Pre study for medical school

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Treehun

Treehun

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I know everyone says don't pre study for medical school, but when I maltirculate this fall I will not have taken anatomy or physiology.

I don't wanna die in medical school, so should pre study? How behind my peers will I be?
 
You can't prestudy. You just don't have the recourses. Take this time to do something non-academic.

Congratulations, btw!
 
You could casually read anatomy...but that is the most I would recommend. It's a grind. You need to go in well rested and alert.
 
I always heard to take the summer prior to matriculation off, have fun. Good luck, buddy.
 
reverse-1253886001_office-no.gif

It's not worth it. Just don't. If you really want to study at all, get an anatomy coloring book. It'll still be useless but you'll feed your inner gunner.
 
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There is no point to trying to do this. You'll be fine, you won't die. If you honestly know absolutely nothing about anatomy and couldn't even identify the majority of the bones or muscles in the body, maybe take a look at some general anatomy. But really, I know people who didn't have any A&P and they're still in school
 
The people in my class who had taken anatomy in college still had to work almost as hard as those of us who had never been exposed to it before. You only touch the tip of the iceberg in an undergrad anatomy class, and self-studying without ever having taken anatomy before wouldn't even be 10% as useful as taking an undergrad glass that covers about 2% of the info. I would not advise a possible 0.2% advance content knowledge over enjoying the last free summer you will probably have until you retire.
 
Honestly, there is no way to prepare with self-study. You'd miss the mark. There is so much to know, you literally cannot know it all, so to survive in med school you have to focus your efforts on the highest-yield information. It's really just not possible to open up a text book and know what is and isn't high-yield. You need a class curriculum for that. Hence why you should just wait for class to start and enjoy life until then.
 
Don't pre-study.

MAYBE, if you're in one of the accelerated anatomy curriculums, find out what you start with and read that chapter a week or two before orientation. But don't kill your summer with it. It'll be low yield studying and no fun.
 
Mad Jack said:
.... get an anatomy coloring book. It'll still be useless but you'll feed your inner gunner.
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This is actually what I have been doing. I took anatomy in 2004-2005ish as part of my paramedic program and have been going through an anatomy coloring book to kick some of the cobwebs out, so to speak. I am definitely not trying to memorize or 'be a gunner', I just want to polish up what I have already learned, since it was so long ago. I spend about 45 minutes a day with said coloring book. That has definitely not significantly impacted my catching up on my backlog of games in my Steam library, playing guitar, reading recreationally, or watching '80's action movies so it doesn't really seem like a problem :laugh:. So, I guess its not really pre-studying, just more of bringing what I already know to the forefront. Useless?? probably...Does it make me feel better about my gross indulgence in video games, novels and movies?....a little...:laugh:
 
The level of anatomy we learn in med school is riiiiiiiidiculous compared to anything you'll get resources for. The coloring book is something I recommend so that those looking to feel oriented in regard to the human body can do so, but it won't actually teach you much of anything in regard to depth. You need to know details so minute, obscure, and useless that only one thing can prepare you- and that thing is actually surviving gross anatomy in medical school.
 
No to prestudying. You will not be behind the majority of your peers. Med school curriculums are generally designed with the assumption that incoming students are new to anatomy and physiology. But if you want to get into the 'mode', I recommend reading some medical nonfiction. Try Phantoms in the Brain, Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers, or The Emporer of all Maladies. Pleasurable reads, but relevant to what you'll be learning.
 
Mad Jack said:
The coloring book is something I recommend so that those looking to feel oriented in regard to the human body can do so, but it won't actually teach you much of anything in regard to depth..
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This is absolutely true. It has mainly been good for things like "hey, there is the serratus anterior muscle...I remember that", and honestly that is just what I wanted to do, remember some of the things that have gotten foggy in the last 10 years.
 
AM508 said:
This is absolutely true. It has mainly been good for things like "hey, there is the serratus anterior muscle...I remember that", and honestly that is just what I wanted to do, remember some of the things that have gotten foggy in the last 10 years.
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I forgot everything about gross muscular and nerves from A&P in the 8 years since I'd taken it. I kind of wish I'd refreshed my memory, because I'm older, and remembering basic things like muscle names isn't something I really wanted to deal with in block 1.
 
