in federally designated health professional shortage area, so I would argue that this question is that much more relevant in my practice setting.
How do I do it? The rule of thumb I've learned is to try not to "remember," but rather to 'understand,' something. Then, through experience and repetition over time, so much of the information that may once have seemed overwhelming somehow has become a natural part of my knowledge bank, and it has been gratifying and rewarding to recognise that in myself.
So I would encourage you to place less focus on having to remember (although you would need that to do well on exams and tests during training), but to focus more on choosing the right healthcare or medical career path for yourself, and to enjoy yourself and learn as much as you can while you're in training.
Let me know if you have specific questions I can help with.
Good luck!
Hwal
I feel like this question was on my mind frequently when I was in training, and although much less frequently, I'm still amazed by the breadth of knowledge and skills needed to be retained and updated now that I'm in practice. I'm an early-career family medicine PA and take care of the health of community members of all ages in federally designated health professional shortage area, so I would argue that this question is that much more relevant in my practice setting.
How do I do it? The rule of thumb I've learned is to try not to "remember," but rather to 'understand,' something. Then, through experience and repetition over time, so much of the information that may once have seemed overwhelming somehow has become a natural part of my knowledge bank, and it has been gratifying and rewarding to recognise that in myself.
So I would encourage you to place less focus on having to remember (although you would need that to do well on exams and tests during training), but to focus more on choosing the right healthcare or medical career path for yourself, and to enjoy yourself and learn as much as you can while you're in training.
Let me know if you have specific questions I can help with.
Good luck!
Hwal
Christine Huang
Pharmaceutical Advertising / Med Comm
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Hello Sophie!
I completed my pharmacy degree in 2021, and I can attest to the intensity of the curriculum, although it's not as demanding as medical school. I agree with everyone else that it's challenging to memorize a vast amount of information in a limited timeframe.
When I was in pharmacy school, I recall being introduced to various topics through modules and being expected to grasp the knowledge within two weeks for the exams. It's tough and nearly impossible to remember all the details unless you're constantly applying and revisiting the information.
What worked wonders for me was teaming up with a study partner and challenging each other on the topics. Turning the study process into a "game" made learning enjoyable and engaging. This method was more effective for me in retaining information compared to merely trying to soak up all the knowledge from my notes.
I hope you find this advice useful. Wishing you the very best in your academic journey! :)
I completed my pharmacy degree in 2021, and I can attest to the intensity of the curriculum, although it's not as demanding as medical school. I agree with everyone else that it's challenging to memorize a vast amount of information in a limited timeframe.
When I was in pharmacy school, I recall being introduced to various topics through modules and being expected to grasp the knowledge within two weeks for the exams. It's tough and nearly impossible to remember all the details unless you're constantly applying and revisiting the information.
What worked wonders for me was teaming up with a study partner and challenging each other on the topics. Turning the study process into a "game" made learning enjoyable and engaging. This method was more effective for me in retaining information compared to merely trying to soak up all the knowledge from my notes.
I hope you find this advice useful. Wishing you the very best in your academic journey! :)
Godfrey Magawe
Clinical officer nephrology
82
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Godfrey’s Answer
Good question, indeed in medicine school guys are taught alot and you need to master and remember most so that you are able to pass well during your CATs and end semester exams.
Basically it requires commitment and effort to keep learning,have small study groups,and case discussion, revision of past papers,we also have some acronyms that can make one member some conditions,but all in all it requires great commitment,hard work and dedication.
Basically it requires commitment and effort to keep learning,have small study groups,and case discussion, revision of past papers,we also have some acronyms that can make one member some conditions,but all in all it requires great commitment,hard work and dedication.
Cindy Quinkert
Project Manager
2
Answers
Livonia, Michigan
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Hi,
It is a challenge to remember large amounts of information. I find using OneNote, taking notes, and organizing them is helpful. Also making videos and/or recordings to listen to while driving or running/walking. Along with memory tips, it is beneficial to eat healthy (lots of celery) and exercise. Exercise has been known to generate new brain cells. And of course avoid alcohol, etc. that could impact memory before an exam.
Good luck!
It is a challenge to remember large amounts of information. I find using OneNote, taking notes, and organizing them is helpful. Also making videos and/or recordings to listen to while driving or running/walking. Along with memory tips, it is beneficial to eat healthy (lots of celery) and exercise. Exercise has been known to generate new brain cells. And of course avoid alcohol, etc. that could impact memory before an exam.
Good luck!