Are there study techniques that just don't work in med school?

[Cwc127]

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In college, I find that I learn the information by taking detailed notes on standard white printer paper with images, drawings, diagrams, arrows, etc as I read the information. Then, I kind of have that framework set, so when I go back to review, I can look not only at the material in the book, but at the vivid and quite detailed notes that I took.

At times, when recalling this information (ie, for an exam), sometimes I remember the "layout" of the page of notes, and can pinpoint specific points of information and where they were located on a page of notes I took.

This simply works for me.

However, I am worried that this technique will not work in medical school, primarily due to the pacing that med school classes assume. Can a study technique like this work in med school when you have so much information thrown at you every day? Or does one need to be able to study / learn simply by reading the text or notes a few times?

 

[stickshift]

Or does one need to be able to study / learn simply by reading the text or notes a few times?

This.

Not much time to do much else.

 

[halekulani]

i think you'll have time to make outlines/notes

 

[KeyzerSoze]

Yeah, you'll probably have enough time, unless you're spending hours and hours on it in every day in undergrad.

 

[Jolie South]

My mind kind of works the same way as the OP, and I used to do the same thing in undergrad.

I really don't want to spend the time doing that here, so I latch on to already made diagrams/charts in Robbins and professors' powerpoints and do the same mental visualization. You could theoretically spend that much time making notes, but I want to have time to do other things in addition to studying.

 

[Mattabet]

I definitely make outlines and charts and I love it. If anything, you've just got to be a little more discerning in medical school than undergrad. You might not have time to do every little fact, but if you focus a little bit on writing up only what's likely to be important, you'll be able to do it in plenty of time.

 

[45408]

It works for some things, like when you're figuring out some neurocircuitry and such (like the basal ganglia) or biochem cycles, or drawing the brachial plexus. A lot of stuff just isn't conducive to schematics though - a lot of diseases just have to be learned. You might re-write some things, but for me, it was read, highlight, re-read, and read it once more.

 

[AndyEmmDee]

For me, I find that making notes directly off of the powerpoint slides helps me organize and make sense of the information. If the professor's powerpoint slides have any deficiencies in information or if anything isn't completely clear to me, I usually have a resource for each class that's my "go-to" resource (for example, I use lippincott's for biochemistry)

Then, for the exam, I've got a self-written set of notes to go through. This way, when I go through the notes, it's like I'm teaching myself the information and hearing it in my own words rather than someone else's.

I go through once for understanding, then memorize memorize memorize.

 

[unsung]

This.

Not much time to do much else.

Not true. I rewrite my own notes from given lecture notes/from lectures. Yeah, it's true I don't necessarily have time to read my own notes a lot. But the process of writing it out (framed in my own logic/way of organizing) basically imprints the info in my mind, I find. Before a test, I just look over my own notes.

I could re-read the given lecture notes a zillion times and not retain anything.

Edit to mention: I've also learned to sort of condense the way I write notes. For example, use "SO4" to indicate superior oblique inn by trochlear nerve. Or I might draw a triangle and write k-->, <--d to indicate kinesin walking toward the (+) end (fat part of triangle; the triangle reminds me of the mitotic spindle w/ the pointy end being the MTOC), and the dynein walking toward the (-) end. Just those 3 things- triangle, k, d (with arrows) is enough to remind me/rehearse those associated concepts, and to remind me of the important distinctions between the 2.

I do the same thing you do, where if a test Q asks about kinesin, for ex, I literally picture the "visual mnemonic" I made for myself, and reason things out from that picture. It works. I don't see any reason why it shouldn't work.

Reading, re-reading doesn't work for everyone.

 

[stickshift]

Not true. I rewrite my own notes from given lecture notes/from lectures. Yeah, it's true I don't necessarily have time to read my own notes a lot. But the process of writing it out (framed in my own logic/way of organizing) basically imprints the info in my mind, I find. Before a test, I just look over my own notes.

I could re-read the given lecture notes a zillion times and not retain anything.

