Well, let's see. The biggest change will be switching to a systems based approach. Basically they are changing to a curriculum where you real both normal and pathophys. about a system at the same time. It used to be that all of first year was normal phys. biochem, etc about the entire body system. Second year was path., pathophys., and pharm about everything. I think the new approach is better because it will make the first year much more interesting, and make the second year much more tolerable. (Second year used to be a real bit%$.) Also, Physical diagnosis and medical humanities (where you learn about insurance, statistics, diversity, etc.) is going to be integrated over two years. Learn PE earlier and hopefully use it sooner. As always, Gross anatomy and embryology are the first twelve weeks for everyone. I'm on Student Council, and that is pretty much the gist of what they explained to us. I'm sorry I cannot give you better specifics. I do know that they are going to have all LD students part of small groups that work together to learn PE, interview skills, and do much more PBL learning than when I went through. There is also going to be a required longitudnal experience with a senior citizen, but I don't know the details. (This was recently mandated by some national accrediting organization or something) Anyway that is the best I can answer, hope it helps.
) I wouldn't buy any books right now, just enjoy the spring and summer, there will be plenty of time for studying later. As far as memorizing stuff and time commitment, I would have to say it is highly variable. People usually settle into a system that works for them during the first few months of school. ( Some like myself were probable too social for their own good 
