Originally posted by swing
In med school MOST of what you do will be memorize! "Understanding concepts and applying," unless you're in a Problem Based Learning program won't work well because you'll need to have all the details down as well. It will be all multiple choice and no chance really to demonstrate conceptual understanding.
In my first year Histo class exam, for example, a question hung on whether you could remeber if it was a 64 or 67 nm turn in an alpha helix spannig the membrane.
The reason Organic is used as a measuring stick for med school is because it relies on the same skills you'll need in med school - the ability to memorize lots of detail and moderately complex processes at a rapid rate.