Edit to mention: I've also learned to sort of condense the way I write notes. For example, use "SO4" to indicate superior oblique inn by trochlear nerve. Or I might draw a triangle and write k-->, <--d to indicate kinesin walking toward the (+) end (fat part of triangle; the triangle reminds me of the mitotic spindle w/ the pointy end being the MTOC), and the dynein walking toward the (-) end. Just those 3 things- triangle, k, d (with arrows) is enough to remind me/rehearse those associated concepts, and to remind me of the important distinctions between the 2.

I do the same thing you do, where if a test Q asks about kinesin, for ex, I literally picture the "visual mnemonic" I made for myself, and reason things out from that picture. It works. I don't see any reason why it shouldn't work.

Reading, re-reading doesn't work for everyone.

What are you, an M1?

Through the first half of second year, I did do the whole "outline notes in your own words" shebang. I could only stomach it for that long due to massive burnout. The second half of M2 year I simply read and re-read, cut my study time in half, and did just as well. Did the same for the boards, and did very well.

Also, when you outline notes and summarize, you will inevitably leave out miscellaneous factoids on your diagrams/charts/etc. When these factoids show up on your tests, you better hope you studied more than just from your own notes.

 

[KeyzerSoze]

What are you, an M1?

Through the first half of second year, I did do the whole "outline notes in your own words" shebang. I could only stomach it for that long due to massive burnout. The second half of M2 year I simply read and re-read, cut my study time in half, and did just as well. Did the same for the boards, and did very well.

Also, when you outline notes and summarize, you will inevitably leave out miscellaneous factoids on your diagrams/charts/etc. When these factoids show up on your tests, you better hope you studied more than just from your own notes.

No way! My way of studying is writing out summaries! It's great, and it works for everyone because it works for me.

 

[reedman]

memorize memorize memorize memorize

I am forced to do things much differently than in undergrad. I don't just read anymore, I search whatever paragraph/notes I'm studying and make a list of things to memorize. I used to enjoy just sitting down and reading for class, but now every minute of study is spent really memorizing.

 

[reedman]

oh and MEMORIZE EVERYTHING. My days of trying to figure out what will be on the exams are over, I got really screwed over doing that for the first set of exams.

 

[unsung]

What are you, an M1?

Through the first half of second year, I did do the whole "outline notes in your own words" shebang. I could only stomach it for that long due to massive burnout. The second half of M2 year I simply read and re-read, cut my study time in half, and did just as well. Did the same for the boards, and did very well.

Also, when you outline notes and summarize, you will inevitably leave out miscellaneous factoids on your diagrams/charts/etc. When these factoids show up on your tests, you better hope you studied more than just from your own notes.

You say that like it's an insult. Yeesh. 🙄

I said "not true" because you were claiming re-writing one's own notes does not work for anyone. Well, that's what I'm doing, and what many of my classmates are doing. I simply don't get much out of re-reading stuff, unless it's well-written stuff to begin with... which is rare, so I end up rewording/rewriting stuff much of the time. Not even re-"writing" so much as drawing figures or making tables. Tables are way under-used through our teaching but oh so helpful.

As for your point about random "factoids"-- that's where practice Qs/tests come in. I make sure to do them and then any factoids that stick out for me or that I get wrong, I will also write up a summary list. (I guess I like writing!)

Anyway, as with all things, ymmv. Do whatever works for you, and I'll do whatever works for me. No need to make grand declarations denouncing other people's methods!

 

[ZagDoc]

The only "study technique" I've seen consistently fail in med school is cramming. And even that may work for a while, until it catches up to you.

Whether its outlines, flashcards, reading, highlighting, whatever... if you're putting in the work, you'll learn the material well enough to pass. You'll pick up techniques to become more efficient along the way.

 

[coldweatherblue]

I just sit in a stationary position, read about whatever I'm studying, and as soon as I move on to the next "thing" I look away from the page and recite everything that I just thought about on the previous page. I make sure I have the headings (main points) of the notes in a certain organized spot in my head and that I know the new words I just read, then keep reading. repeat 3-4x and I'm ready for exams. I've tried writing flashcards, notes, etc, but after 5 minutes of doing it I'm bored, decide it's too much work, and just go back to what works for me.

but yeah I'll agree cramming absolutely doesn't work, unless you count studying 12 hours a day for two weeks as cramming.

