MD & DO Question over first year medical school curriculum

[Robin-jay]

Hello everyone, I've been fortunate enough to be accepted at a school that offers the coveted first year medical school curriculum. I haven't been studying for about 12 months, as this has been my gap year. Any tips on how to prepare for the medical school curriculum I have next month?

I also have a chemistry masters degree, so I'm not sure if that helps for the rigor of the courses.

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[seekere]

What the hell is the coveted first year medical curriculum lol? Is that all preclinical in one year? I'm an incoming MS1 too but every single person I've asked told me to not prepare

 

[Robin-jay]

What the hell is the coveted first year medical curriculum lol? Is that all preclinical in one year? I'm an incoming MS1 too but every single person I've asked told me to not prepare

"Coveted" is just an over exaggeration of how much one would desire medical school. Why not prepare? wouldn't it make somewhat of a difference?

 

[seekere]

"Coveted" is just an over exaggeration of how much one would desire medical school. Why not prepare? wouldn't it make somewhat of a difference?

When I say every single person said not to, I mean it. I know many medical students, and every single one laughed at the idea of pre-studying and dismissed it as foolish. You can go on the ten huge reddit threads discussing the topic and every post will say the same thing.

 

[kraskadva]

Don't study.
-me, a M2

1) it won't make a difference, you'll be slapped in the face by the volume of it anyway, whether you do or don't
2) you won't know what to study/where to start, so you'll probably be spending hours reviewing UG material that will be covered in 5 min of 1 lecture and never discussed again. Too low yield.
3) you'd be wasting precious relaxation time. Don't do that.

Go see all the summer blockbusters, or get a tan, or hit the gym, or literally anything else.

 

[Robin-jay]

When I say every single person said not to, I mean it. I know many medical students, and every single one laughed at the idea of pre-studying and dismissed it as foolish. You can go on the ten huge reddit threads discussing the topic and every post will say the same thing.

Referencing Reddit as a source is very bad epistemology.

If you had 6 months or so, I would say going through Robbins or a similar comprehensive text would have some degree of value.

With a month? Pfft.

Don't study.
-me, a M2

1) it won't make a difference, you'll be slapped in the face by the volume of it anyway, whether you do or don't
2) you won't know what to study/where to start, so you'll probably be spending hours reviewing UG material that will be covered in 5 min of 1 lecture and never discussed again. Too low yield.
3) you'd be wasting precious relaxation time. Don't do that.

Go see all the summer blockbusters, or get a tan, or hit the gym, or literally anything else.

People will say all sorts of things. Some people have told me not to study anything because I shouldn't "burn out" or stress myself out beforehand. Others have said that reviewing biochemistry or basic cell biology is helpful for the beginning of year 1. All in all, I feel like brushing up and reviewing wouldn't hurt, but don't try to go learn new things.

Do you guys think focusing on a chemistry degree (bachelors and masters) will make medical school harder than if I had done a biology degree. I still had immunology and basic biology courses, but I haven't even ever had microbiology or physiology.

 

[Goro]

Do you guys think focusing on a chemistry degree (bachelors and masters) will make medical school harder than if I had done a biology degree. I still had immunology and basic biology courses, but I haven't even ever had microbiology or physiology.

No
Engineering, yes.

 

[DexterMorganSK]

You should enjoy these few weeks before classes begin.

Having a Master's in chem is already a leg up so you will be fine; iows, the degree itself won't help with meds school coursework but it should help you to be a better student. Lots of students enroll with an English/humanities/etc background (i.e. not sci) and do just fine.

If you really want to study something then do some Anatomy. By that, I mean just knowing the basic terminologies such as dorsal/ventral/coronal/sagittal/etc (chapter 1 of Moore).

 

[seekere]

Referencing Reddit as a source is very bad epistemology.

If you had 6 months or so, I would say going through Robbins or a similar comprehensive text would have some degree of value.

With a month? Pfft.

Going through a super comprehensive pathology textbook that’s more in depth for most medical students? Sounds like a great idea for premed students

 

[Robin-jay]

No
Engineering, yes.

I was originally thinking the same thing.

However, looking at my medical school courses of "microbiology, immunology, physiology, etc."....some of the students in my class didn't only have microbiology, immunology, etc. in undergraduate school, but many of them also had it during their biology masters, SMPs, post-baccs, etc.

So many of the students in my class will be taking microbiology, physiology, etc. for the third time, while it would be my first.

 

[Robin-jay]

You should enjoy these few weeks before classes begin.

Having a Master's in chem is already a leg up so you will be fine; iows, the degree itself won't help with meds school coursework but it should help you to be a better student. Lots of students enroll with an English/humanities/etc background (i.e. not sci) and do just fine.

