I cannot grasp anatomy

[FrankShui]

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I took my first anatomy exam a few weeks ago and made a 64. I made a 74 on the written portion and an ugly 54 on the practical. 🙁 I just read over the syllabus a bunch of times and studied Netter's and obviously that wasn't enough. I don't know what to do. Currently, I'm typing out my entire syllabus verbatim as I go through each lecture. I don't move on to the next section until I thoroughly understand the section that I'm typing. I THINK it's working because it seems like I'm retaining information better but I'm not so sure. I thought I was prepared for the previous exam, but that's obviously not true. In regards to studying for the practical, I'm now going into the lab more often on the weekends. But despite all of my hard work, I'm losing hope. I feel so discouraged. I'm so scared that I'm not going to pass this class. I signed up for tutoring but there aren't enough tutors so I can't get one. I honored all of my other exams so I know I'm capable of surviving med school except for anatomy. It's holding me back!!! It's going to look really weird if I honor all of my classes but can't even pass anatomy. I've asked my tankgroup for help but they're not the most friendly people and never want to meet up as a group or anything. This sucks.

Any advice? Sorry for the rant but I needed to get it all out.

 

[da8s0859q]

Subscribing; interested in what others have to say.

 

[samenewme]

Hit up people in other groups to come in on the weekend with you. Then you can pull up each others' cadavers and do a broader review. It's good to look at more than one cadaver anyway, and to work with a variety of people. Also stop in and see the instructors. Ask someone to go over the written exam with you and help you figure out a better study method and give you advice about preparing for the lab exams.

I do think that just spending more time with the cadavers instead of just with Netter should pull up your practical exam grade quite a bit; most donors don't have the good grace to read Netter before they decide to donate their bodies to science and they don't put their parts in exactly the right place.

 

[lord_jeebus]

Yeah, sounds like you need to spend more time in lab.

 

[Taurus]

Don't become a surgeon.

 

[Bolo]

Use Rohen's to find every single structure that is bold printed in your lab dissector.

 

[smq123]

I don't know what to do. Currently, I'm typing out my entire syllabus verbatim as I go through each lecture.

1. Don't do this. This is a huge waste of time. Read over the syllabus, and make up summary sheets, but do NOT re-type the whole darn syllabus "verbatim." You're taking away from valuable time that could be spent on the practical portion of the course.

I thought I was prepared for the previous exam, but that's obviously not true. In regards to studying for the practical, I'm now going into the lab more often on the weekends. But despite all of my hard work, I'm losing hope. I feel so discouraged. I'm so scared that I'm not going to pass this class. I signed up for tutoring but there aren't enough tutors so I can't get one. I honored all of my other exams so I know I'm capable of surviving med school except for anatomy. It's holding me back!!! It's going to look really weird if I honor all of my classes but can't even pass anatomy. I've asked my tankgroup for help but they're not the most friendly people and never want to meet up as a group or anything. This sucks.

2. Quiz yourself in order to pass the practical portion of the exam. If you can't go into lab with other people who will help you quiz yourself - do it at home. Buy Rohen, which was a lifesaver for me. Rohen is great because the photos are labelled with NUMBERS, and the numbers are explained in a separate section of the page. Cover up that section, and look at the photo, writing down what you think the numbered structure is. Work through each chapter, page by page, this way. It's like a real practical, only it's on paper. (As a bonus, many of the photos are quite repetitive, so you quiz yourself multiple times.) This truly helped me, because I lived too far away to go into lab very frequently.

Good luck!

