long-term recall tips severely lacking and needed

[cobaltgreen]

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second year here.

just got asked all those questions in clinic that i once knew for exams. i really was annoyed for not recalling those basics (which disease causes this or that --like mitral valve/ fish mouth or OI blue sclera or the color of Kayser-Fleischer rings ), but more importantly--i was also totally motivated by the student who recalled everything--(and so jealous!)

any great tips and tactics for longer-term recall?

 

[cbass1350]

Get a good review source for the subject in question. Make sure that it's easy to read, in outline format (for quick review), covers the important points, and is recommended by other students. An example would be BRS path or physio if you haven't taken step 1 or kaplan notes for step 2.

Once you get the review book, it's important to stick to that book. Go through the material once, underlining/highlighting or making notes as you go. Try to discipline yourself to do that even if you are busy with other classes/rotations. Even a couple of pages on a busy day is better than none.

When you finish the book, have a second or possibly a third pass through it (if time permits). Also, use the book as reference as often as you can; this will enforce a lot of material and will also make it more likely for you to remember them.

All that being said, you cannot possibly know/recall everything. Just do your best, and if you don't know an answer, simply look it up.

 

[shadsupremacy]

three things work for me:
1) Repetition: this is the key to remembering something... the more you repeat, better/longer you will remember something... that's why you don't want to learn from something that you cant repeat a second or third time (like big texts)... instead you want something like BRS books, kaplan, fast aid, etc, as already mentioned... you may use big books for concept, but don't dwell on them for too long
2) Learn easily: whatever you learn, try to simplify it as much as possible... because when trying to remember it in the future, you don't want to think about how complicated it was to learn it in the fast place... always take the opportunity to explain to your friends a topic that they are having a hard time understanding in as simple a manner as possible ... also learn from as few sources as possible... i recommend no more than two books for a particular subject... and if any one book has all ur needs, then that's perfect.
3) Use visual memory: Take the opportunity to go through pictures presented with every texts... and focus more on the picture (again, simplify the picture if possible)... draw the picture

so... learn easily, repeat, visualize, and repeat again... and you won't forget again