homework in med school?

The studying involves mostly reading (at my school anyway). We've also had short reports/writing assignments for non-basic-sciences classes (ethics, medical skills, researching medical literature, statistics) and random essays here and there. None of these are overly difficult; they're not term papers or anything like that, just time-consuming. Overall, the work every day requires sitting and reading a LOT of pages.

 

I study a lot of different ways. I try to change it up every few weeks to keep my sanity. Here are some of the things I do:

read & highlight (the more colors the better)
make flow chart type diagrams
make posters
type outlines using Word
make notecards (large & small notecards)
use some interactive software like the Netter anatomy CD and wepath CD

Draw funny pictures ("Ridiculously simple" style)-this was especially helpful in microbiology

I use most of these methods about equally. I hope some of these ideas help!

 

Omigod. I do nowhere near that much work.

I am in class from 8-2 at least, and often until 5. Most days I am doing 2 days of work, at most, afterwards, with 6 or 7 hours outside of class friday night-sunday night. I am passing all my classes (some of my classmates aren't). I am not at the top of my class, but as our class motto goes, "S=MD." (If you pass, you pass. All that you need.)

I know my school isn't the cream of the crop, but we're not cranking out half-assed docs, either. You CAN study less and live more. It's a matter of priorities - the things you are motivated to do are what you can do. For me this includes a yoga class on Mondays, joining the symphony chorus for a few months a year, and going out once a week. I feel I'm a more well-rounded human being for it -- something I value in my doctors. It doesn't need to be so intense and negative.