 

[Crazy4F1]

here's what's been working for me so far:

preview each lecture by reading the syllabus - highlight, annotate the diagrams, etc as necessary. read the syllabus with an atlas open, point to/trace the structures as you read about them. alternatively, if possible, point to/trace the structures on your own body, or try to "model" the structures using your hands, objects, etc to get the relationships down - the more visceral the experience, the better.

i preview lab in the same way, making sure to find all of the bold structures in the atlas and tracing them with my fingers. i sometimes read out loud to myself to make sure i'm understanding it and not just glazing over.

attend lecture, i take notes on the powerpoint slides and use a highlighter to highlight the stuff that they say that's already written verbatim on the slides, or to outline structures/areas of particular interest.

after lecture, review with the syllabus and atlas, sometimes annotating the syllabus with stuff from class that i wrote on the slide. for particularly challenging content areas i make "study guides" - summary charts, flow charts etc - such as for the cranial nerves, or all of the branches of a particular blood vessel, etc. they're useful for reinforcing the basic relationships....retyping the whole syllabus sounds like it takes such a long time!

once a week on the weekend i dedicate a few hours to a review of what we did that week, focussing mostly on the syllabus and supplementing with the BRS for practice questions.


hope that helps! 🙂

 

[45408]

Netter flashcards sound like they would really help you. They were $35 when I got them last year.

 

[Frank l]

1. Don't do this. This is a huge waste of time. Read over the syllabus, and make up summary sheets, but do NOT re-type the whole darn syllabus "verbatim." You're taking away from valuable time that could be spent on the practical portion of the course. [endquote]


I agree. You need to be able to summarize the material. Your notes should be maybe a quarter of the length of your overall material. This doesn't mean you leave things out, but it is impossible to memorize all the material, you've got to break it down. It seems some of the people I know who are struggling are trying to learn EVERYTHING. You just need to pass the tests right now, so that should be your focus. And if your lab partners are jerks, ask around to find somebody, anybody, who will go to lab and practice with you.

 

[FrankShui]

I know that it sounds like it takes up a long time to type out the syllabus but I don't know how else to learn it thoroughly. I leave out small things that I'm 99% sure that they won't ask, but everything else included in the syllabus seems test-worthy. When I type it all out on Word, each lecture is approximately 4 pages long.

I did this for a few of my difficult classes in undergrad that involved a lot of memorization and it worked for them so I'm praying that it will improve my grade for anatomy. I also went out and bought Netter's flashcards and the Rohen textbook. As opposed to most of my classmates, I live relatively far from the school and I don't have a car so it's difficult for me to go to the lab but I'm doing my best.

 

[smq123]

I know that it sounds like it takes up a long time to type out the syllabus but I don't know how else to learn it thoroughly. I leave out small things that I'm 99% sure that they won't ask, but everything else included in the syllabus seems test-worthy. When I type it all out on Word, each lecture is approximately 4 pages long.

I did this for a few of my difficult classes in undergrad that involved a lot of memorization and it worked for them so I'm praying that it will improve my grade for anatomy. I also went out and bought Netter's flashcards and the Rohen textbook. As opposed to most of my classmates, I live relatively far from the school and I don't have a car so it's difficult for me to go to the lab but I'm doing my best.

But typing out the syllabus verbatim is NOT helpful. Understanding the topic, instead of just memorizing the syllabus, is truly key. Just bang out some key phrases for each topic introduced, but do not actually TYPE OUT what the syllabus said. Seriously - what's the point? It's already type-written in the syllabus, so typing it all out again is not useful.

I also lived quite far from school. Rohen's photographic atlas was a lifesaver, because I didn't want to stick around after school and hang out in the lab for a few more hours. Really - doing Rohen's as if it's a practical will help you out.

 

[Cirrus83]

Hey, I feel your pain, but I'd suggest:
1) Studying with other people after you've read through the lecture notes.
2) Going to the lab more
3) Start studying super early
4) Get help from your teachers

That said I only got a 72 on my last exam after forgetting to fill out one question, but I also tried mostly studying by myself and didn't go to lab enough. When I finally *did* study in a group it helped me IMMENSELY, so at least I didn't flunk the exam, but in retrospect if I had been group studying earlier I would probably have done much much better.

And if your teacher is open to helping you, let them.

Oh and if you own flash cards, actually use them ahead of time instead of the night before the exam (doh).

Some other classes are better studied for alone, but anatomy you definitely should be willing to get help from other people for.