Mad Jack said:
I forgot everything about gross muscular and nerves from A&P in the 8 years since I'd taken it. I kind of wish I'd refreshed my memory, because I'm older, and remembering basic things like muscle names isn't something I really wanted to deal with in block 1.
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Yeah, that is exactly my reasoning too. I can completely relate as I too am older (early 30's). I figure that I already learned bones, muscles and select nerves and vessels, the least I could do is polish up that knowledge that I already paid for 10 years ago😛.
 
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AM508 said:
Yeah, that is exactly my reasoning too. I can completely relate as I too am older (early 30's). I figure that I already learned bones, muscles and select nerves and vessels, the least I could do is polish up that knowledge that I already paid for 10 years ago😛.
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Just a fair warning for you- being an older nontrad is hard. I'm not saying this to discourage you, but to make sure you know from day 1 that you are different than the younger students and you're going to have to work twice as hard for the same results as many of them. Every little detail takes longer to sink in, and you're going to be frustrated to all hell when you're taking gross because of the piles of crap you have to learn. I've got a 19 page, two column structures list for my next exam. That would have been hard when I was 20, but now it's a real struggle. So just stay on top of things, and when you're feeling overwhelmed, know that you're not alone, but that you can do it.

Every single student my class has lost so far has been a nontrad, it's pretty disheartening. Our system really is a brutal one for the aging mind to endure.
 
Mad Jack said:
Just a fair warning for you- being an older nontrad is hard. I'm not saying this to discourage you, but to make sure you know from day 1 that you are different than the younger students and you're going to have to work twice as hard for the same results as many of them. Every little detail takes longer to sink in, and you're going to be frustrated to all hell when you're taking gross because of the piles of crap you have to learn. I've got a 19 page, two column structures list for my next exam. That would have been hard when I was 20, but now it's a real struggle. So just stay on top of things, and when you're feeling overwhelmed, know that you're not alone, but that you can do it.

Every single student my class has lost so far has been a nontrad, it's pretty disheartening. Our system really is a brutal one for the aging mind to endure.
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I can definitely imagine that this will be true and have been trying to gear myself up for that reality. I did just finish a second bachelor's degree that contained all my pre-req's last year and did really well so at least I am not 10 years out from actually studying anything, so that may be a plus. My school seems like it has a fairly significant amount of non-traditional students, so at the very least there will be enough of us older folks working through the material so I won't feel alone. Thanks for the heads up, though I appreciate the insight!
 
AM508 said:
I can definitely imagine that this will be true and have been trying to gear myself up for that reality. I did just finish a second bachelor's degree that contained all my pre-req's last year and did really well so at least I am not 10 years out from actually studying anything, so that may be a plus. My school seems like it has a fairly significant amount of non-traditional students, so at the very least there will be enough of us older folks working through the material so I won't feel alone. Thanks for the heads up, though I appreciate the insight!
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It's weird- undergrad I could handle, but MS-1 has been a pain. I went from a 4.0 student with a 35 on the MCAT to struggling, just because of the nature of the material. I'm sure you'll do fine- just don't let the frustration get to you. That's what happened to every single person we lost- they just up and left because the stress was too high and they couldn't see it being worth it. I wish you the best of luck on your journey.
 
Mad Jack said:
It's weird- undergrad I could handle, but MS-1 has been a pain. I went from a 4.0 student with a 35 on the MCAT to struggling, just because of the nature of the material. I'm sure you'll do fine- just don't let the frustration get to you. That's what happened to every single person we lost- they just up and left because the stress was too high and they couldn't see it being worth it. I wish you the best of luck on your journey.
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This reminds me of basic training. Trainees get so fed up they decide they wanna get out, sad thing is they already signed on the dotted line so the military takes forever getting their paperwork processed and they end up being in basic for over a year instead of two months.
 
Why, bone up on Anatomy!