If you really want to study something then do some Anatomy. By that, I mean just knowing the basic terminologies such as dorsal/ventral/coronal/sagittal/etc (chapter 1 of Moore).

Fortunately, I have been a scribe during my gap year, so I do feel much, much, much better about anatomy and medical terminology than beforehand. I still feel like its an uphill battle in microbiology, cell courses, etc.

 

[bonemann]

review some basic genetics i guess if you simply must do something to feel better

 

[Gibbward]

Also a non-trad chemistry guy that just finished M1. I only took upper level Genetics and Biochem (still chem in my book) and I only took a lower level physio class 5-6 years ago. A lot of the bio material I've really only encountered in the MCAT and I haven't had any issues so far. They'll give you the material, you'll watch the lecture, you'll memorize a crap ton of stuff, and then you'll move on.

And so what if you a lot of other students have taken more advanced courses than you? Don't worry about other performance because at the end of the day, your med school grades aren't dependent on them. Focus on things that you can control, like figuring out the best way for you to learn the material or finding the best resources to help with your studies.

 

[Robin-jay]

review some basic genetics i guess if you simply must do something to feel better

Also a non-trad chemistry guy that just finished M1. I only took upper level Genetics and Biochem (still chem in my book) and I only took a lower level physio class 5-6 years ago. A lot of the bio material I've really only encountered in the MCAT and I haven't had any issues so far. They'll give you the material, you'll watch the lecture, you'll memorize a crap ton of stuff, and then you'll move on.

And so what if you a lot of other students have taken more advanced courses than you? Don't worry about other performance because at the end of the day, your med school grades aren't dependent on them. Focus on things that you can control, like figuring out the best way for you to learn the material or finding the best resources to help with your studies.

Would reviewing Khan Academy videos for the genetics/bio section be sufficient?

Also, nice to meet a fellow chemist.

 

[seekere]

Robbins' general pathology is not "super comprehensive" - its about on par with what you need to know for boards. I would give its cell injury, inflammation, repair chapters, genetics, cardiovascular chapters nearly perfect scores.

Some of its systems path is overkill for non-specialists - there's over 400k words on genitals, its derm is appropriate for derms.

Sure that’s all fine and dandy, but telling premed students to study something that is even Step 1 level without real guidance is overkill on insane proportions

 

[Dox4lyfe]

Would reviewing Khan Academy videos for the genetics/bio section be sufficient?

Also, nice to meet a fellow chemist.

From what I've gathered, that'll be enough to get you out of the gap year mindset and into the studying /learning mindset, but will not give you any noticeable advantage in med school at all. If you wanted a leg up like the SMP students, you would've needed to have started studying intensely at least six months ago.

 

[Robin-jay]

From what I've gathered, that'll be enough to get you out of the gap year mindset and into the studying /learning mindset, but will not give you any noticeable advantage in med school at all. If you wanted a leg up like the SMP students, you would've needed to have started studying intensely at least six months ago.

Do the SMP students usually dominate the courses near the top of their class?

 

[Nucleophile1]

I was originally thinking the same thing.

However, looking at my medical school courses of "microbiology, immunology, physiology, etc."....some of the students in my class didn't only have microbiology, immunology, etc. in undergraduate school, but many of them also had it during their biology masters, SMPs, post-baccs, etc.

So many of the students in my class will be taking microbiology, physiology, etc. for the third time, while it would be my first.

I took the bare minimum of science courses during undergrad because I had a non-science major and I still did well when taking immuno, micro, etc. for the first time in medical school. Just make sure to stay on top of the material and study hard and you will do well. Don't worry about what your classmates know or don't know because that will only stress you out. Focus on doing well for yourself.

 

[tiramisucheese]

There are going to be people coming at this with way less previous knowledge than you. It's going to be fine. Breathe.

 

[Goro]

Do the SMP students usually dominate the courses near the top of their class?

Our SMP kids do as well in our COM as they exactly did in the AMP. Thus, ace SMP students ace med school, while B+ SMP students get B+s.

 

[Robin-jay]

Our SMP kids do as well in our COM as they exactly did in the AMP. Thus, ace SMP students ace med school, while B+ SMP students get B+s.

So you often don't see B+ SMP students ace medical school?

 

[Goro]

So you often don't see B+ SMP students ace medical school?

Correct. Conversely, ace SMP students don't bomb med school

 

[Robin-jay]

One of my friends is a career changer who drove a delivery truck for a significant portion of his post-high school years, I came straight from college with a biology major having taken the courses you listed....he does way better than I do on exams.

Wait, when did he go to undergrad.? a few years after driving?