 

[barasch]

I agree with the previous posters about re-typing the syllabus. It may seem like a good way to review material, but typing and reading are primarily verbal exercises while in anatomy, particularly in the practical exams, pictorial memory must be exercised. I'd say, if you want to re-type the notes, do so with your atlas (Netter's or whatever your school uses) and every time you come across a structure you don't know, locate it in the atlas. It will take extra time, but locating it will help you with it's relationship with other structures.

The flashcards mentioned earlier are a good idea too. Memorize everything on the flashcards before you cover that topic in class. It will help and make you look smart.

Good luck.

 

[degoo_]

I'm also in a similar situation.

I was wondering how you guys remember relationships between vessels/nerves/lymph and structures. Rohen's simply labels everything, but doesn't describe this relationship very well.

 

[soonereng]

I was wondering how you guys remember relationships between vessels/nerves/lymph and structures. Rohen's simply labels everything, but doesn't describe this relationship very well.

Ever hear the expression a picture is worth a thousand words? You don't need to describe the relationships when they are labeled and you can see them...

If you want verbage go with big Moore. It has more than enough words to make up for what Rohen uses pics for.

 

[Katya00]

Do you have TAs? Ask one of them to help you out, they can point to things and quiz you, or they can describe relationships. I love our TAs, they are invaluable resources!

This is something I do with a small group of students (who are not in my lab group btw). We make a list of ten structures each and then quiz each other on them. You point to one of the structures, and the other people write down what they think it is. You go through all the quizzes like this. Depending on the number of people you can actually get through a lot of structures. This REALLY helps me. And by writing it down I can't pretend like I knew what it was when I'm wrong.

The practicals are hard, no doubt. And they are harder for me because I can't look at a book, then look at a cadaver and say "oh that's it, of course!" It just doesn't look the same to me. So I actually learn things both ways (kind of a pain, but it's necessary so I do it).

Good luck.

 

[GodoShingo]

Even though all the others say is very useful, I've found the main problem: "I'm so scared that I'm not going to pass this class." you say.
As far as you study because of fright of failing, you won't be able to concentrated enough to be studying.
I had the same problem. I always thought that I would fail, and so I did.
I am not the no.1 genius in my class, nor a natural. I am a slow learner. As soon as I let go of that fear, for me the anatomy got easier and easier.
The whole changing your thoughts will help you.
For instance, if you are to put a stick through a ring, it's easier to do it when ou think that you have all time in the world to practice, than if someone is pointing a gun at your face (which is acually how I used to feel).
Anywho, I passed just because of that I left the fear behind.
Good luck!

 

[muzi]

do you think that getting 64 from 74 is bad..? i don't think so.. anyway i am trying to pass my exams...if u passed that exam i think there is no any problem.. but u want more more more... don't do that there is no border in medicine, if u go ahead like this u won't be satisfied..

 

[NCF145]

I took my first anatomy exam a few weeks ago and made a 64. I made a 74 on the written portion and an ugly 54 on the practical. 🙁 I just read over the syllabus a bunch of times and studied Netter's and obviously that wasn't enough. I don't know what to do. Currently, I'm typing out my entire syllabus verbatim as I go through each lecture. I don't move on to the next section until I thoroughly understand the section that I'm typing. I THINK it's working because it seems like I'm retaining information better but I'm not so sure. I thought I was prepared for the previous exam, but that's obviously not true. In regards to studying for the practical, I'm now going into the lab more often on the weekends. But despite all of my hard work, I'm losing hope. I feel so discouraged. I'm so scared that I'm not going to pass this class. I signed up for tutoring but there aren't enough tutors so I can't get one. I honored all of my other exams so I know I'm capable of surviving med school except for anatomy. It's holding me back!!! It's going to look really weird if I honor all of my classes but can't even pass anatomy. I've asked my tankgroup for help but they're not the most friendly people and never want to meet up as a group or anything. This sucks.

Any advice? Sorry for the rant but I needed to get it all out.