Treehun said:
I know everyone says don't pre study for medical school, but when I maltirculate this fall I will not have taken anatomy or physiology.

I don't wanna die in medical school, so should pre study? How behind my peers will I be?
Click to expand...
 
I agree with everyone that you shouldn't pre study, but if you truly want to learn something. Go on youtube and know how to draw brachial plexus. That is one of the first things that we learned in MSS. You can then branch out to what they innervate and can learn what happens if a nerve becomes damaged.
 
You'll soon be paying $200k for professors to tell you what you need to teach yourself. If you pre-study, you're not really getting your money's worth.

But srsly, don't pre-study.
 
DoctorKrieger said:
You'll soon be paying $200k for professors to tell you what you need to teach yourself. If you pre-study, you're not really getting your money's worth.

But srsly, don't pre-study.
Click to expand...

lol yeah pretty much
 
costales said:
I recommend debauchery.
Click to expand...

OP, I endorse this suggestion. If you need more specific recommendations along this line, I'm sure that SDN can deliver...

Everyone says don't pre-study for a reason. If you can't resist studying something, do it out of genuine interest, not because you think it will get you ahead. It won't. If you just love science and want to learn because that is your idea of a great time on a Friday night...

...that's actually kinda hot, I think. My definition of debauchery does actually include textbooks, whenever possible. So, maybe don't listen to me.
 
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Goro said:
Why, bone up on Anatomy!
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This is the one subject I'll tell people to study if anything. I'm sure some people try and study biochem and micro, but they're probably doing it the wrong way and/or looking at the wrong things. You can't really go wrong with anatomy. Read a book, watch some YouTube, it's a good little foundation step into the study of medicine. That being said, they shouldn't do it at the expense of having fun before school starts. I had a lot of science and clinical experience before school. It never ceases to amaze me at how quickly my classmates who came in with less pick up concepts. It's really exciting to see the lightbulbs go on in everyone's head.
 
Promethean said:
OP, I endorse this suggestion. If you need more specific recommendations along this line, I'm sure that SDN can deliver...

Everyone says don't pre-study for a reason. If you can't resist studying something, do it out of genuine interest, not because you think it will get you ahead. It won't. If you just love science and want to learn because that is your idea of a great time on a Friday night...

...that's actually kinda hot, I think. My definition of debauchery does actually include textbooks, whenever possible. So, maybe don't listen to me.
Click to expand...
When I worked in a lab I would read Big Robbins for enjoyment when I had down time: sad, I know...
 
67552931811 said:
When I worked in a lab I would read Big Robbins for enjoyment when I had down time: sad, I know...
Click to expand...

We used Baby Robbins for my undergrad Histopathology class. In that class we covered about 1/2 the book. I won't lie, I have since looked at the rest because it was so interesting....we are indeed sad...lol
 
AM508 said:
We used Baby Robbins for my undergrad Histopathology class. In that class we covered about 1/2 the book. I won't lie, I have since looked at the rest because it was so interesting....we are indeed sad...lol
Click to expand...
It's cool junk, man. Light years more fascinating than anything I took in undergrad.
 
67552931811 said:
It's cool junk, man. Light years more fascinating than anything I took in undergrad.
Click to expand...

It really is. In undergrad I was lucky enough to go to a school that offered 2 semester upper level elective that consisted of Histology in the fall semester and Histopathology in the spring semester. Basically, you learned all the normal structure and function of different cell types and tissues in the fall then in the spring learned a whole bunch of things that can go wrong. It was very well put together was by far the coolest two classes that I took.
 
UTsksk said:
I agree with everyone that you shouldn't pre study, but if you truly want to learn something. Go on youtube and know how to draw brachial plexus. That is one of the first things that we learned in MSS. You can then branch out to what they innervate and can learn what happens if a nerve becomes damaged.
Click to expand...

I'm with everyone else that says to not pre-study but if you are REALLY hellbent on studying drawing the brachial plexus out is the best idea I've heard for pre-studying.
 