 

[chiz2kul]

79093]I just sit in a stationary position, read about whatever I'm studying, and as soon as I move on to the next "thing" I look away from the page and recite everything that I just thought about on the previous page[/B]. I make sure I have the headings (main points) of the notes in a certain organized spot in my head and that I know the new words I just read, then keep reading. repeat 3-4x and I'm ready for exams. I've tried writing flashcards, notes, etc, but after 5 minutes of doing it I'm bored, decide it's too much work, and just go back to what works for me.

but yeah I'll agree cramming absolutely doesn't work, unless you count studying 12 hours a day for two weeks as cramming.

Yea thats what I do too. I've tried flash cards, but that takes forever and I feel like I could have spent the time much more effectively.

 

[Non-TradTulsa]

I don't think there's a general answer - it depends on the course. Just be prepared to try new things - undergraduate study methods don't necessarily work in med school.

For harder courses like pathophysiology, I took copious notes on the PowerPoint slides. I'm a very visual learner, so I invested in a color laser so that I could print the slides in color (cost me about $100-$150 per semester in toner) - I can't study from the screen, I need paper hardcopies (I'm old).

For other courses like pharmacology, I just jotted my own notes on the syllabus as I read it. I learned the hard way that I didn't have the time or energy to annotate PowerPoints for every class. I learned why medical students have such a fondness for highlighters - I still use the same system - red for critical facts, orange for important, yellow for worthwhile, and green for interesting but non-essential information.

Human Behavior - I just read the note service notes and scanned the syllabus - never had time for much else. I like psychiatry and think it's important, but it invariably will seem trivial compared to your other courses.

 

[Music MD]

-For many classes in med school reading your textbook is a complete waste of time, making owning the textbook a complete waste of money. A lot of times it's too much detail.

-procrastination, my study method of choice in ug, does not work too well here. Not that you cannot cram, its just a pretty stressful way to go about it. You worry while your procrastinating and falling behind right up until you finally learn the material and hopefully pass the exam. Might as well just learn it as you go and stick to a comfortable pace.

-Make a study plan at the start of each class or block. A clearly defined system really makes you feel more comfortable and you waste less time wandering through the material. Make changes to your system as you go to maximize your efficiency.

-Focus on objectives/competencies. Professors usually define these in the notes as what is important. Keep in mind you can only learn so much, so stick to the objectives and think of all other details as bonus points.

-Repetition. Most people need to see the material at least 3-5+ times to have it effectively memorized. Flashcards = repetition.

-Practice problems. Knowing the material is one thing, applying it can be another. The interweb is an abundant resource.

-Drawing. If you can reproduce it from memory on a whiteboard, you know it.

And the most important study technique... don't overstudy. 8 hours of med school, 8 hours of sleep, 8 hours of life per day.

 

[Hermoinely]

So basically, Read/highlight. But supplement with your own diagrams and outlines. sounds do-able.

I'm undergrad right now and I record lecture and write outlines by reviewing the lecture and powerpoints. I don't do word for word, but it's just impossible to write fast or legibly enough, so I sit down, and re-write lectures in my own organized manner. and to memorize i rewrite shorter versions of these notes.

Would this work in med school? Though I do spend a fair amount of time, like 3 hours per lecture.

 

[Jepstein30]

So basically, Read/highlight. But supplement with your own diagrams and outlines. sounds do-able.

I'm undergrad right now and I record lecture and write outlines by reviewing the lecture and powerpoints. I don't do word for word, but it's just impossible to write fast or legibly enough, so I sit down, and re-write lectures in my own organized manner. and to memorize i rewrite shorter versions of these notes.

Would this work in med school? Though I do spend a fair amount of time, like 3 hours per lecture.

3 hours per 1 hour lecture? that would be overkill at most programs.