I believe we go to the same school. Don't just use the syllabus for studying. I find Moore's to be very helpful as well as Rohen's. Even though Rohen's is a good substitute for the lab, that is what it is...a substitute. You need to get in there and actually look at the same structures on different bodies. This will help you visualize some of the anatomical variations that can be present as well as help you with the spatial relationships of the structures. I have also found Anatomy Recall to be a very good source for quick reviews (it is green and is sold in our bookstore).

Good luck

 

[Perrotfish]

do you think that getting 64 from 74 is bad..? i don't think so.. anyway i am trying to pass my exams...if u passed that exam i think there is no any problem.. but u want more more more... don't do that there is no border in medicine, if u go ahead like this u won't be satisfied..

Don't know about your school but at mine:
1) a 70 is passing
2) you have to pass the practical to pass the class

Anyway to the OP:
First it's been said 3 tims now: buy Rohen and go through everything. My practical went from a 45% studying from Netter to an 85% studying from Roehn

Second: Buy the BRS review series and go to University of Michigan's website. Do all the practice questions on both and your written grade will go up

Third: do you have flashcards? Netter works very well, especially for reveiewing before the lab.

 

[monkeymeg2]

Even though all the others say is very useful, I've found the main problem: "I'm so scared that I'm not going to pass this class." you say.
As far as you study because of fright of failing, you won't be able to concentrated enough to be studying.
I had the same problem. I always thought that I would fail, and so I did.
I am not the no.1 genius in my class, nor a natural. I am a slow learner. As soon as I let go of that fear, for me the anatomy got easier and easier.
The whole changing your thoughts will help you.
For instance, if you are to put a stick through a ring, it's easier to do it when ou think that you have all time in the world to practice, than if someone is pointing a gun at your face (which is acually how I used to feel).
Anywho, I passed just because of that I left the fear behind.
Good luck!

thanks so much for your post. anatomy has instilled such a ridiculous fear in me that i practically had an emotional breakdown before our first exam. i convinced myself that i would fail and that's exactly what happened. i recognize that i really need to change how i'm thinking/feeling about my failing the exam because its really not helping to harp on it...anyways i agree with you...your feelings about the actual test can have a huge impact on your grade. definitely work on how you study, but try and work on the fear of failing--advice i'm trying to follow, as well 🙂

 

[MonkeyNuts!]

So far my experience as an MSI has taught me that the more you try to be a "good student", the more likely it is that you will do poorly.

In undergrad we had the time to make notes upon notes and flashcards and read recommended texts and prepare all we wanted for tests and what not.

It simply isn't the case anymore, the volume of material is a tidal wave - instead of trying to be a "good student", be a student that survives. Eliminate all the things that really don't help you study, don't bother looking at material that the instructor feels isn't important.

It would be great in an ideal world to sit down and learn all this wonderful medical knowledge that they are choking us with, but in all honesty you're not going to remember it 10 years down the road even if you do study EVERYTHING, and also there's alot of BS in there too.

Survive.

 

[CindyLou]

http://www.anatomy.wisc.edu/courses/gross/

best videos for both prelab and studying for the practical.

http://www.med.wayne.edu/diagradiology/Anatomy_Modules/Page1.html

best site for CT and X-Ray review


basically, if you can ID everything that your dissector tells you to ID during lab on your own then you should be good for your practical...plus you need to know innervations (gray's dissection guide is AMAZING) and probably embryological orgins of stuff.

flash cards are great (i use gray's because i wanted a different picture from what i normally see in my netter's)

 

[beezel]

The most important thing I find in studying anatomy is the realtionships between structures. You might know everything about a certain nerve or muscle but if you have no idea how that incorporates with the rest of the body you will not get far. I make spreadsheets on excel, taking a cue from UMich, but I add a location column, so I can understand how it fits into the big picture. Go through your dissection manual make a list of the structures go through Rohen's to get a sense of the location and BRS to get any details or clinically significant info you might miss. That's my best advice for you, good luck with your next exam!