Don't try it. Enjoy your summer and instead I would try to learn how to cook if you are going to be away from home. Learning to cook easy and quick meals will help you out more since you don't know what Professors are looking for in their exam.

I would personally go on a trip and relax. You have the next 2 years of studying to do, don't push it haha.
 
for everyone saying "anatomy, if you must", what would you suggest specifically? a book? a free online course? a specific youtube channel?
 
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Treehun said:
Thanks everyone for the feedback,

are you saying I should learn all the bones before going in?
Click to expand...

Pretty sure it was a bad medical pun! Chill out man, your accepted! Relax!

I know the stress of the unknown you are feeling right now, I've felt it myself and I've seen many others be overcome with it. My fo' realz advice for you is to channel that stress into pushing you to success, instead of letting it bog you down into failure.
 
This is why people shouldn't pre-study...

Learning the bones is like <1% of anatomy. I definitely was never asked on a written exam or practical to just identify a bone. Some little notch on the femur or bones comprising the midfoot would be tagged and the question would be what is the nerve supply of the muscle that attaches here. Spending any time of your summer pretending to learn at the depth you'll need is worthless. You'll cover all of that in the first half of one of your 75 anatomy videos.

An analogy would be if you spent a ton of time learning that carbon has 4 bonds before organic chem and expecting that it will give you a jump on your classmates.
 
Treehun said:
Thanks everyone for the feedback,

are you saying I should learn all the bones before going in?
Click to expand...

LOL no the bones are by far the easiest part of anatomy.

Difficulty order: bones <<<< riding a bike << velociraptor wrestling < learning the course of arteries and their branches << jumping to the moon < the nervous system
 
DrEnderW said:
This is why people shouldn't pre-study...

Learning the bones is like <1% of anatomy. I definitely was never asked on a written exam or practical to just identify a bone. Some little notch on the femur or bones comprising the midfoot would be tagged and the question would be what is the nerve supply of the muscle that attaches here. Spending any time of your summer pretending to learn at the depth you'll need is worthless. You'll cover all of that in the first half of one of your 75 anatomy videos.

An analogy would be if you spent a ton of time learning that carbon has 4 bonds before organic chem and expecting that it will give you a jump on your classmates.
Click to expand...

This is so true. I've never been asked "what bone is this?". If there was even a question on the practical that had a bone (which would be like 1 question out of 50), it would be along the lines of "what structure passes through here" and be pointing to the notch of the first rib or something
 
OP.



Stahp.
 
THIS JUST IN !!


I just got this email...


"By June 15th, a well-prepared incoming medical student will be able to:
1. With 100% accuracy, distinguish left from right using “the patient’s perspective,” i.e., identify the patient’s right side and the patient’s left side when facing them.
2. Recognize common Latin and Greek root words, prefixes and suffixes.
3. Place his/her own body in the “anatomical position.”
4. Correctly use thee following directional terms when describing his/her own body parts: superior, inferior, anterior, posterior, ventral, dorsal, medial, lateral, superficial, and deep.
5. Describe the following basic body planes/sections using his/her own body as a reference: frontal, coronal, sagittal, mid-sagittal, parasagittal, median, cross-section, transverse, oblique, frontal, and coronal.
6. Name and describe the general location of the major organs of the following body systems: respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine.
7. Name the 206 bones of the human body, beginning with the individual bones of the skull and ending with the bones of the feet.
8. Name the major muscles of the back, rib cage, abdomen, upper limb, and lower limb.
9. Diagram the path of a drop of blood from the right atrium of the heart through the major arteries to each of the following locations: lungs, head-exterior, brain, right middle finger, left middle finger, digestive tract, and great toe.
10. Sketch a schematic / branching tree diagram of the basic organization of the nervous system that includes all of the following components: central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, brain, cranial nerves, spinal cord, spinal nerves, peripheral nerves, sensory neurons, motor neurons, afferent, efferent, somatic nervous system, and autonomic nervous system."
 
Not gonna lie, that sucks.

😱
 
Treehun said:
THIS JUST IN !!


I just got this email...