My school (traditional block curriculum) has 3-4 classes a day, one hour each. That would mean that in addition to 3-4 hours of watching/attending lecture, you'd be spending another 9-12 hours every day studying. Oh wait.. you also have to go to lab, attend other classes/functions and well.. have a life.

I don't think there's necessarily a right/wrong way to study in med school but one thing that's for sure is you have to be efficient or you will bury yourself. Find what works for you, don't be afraid to mix it up.. but make sure you're being efficient. If you think you're spending too much time studying, look for ways to save time. Personally, I lightly supplement our lecture syllabus based on the lecture (so I only ever watch a lecture once and am not spending extraordinary time taking detailed notes) and then just read it until I understand everything. Don't try to just memorize everything, that's not going to work. Try to understand things in layers that you can keep building so the memorization part is minimal (i.e. just the foundation). Also, I think doing practice questions is an important part of studying that often goes underutilized. I spend probably the day or two before a test doing mostly practice questions with just some review of the material if I find I'm lacking in a topic. On a typical day, I probably spend about 5-6 hours studying max.. half of that watching lectures and then the rest reviewing from the previous day. On weekends, I'll do longer reviews of everything.

My best advice is to make sure you keep up.. falling behind is a death sentence.

 

[TwinsFan]

The biggest thing about med school that is different is that the volume is very high and the level of detail you have to know it (single phrase details out of hundreds of pages) forces you to up your game. I didn't believe it, but after the first exam it happened to me and now I am just very active/intensely read because passive reading, even 3x, will usually barely pass an exam. Active engagement, with no note taking, visualization, practice questions, and 2x through has netted solid results (90%+ on exams). If only I could do that 3rd pass, then I would be golden

 

[FranzLO]

Yeah, a lot of ways to go about it. But in the end it doesn't matter just know the stuff. I read slides over and over and over again. I NEVER rewrite anything or make charts, although I do some practice questions every once in a while but that has been very rare. Can easily honor everything just by reading the notes.

 

[NontradCA]

So basically, Read/highlight. But supplement with your own diagrams and outlines. sounds do-able.

I'm undergrad right now and I record lecture and write outlines by reviewing the lecture and powerpoints. I don't do word for word, but it's just impossible to write fast or legibly enough, so I sit down, and re-write lectures in my own organized manner. and to memorize i rewrite shorter versions of these notes.

Would this work in med school? Though I do spend a fair amount of time, like 3 hours per lecture.

This is what I do, and I think it's fine. It doesn't take me 3 hours though. If you're talking 3 hours of total time your devoting to a particular lecture before a test, you'll be doing good.

What I'll do is go to lecture and take notes in a summarized fashion to put the information in my own words. Then the weekend before the test I will go over each powerpoint and if I don't understand or forget a detail I will write it down. It takes about 10-15 mins/ppt. I'll just keep doing this over and over until I don't want to study anymore.

 

[username456789]

So basically, Read/highlight. But supplement with your own diagrams and outlines. sounds do-able.

I'm undergrad right now and I record lecture and write outlines by reviewing the lecture and powerpoints. I don't do word for word, but it's just impossible to write fast or legibly enough, so I sit down, and re-write lectures in my own organized manner. and to memorize i rewrite shorter versions of these notes.

Would this work in med school? Though I do spend a fair amount of time, like 3 hours per lecture.

I pretty much did this in medical school. It sure worked out well for me. But, it was very time-consuming. It all depends on your priorities in life. And how you tend to learn best.

 

[Espadaleader]

I read the lecture notes and whatever resource is appropriate (BRS Physio and Cos for Physio). After that I just go to a white board or printer paper for an hour or two and make concept maps and try to synthesize things. I also test myself. I don't "save" anything since I have lecture notes and the recording. The next day I repeat.

 

[charmiedermie]

I read the lecture notes and whatever resource is appropriate (BRS Physio and Cos for Physio). After that I just go to a white board or printer paper for an hour or two and make concept maps and try to synthesize things. I also test myself. I don't "save" anything since I have lecture notes and the recording. The next day I repeat.

I think a white board with markers helps to force it in your head at least temporarily.