 

[Nucleophile1]

Wait, when did he go to undergrad.? a few years after driving?

He probably did a post-bacc or just took the prereq courses + MCAT. I have a friend who just took pre-reqs following a career change and they aced their first year of medical school.

 

[Robin-jay]

He probably did a post-bacc or just took the prereq courses + MCAT. I have a friend who just took pre-reqs following a career change and they aced their first year of medical school.

Alright, sounds good. I will definitely see how it goes. I think i will study anatomy/physiology/genetics/micro asap. Plus all of the "figuring out apartment situation" is killing my time.

 

[Nucleophile1]

Alright, sounds good. I will definitely see how it goes. I think i will study anatomy/physiology/genetics/micro asap. Plus all of the "figuring out apartment situation" is killing my time.

You really don't need to pre-study because it will be difficult to predict what the professors want to test you on until you actually start classes. You may wind up studying things you don't even need to know. I did not pre-study for medical school and I'm glad that I didn't.

Focus on having fun and finding your apartment and then hit the ground running on Day 1 of medical school.

 

[Dox4lyfe]

Alright, sounds good. I will definitely see how it goes. I think i will study anatomy/physiology/genetics/micro asap. Plus all of the "figuring out apartment situation" is killing my time.

You can brush up on that if you want, but I think a better use of your time will be to talk to current students at your school and find out what is the best way to learn at your school and what the best resources are to supplement your classes and lectures. Put together a rough plan for how you'll hit the ground running right from the start (keeping in mind that this plan may definitely change over time). And really, take this time to relax.

Ive prestudied a lot in the past (against what everyone told me) and don't get me wrong, it definitely helped. Idk anyone else who aced orgo with only a couple hours of work a week during the semester, but it got pretty stressful when the professor would start emphasizing different things and not focusing at all on other parts. I can't even imagine how much of a waste of time it can be if someone tried doing so with med school material.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

I think i will study anatomy/physiology/genetics/micro asap

Don’t do it. Use the time to get in the habit of eating right and working out. Those skills are just as valuable in medical school as anything else honestly.

 

[Robin-jay]

Don’t do it. Use the time to get in the habit of eating right and working out. Those skills are just as valuable in medical school as anything else honestly.

That does make sense. When you say "eating right", what do you mean exactly?

 

[Robin-jay]

Don't do that.

ok.

 

[Dox4lyfe]

That does make sense. When you say "eating right", what do you mean exactly?

Eat better (clean), feel better, do better.

 

[ndafife]

We did my entire undergrad immunology class in ~2 weeks. Nothing you do now will make a meaningful dent so dont wastr your time. Do something enjoyable before school starts.

 

[raiderette]

I had to move right before need school because of wait list drama. I didn't know the city at all. If I could do it again, I would study the city, get to know the neighborhood. Read up on local gyms, good bars.

 

[Dox4lyfe]

Anyone on a systems based curriculum have thoughts on what the best way to keep up with the material/learn is (besides anki). Do we end up just using all the resources at once that traditional students separate by year? Hoping that made sense lol.

Was going to make a separate thread but decided to try here first.

 

[seekere]

Anyone on a systems based curriculum have thoughts on what the best way to keep up with the material/learn is (besides anki). Do we end up just using all the resources at once that traditional students separate by year? Hoping that made sense lol.

Was going to make a separate thread but decided to try here first.

Boards and beyond are what my friends tell me. and qbanks. plus sketchy and pathoma when needed

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Anyone on a systems based curriculum have thoughts on what the best way to keep up with the material/learn is (besides anki). Do we end up just using all the resources at once that traditional students separate by year? Hoping that made sense lol.

Was going to make a separate thread but decided to try here first.

Zanki, Sketchy, BnB, Qbanks, etc.

 

[raiderette]

Anyone on a systems based curriculum have thoughts on what the best way to keep up with the material/learn is (besides anki). Do we end up just using all the resources at once that traditional students separate by year? Hoping that made sense lol.

Was going to make a separate thread but decided to try here first.

Q banks, sketchy, Pathoma, FA. I started 2nd semester with all these resources. I couldn't get into Anki, but it works for a lot of people. I also studied my PowerPoints and studied Robbins when I wanted more.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Q banks, sketchy, Pathoma, FA. I started 2nd semester with all these resources. I couldn't get into Anki, but it works for a lot of people. I also studied my PowerPoints and studied Robbins when I wanted more.

I second using big Robbins if you want more depth.

