Physician Mentality

[thefranchize]

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So, I'm taking an advanced introductory bio class which emphasizes the molecular aspects of biology. The problem is that I have a hard time applying all the information I studied to the tests (which are very difficult). I'm afraid that if I am unable to apply my knowledge to situations then I will probably be a terrible physician. I'm not looking for reassurance, just an honest answer.

Disclaimer: I'm planning on majoring in Sociology and my science background is almost nonexistent (except for AP bio which I got a 5 in).

So my question is, is it possible for me to become better able at applying knowledge with increased exposure to science or should I give up on pursuing an MD. Thanks

 

[bucks2010]

"Advanced introductory"... does this mean the second semester of freshman bio?

Don't be worried - you just need to figure out what you're doing wrong and correct it. It's part of the learning process.

 

[texahn]

lol its like this all the way for bio majors

 

[thefranchize]

"Advanced introductory"... does this mean the second semester of freshman bio?

Don't be worried - you just need to figure out what you're doing wrong and correct it. It's part of the learning process.

What I mean by advanced introductory is that there's bio 101 and then there's an advanced form of the class and I'm taking the advanced form (part of me thinks I should've taken the less advanced one. ha)

 

[spacemanxxx]

I was a bio and chem major, and all I can say is that you have to be patient and learn the basics that best you can first, and you will use them in upper level classes like Neuro, embryo, immuno and endocrine, where you will see the real world applications of the basics you're learning.

 

[Droopy Snoopy]

So, I'm taking an advanced introductory bio class which emphasizes the molecular aspects of biology. The problem is that I have a hard time applying all the information I studied to the tests (which are very difficult). I'm afraid that if I am unable to apply my knowledge to situations then I will probably be a terrible physician. I'm not looking for reassurance, just an honest answer.

Disclaimer: I'm planning on majoring in Sociology and my science background is almost nonexistent (except for AP bio which I got a 5 in).

So my question is, is it possible for me to become better able at applying knowledge with increased exposure to science or should I give up on pursuing an MD. Thanks

Nobody's born knowing how to do any of this, it's why we have to go to school for 38 years. Just do the best you can and be patient. You have to learn the raw knowledge framework before you can make more advanced connections.

 

[thefranchize]

Nobody's born knowing how to do any of this, it's why we have to go to school for 38 years. Just do the best you can and be patient. You have to learn the raw knowledge framework before you can make more advanced connections.

But this class is requiring me to come in knowing a certain level of stuff. Maybe my taking this class was a mistake. I don't know.

 

[Doubtnichts]

It sounds like this is your first or second class. It's like this for all science majors. It's a weed out class. They don't expect you to know all of the stuff already, they just expect you to study your ass off. It will get easier once you have more of a basis. I HATED sophomore year because I didn't know enough to make the more advanced classes easier. I love the classes I'm taking no though, because, while they're harder, I now know how to study and I know enough of the background and basics to make the studying easier. You just need to tough out these classes and then it'll become easier!

 

[Disinence2]

Typically in these cases I find the answer is more time/effort studying.

Its hard to apply things that you have memorized. Its easy to apply concepts that you fully understand.


Make sure your doing some understanding, not just studying.

 

[WingedOx]

dude, if you can get a 5 in AP bio, you're more than capable of getting this stuff... just keep plugging at it. 👍 I had a full semester of AP credits going into college and I don't think ANY of them were 5s.

 

[TriagePreMed]

The only reason you may not be able to become a physician is if you continue having confidence issues. Don't let one class and its applications say much to you about your ability years from now. For the life of me, I could barely apply my knowledge of inorganic chemistry for my class. For my physics class, it felt like a no-brainer. You'll find your thing soon enough.

 

[thefranchize]

The only reason you may not be able to become a physician is if you continue having confidence issues. Don't let one class and its applications say much to you about your ability years from now. For the life of me, I could barely apply my knowledge of inorganic chemistry for my class. For my physics class, it felt like a no-brainer. You'll find your thing soon enough.

I sure hope so. Would you suggest preparing before I take physics or chem, like over the summer?

 

[TriagePreMed]

I sure hope so. Would you suggest preparing before I take physics or chem, like over the summer?

I didn't prepare at all for either subject. I didn't do too hot in GChem (B), but I did do good on Physics. I think physics is the type of course where you really need the guidance of an instructor and was unable to find good resources to prepare well beforehand. You could get some basic concepts of chemistry drown. I think Khan Academy can help you with that, but the course (at least with my professor), was significantly harder than Khan.

Try to enjoy your summer and get some good activities done (volunteer, research, rtc.). I think time off is good for the mind.

 

[bacalaca]

So, I'm taking an advanced introductory bio class which emphasizes the molecular aspects of biology. The problem is that I have a hard time applying all the information I studied to the tests (which are very difficult). I'm afraid that if I am unable to apply my knowledge to situations then I will probably be a terrible physician. I'm not looking for reassurance, just an honest answer.

Disclaimer: I'm planning on majoring in Sociology and my science background is almost nonexistent (except for AP bio which I got a 5 in).

So my question is, is it possible for me to become better able at applying knowledge with increased exposure to science or should I give up on pursuing an MD. Thanks

Don't worry, it's like this in med school sometimes too, when you learn the knitty gritty of biochem, molec bio, and pharm it can be hard to see the practical applications of things.