"By June 15th, a well-prepared incoming medical student will be able to:
1. With 100% accuracy, distinguish left from right using “the patient’s perspective,” i.e., identify the patient’s right side and the patient’s left side when facing them.
2. Recognize common Latin and Greek root words, prefixes and suffixes.
3. Place his/her own body in the “anatomical position.”
4. Correctly use thee following directional terms when describing his/her own body parts: superior, inferior, anterior, posterior, ventral, dorsal, medial, lateral, superficial, and deep.
5. Describe the following basic body planes/sections using his/her own body as a reference: frontal, coronal, sagittal, mid-sagittal, parasagittal, median, cross-section, transverse, oblique, frontal, and coronal.
6. Name and describe the general location of the major organs of the following body systems: respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine.
7. Name the 206 bones of the human body, beginning with the individual bones of the skull and ending with the bones of the feet.
8. Name the major muscles of the back, rib cage, abdomen, upper limb, and lower limb.
9. Diagram the path of a drop of blood from the right atrium of the heart through the major arteries to each of the following locations: lungs, head-exterior, brain, right middle finger, left middle finger, digestive tract, and great toe.
10. Sketch a schematic / branching tree diagram of the basic organization of the nervous system that includes all of the following components: central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, brain, cranial nerves, spinal cord, spinal nerves, peripheral nerves, sensory neurons, motor neurons, afferent, efferent, somatic nervous system, and autonomic nervous system."
Click to expand...
Honestly, hit delete on that e-mail. Schools are ridiculous on the BS they suggest you to do. If I did all the things my school suggested, I'd fail every class because I wouldn't have enough hours to cover everything. You'll be wasting your time by pre-studying this, but like all good pre-meds, you'll ignore this advice and go ahead and do it and regret it. There's a reason why all the medical students here are telling you not to pre-study. Start listening to people in classes above yours if you want to survive in med school. I look fondly back on the days I didn't do anything at all.
 
Treehun said:
THIS JUST IN !!


I just got this email...


"By June 15th, a well-prepared incoming medical student will be able to:
1. With 100% accuracy, distinguish left from right using “the patient’s perspective,” i.e., identify the patient’s right side and the patient’s left side when facing them.
2. Recognize common Latin and Greek root words, prefixes and suffixes.
3. Place his/her own body in the “anatomical position.”
4. Correctly use thee following directional terms when describing his/her own body parts: superior, inferior, anterior, posterior, ventral, dorsal, medial, lateral, superficial, and deep.
5. Describe the following basic body planes/sections using his/her own body as a reference: frontal, coronal, sagittal, mid-sagittal, parasagittal, median, cross-section, transverse, oblique, frontal, and coronal.
6. Name and describe the general location of the major organs of the following body systems: respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine.
7. Name the 206 bones of the human body, beginning with the individual bones of the skull and ending with the bones of the feet.
8. Name the major muscles of the back, rib cage, abdomen, upper limb, and lower limb.
9. Diagram the path of a drop of blood from the right atrium of the heart through the major arteries to each of the following locations: lungs, head-exterior, brain, right middle finger, left middle finger, digestive tract, and great toe.
10. Sketch a schematic / branching tree diagram of the basic organization of the nervous system that includes all of the following components: central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, brain, cranial nerves, spinal cord, spinal nerves, peripheral nerves, sensory neurons, motor neurons, afferent, efferent, somatic nervous system, and autonomic nervous system."
Click to expand...


The Youtube Channel I'm making might help you out. It's called Anatomy on Demand and it will eventually have a short video for every bone in the body. Since I teach anatomy, I'm big in latin terminology and conceptual understanding and minimizing memorization as much a possible. I'm adding 1-2 videos per week, and should have a video for every major bone in the body by June 15th.
Here is a link to my channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXoe0EmLDrhDo9KGP92P2_Q

You can also just search youtube for "Anatomy on Demand"

Also, I've been tossing around the idea of starting a "Video Shorts" series that answers viewer anatomy questions, so shoot me any questions you have and if they would make a solid video I'll put them up within a few days.

Good luck!
 
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