 

[Writer1985]

As others have said, Rohen's and Netter's are both key. See if you can get a study group together of people who have different cadavers -- meet once a week in lab to look at each other's dissections. I also found in helpful to make tables of important structures: where they come from, where they are going, what they might be confused with, and what distinguishes them.

For the written, I've gotten in the habit reading the syllabus and Moore's the night before the lecture and then again as soon after the lecture as possible, making summaries to integrate the lecture material with the texts. On the weekend, I go through the syllabus again with a highlighter. Yes, it's time-consuming, but with anatomy, repetition is really the only way to learn it. Practice questions are also good.

 

[Engin]

Read the book. grays's or moore's. It makes so much sense then. Seriously, you will be shocked how much you learn and don't have to memorize or pneumomicise. But make sure u focus on your notes in the end. It's just alot of work.

I hate broad memorizing (i.e. class notes), which just seem to outline what you need to know. Unfortunately this process takes a long time (reading the book). But it is really worth it.

 

[psipsina]

I found it useful to go through my lab manual with my netters at home and then I would go through my netters with my cadaver in the lab and make sure I could point to everything. We got hit lists that I would use in lab too to make sure I could identify everything. A great tactic is to pick what you want to review (ex: facial muscles) and stand there pointing and touching everthing as you say what it is). Focus on how each thing is related to its suroundings, whats lateral and medial to it, whats superficial and deep?

I agree that re-transcribing is a big waste of time. Make a review sheet instead if you like writing your own notes while you read. It forces you to reword and summarize and identify top points which is a great method for learning. Then if you have time to go through it again (which should be the goal to make it through the material twice) you have a consolidated study sheet so it will be much faster the second time through the material.

 

[LuckyBambooGirl]

I struggled with anatomy too until I sucked it up and went into the lab extra with a group of friends who were interested in anatomy. It was impossible for me to learn all those relationships from a book or a chart, I had to go in there and get my hands dirty. Then my anatomy proficiency improved incredibly!!! As much as it sucks, you just have to spend more time in the lab.

 

[sprinkibrio]

So far my experience as an MSI has taught me that the more you try to be a "good student", the more likely it is that you will do poorly.

In undergrad we had the time to make notes upon notes and flashcards and read recommended texts and prepare all we wanted for tests and what not.

It simply isn't the case anymore, the volume of material is a tidal wave - instead of trying to be a "good student", be a student that survives. Eliminate all the things that really don't help you study, don't bother looking at material that the instructor feels isn't important.

I completely agree with you. More bad student ideas: not studying when you don't feel like it is actually good! Do the best you can and no more.

To repeat someone else, being positive works WONDERS. "This lab practical is going to be so much fun, I can't wait, it's my first!" or "I'm going to do as best as I can and that will be enough and ok!" So cheesy but soooooo motivating and calming. Taking a practical exam is quite an endurance event, and positive thoughts keep your focus.

 

[Purplerainangel]

I'm an MS1 as well, so I'm not sure how much this will help you, but I've found that when I can't go to the lab, it helps me to draw (with colored pencils) from the words in the anatomy book. Don't look at any pictures, and then compare it with the pictures afterwards and make changes. This helps me conceptualize it in my mind and develop a mental picture which I think is very helpful. After I do this, I will draw things over and over again for memory to really solidify it... but I'm not sure that's necessary. I even think just drawing it once will give you the mental picture that's really important. Good luck!

 

[spreebee]

Don't become a surgeon.

1st semester anatomy hair of expertise after full medical training... So you get 70's on your lab exams... I know people that failed anatomy got their a$$'s together and are excellent specialized surgeons today..

 

[nlax30]

What books are you using? Do you have a text like Gray's for students or Moore, do you have decent lectures that explain things, or are you just going by a syllabus outline and an atlas?

We're a PBL curriculum but our initial 10 week anatomy course is still lecture based and we have pretty detailed powerpoint lectures, and I would try to read as much as I could in the Gray's text, so that helped in learning relationships, how a nerve travels through a certain area, etc..... And then just spent some time in lab, along with the Rohen and Netter atlases to be able to ID the structures.

I'd say if you don't have any sort of textbook or detailed lectures then you might want to get your hands on a decent book.

 

[63768]

sucks to be you.

the only advice i can offer is to go through everything as many times as you can. spend time in lab with people who can quiz and pimp you. that's what i do and i'm doing fine.

 

[crazy_cavalier]

1. Use every facet of U. Mich's anatomy website.

2. Organize the material by compartments. Muscles in the same compartments have similar innervation and blood supply. Then conceptualize the action of the muscles by thinking about what you'd expect if they contract --> this also helps in terms of origin and insertion.

3. Look into the Acland Gross Anatomy DVDs as reinforcement. They're awesome.

4. If your syllabus has learning objectives (or "study objectives", goals, etc), I would suggest you take those learning objectives, make them into bullets in a skeletal outline, and expand from there

5. USMLE Roadmap to Gross Anatomy is a great review book which I fully endorse. Very concise but high yield.

6. Clinical correlates and vignettes are very useful. It might be helpful if you have some case studies to look at (eg. Lachman's Case Studies is a good one!) - they tend to be memorable and you'll understand the anatomy very well by looking at the "whole picture" in a clinical context.

7. Ignore all my advice because I sucked hard-core at anatomy. No joke. It's a hard class and lots of med students have difficulty with it - don't feel bad and don't beat yourself up about it!

 

[MonkeyNuts!]

But despite all of my hard work, I'm losing hope. I feel so discouraged. I'm so scared that I'm not going to pass this class.

Just also want to point out that this is probably one out of a ton of exams we are going to take. Accept now that you aren't going to honor everything, high pass everything, and sometimes you might struggle to pass certain exams. You can't react to every exam with disappointment, stress, or anxiety, or you will be in for a very long haul that doesn't stop after you graduate.

It is what it is, like sprinkibrio says, all that can be asked of you is your best.

It's going to look really weird if I honor all of my classes but can't even pass anatomy.

Also I wanted to point out that honoring the rest of your classes is not weird, it's really good - think of all the people who fail or barely pass those classes, I'm sure they'd love to be in your shoes, having to only struggle with ONE class.

Also I just want to reiterate that I don't necessarily agree with some of the other posts here - more is not necessarily better, and usually it tends to be worse. Pick and choose what's important, this requires you to really have your eyes and ears open for important cues, either from upperclassmen, professors, previous yr backexams, or whatever.

 

[RisingSun]

1. Use every facet of U. Mich's anatomy website.

Second this advice. This site really helped immediately before exams to get my brain thinking anatomy.

We are already done with anatomy, but I feel your pain (even though I for one really enjoyed the class and already miss it). Get the Rohan/Yokochi photo atlas and make good use of this. Also go into lab with a few friends/study partners and quiz each other and bodies THAT ARE NOT YOUR OWN. This is key, because while you may know where something is on your body, you'll have to know where it is on other bodies for pin tests.

Good luck and just bear down and get through anatomy. Sound like you may enjoy the other more cognitive classes that come after anatomy.

 

[smartmark]

spend time in lab with people who can quiz and pimp you.

Agree. I think the key is to keep your brain awake, but not freaked out, when learning a lot of new stuff. The pimping, repeating, discussing with knowledgeable peers is the best way. Also, you can self quiz yourself on the atlas or interactive website. I really liked www.practiceanatomy.com - great way to review a wide range of gross anatomy knowledge.

 

[JCJS]

What helped for me was not just looking at the structures. You have to think about how your professor will ask the question about that specific structure. Most of the time you won't be asked simple, "What is this" questions so go through it in your head how the question will be asked. But honestly since it seems like you are struggling in lecture as well you should tackle that first because it's much easier to answer lab questions when you know everything in the lecture notes already. Once I understood how to study for anatomy I honestly stopped spending as much time in lab because if you know your lecture stuff answering the questions in lab becomes 10x easier

 

[NidDAlouette]

Well this is quite the necro-bump...

 

[JCJS]

Well this is quite the necro-bump...

Lol I almost never look at the dates, just read and reply to whatever is at the top

 

[NidDAlouette]

Lol I almost never look at the dates, just read and reply to whatever is at the top

Haha it definitely happens. It can be amusing, though, when you realize you're giving advice to someone who is quite possibly already an attending. 😉

 

[Redpancreas]

I took my first anatomy exam a few weeks ago and made a 64. I made a 74 on the written portion and an ugly 54 on the practical. 🙁 I just read over the syllabus a bunch of times and studied Netter's and obviously that wasn't enough. I don't know what to do. Currently, I'm typing out my entire syllabus verbatim as I go through each lecture. I don't move on to the next section until I thoroughly understand the section that I'm typing. I THINK it's working because it seems like I'm retaining information better but I'm not so sure. I thought I was prepared for the previous exam, but that's obviously not true. In regards to studying for the practical, I'm now going into the lab more often on the weekends. But despite all of my hard work, I'm losing hope. I feel so discouraged. I'm so scared that I'm not going to pass this class. I signed up for tutoring but there aren't enough tutors so I can't get one. I honored all of my other exams so I know I'm capable of surviving med school except for anatomy. It's holding me back!!! It's going to look really weird if I honor all of my classes but can't even pass anatomy. I've asked my tankgroup for help but they're not the most friendly people and never want to meet up as a group or anything. This sucks.

Any advice? Sorry for the rant but I needed to get it all out.

It's a common road block. You may have a slight disadvantage when it comes to visualization. I k i.e. I did. You're going to have to work exceptionally hard. Nothing else to really say. Good luck. Don't worry, You'll survive... but if you wanna do well, you have to put in a lot more work.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[lymphocyte]

I took my first anatomy exam a few weeks ago and made a 64. I made a 74 on the written portion and an ugly 54 on the practical. 🙁 I just read over the syllabus a bunch of times and studied Netter's and obviously that wasn't enough. I don't know what to do. Currently, I'm typing out my entire syllabus verbatim as I go through each lecture. I don't move on to the next section until I thoroughly understand the section that I'm typing. I THINK it's working because it seems like I'm retaining information better but I'm not so sure. I thought I was prepared for the previous exam, but that's obviously not true. In regards to studying for the practical, I'm now going into the lab more often on the weekends. But despite all of my hard work, I'm losing hope. I feel so discouraged. I'm so scared that I'm not going to pass this class. I signed up for tutoring but there aren't enough tutors so I can't get one. I honored all of my other exams so I know I'm capable of surviving med school except for anatomy. It's holding me back!!! It's going to look really weird if I honor all of my classes but can't even pass anatomy. I've asked my tankgroup for help but they're not the most friendly people and never want to meet up as a group or anything. This sucks.

Any advice? Sorry for the rant but I needed to get it all out.

I was you! I thought Netter's was absolutely horrible: too busy, too colourful. What saved me: Rohen's (strongly agree with @smq123), Acland's Video Atlas, and quizzing with friends.

Don't retype the syllabus. Way too passive. Attack the material (by summarising, for example) and then practice like how you want to perform. If that means multiple choice questions or spot identification, then do a lot of those.

I know you're losing hope and feeling discouraged. General rule with all of medical school: if you're doing poorly, you are not the problem. Your strategy is the problem. Just keep experimenting. Lots of great suggestions in this thread. Good luck!

 

[DO2015CA]

Spend more time with the cadavers for practical. There is no substitute in taking a buddy and making them go through the lab manual and making you identify it. Once you get the easy things done have them up the difficulty by making you find something then making you recite the innervation, blood supply, function. That second part will help you do better in lecture and be able to picture what they're asking for

 

[Oh_Gee]

this is so relevant though it's old

 

[Warderino92]

This is still relevant due to it being the one course that won't change much over the next couple thousands of years.

 

[prettylittlebird]

.