 

[bananafish94]

Please do not pre-study for medical school. Not only will it have exactly 0 benefit on your grades, it may actually be harmful if you start medical school a little bit tired from studying or not entirely prepared to go in 100% from day 1. Keep this in mind, too: except for little breaks in medical school and the gap between medical school and the beginning of residency, this may literally be the only period of time in which you have absolutely no responsibilities until you retire! Please don't waste that studying before medical school even begins! You will have years and years and years for that.

 

[Dox4lyfe]

Doesn't Bnb go into more depth than pathoma? Would I be fine with just that?

 

[Goro]

We did my entire undergrad immunology class in ~2 weeks. Nothing you do now will make a meaningful dent so dont wastr your time. Do something enjoyable before school starts.

Anatomy is the same way. And biochem.

 

[Robin-jay]

Please do not pre-study for medical school. Not only will it have exactly 0 benefit on your grades, it may actually be harmful if you start medical school a little bit tired from studying or not entirely prepared to go in 100% from day 1. Keep this in mind, too: except for little breaks in medical school and the gap between medical school and the beginning of residency, this may literally be the only period of time in which you have absolutely no responsibilities until you retire! Please don't waste that studying before medical school even begins! You will have years and years and years for that.

Eh, that sentence you bolded is depressing as hell. Hopefully responsibilities are lighter during times like summers, etc.

 

[Robin-jay]

Grow up, adulthood = responsibility

After residency, when you are going to be responsible for the wellbeing of your patients, is stress going to go up or down?

I assume it will be stressful. I've done things like scribing and teaching university courses (grades may not be a persons well-being, but they are important).

But ya, just the way Banana said it, was depressing xD

 

[redsox93]

Referencing Reddit as a source is very bad epistemology.

If you had 6 months or so, I would say going through Robbins or a similar comprehensive text would have some degree of value.

With a month? Pfft.

This might be the worst advice I’ve ever seen lol

 

[Aerus]

Cool story bro

To advance discussion on a discussion board, how about some reasoning

Robbins, in general, is more in depth than what medical students are expected to know. This would more likely than not just burn the student out and make them less able to compete with their classmates during the school year.

 

[Taddy Mason]

Robbins, in general, is more in depth than what medical students are expected to know. This would more likely than not just burn the student out and make them less able to compete with their classmates during the school year.

Also pretty useless if OP’s school follows a traditional curriculum instead of systems based, and OP wouldn’t have the physiology background to meaningfully learn the pathophysiology covered in Robbins anyway.

 

[redsox93]

Cool story bro

To advance discussion on a discussion board, how about some reasoning

You’re recommending 6 months in advance of med school starting Robbins. Robbins with no background in physiology/histo/immuno is pretty useless. Also how much minutia from Robbins would anyone retain with no context from lecture?

Plus for the most part you can use pathoma with reference to Robbins to do well depending on curriculum. Comprehensive reading of Robbins seems pretty unnecessary

 

[kraskadva]

I think i will study anatomy/physiology/genetics/micro asap.

OMG, please don't. Just don't.
Look OP, real talk, I came in to med school with a BA in Philosophy, and BS in Biochem, and a MS in Bio (but heavily Biochem focused). I could rattle off every amino acid, draw the Kreb's cycle cold, and give you a 2 hour lecture on RNA secondary structures plus their roles in cancer and viral biology at the drop of a hat. All of that has translated into a grand total of 4 direct exam questions so far. We covered my entire UG and MA biochem curriculum plus >2x again in 15 weeks. There's no way you can prepare for that because you don't know what you don't know yet.

Hands down, the most useful class I ever took before coming to med school was high school Latin, because anatomical/clinical terminology is mainly in Latin.
So, if you feel like you're going to lose your mind if you don't study something, then learn some Latin. "Pollicis" = "of the thumb", "Levator"="a thing that lifts something else", "Salpingo"="tube", etc. Do that for your foundation, and it will make studying everything else easier. Nothing else will make any kind of realistic dent.

Plus all of the "figuring out apartment situation" is killing my time.

This is a much more pertinent thing to work on right now. Sort this and any other life situations/paperwork/vaccine requirements.
Figure out a good low-key way to relax/destress, i.e. take up a hobby, sport, etc. and develop some good habits that will keep you from burning out.

But for the love of all that is holy, DO NOT spend the rest of your summer with your nose in a textbook.

 

[Dagrimsta1]

Don’t prestudy because they will test you on their material only. It’s simple. Example: on your own you’ll learn XYZ but you won’t learn how it relates to the AABDX gene that regulates its expression.

Point is don’t waste your time. I would rather watch some history channel documentaries and learn something unrelated to medicine. You’ll get your fill and then some soon enough.

 

[Arlyss]

Doesn't Bnb go into more depth than pathoma? Would I be fine with just that?

No. Pathoma is literally must have for medical school if you have NBME style exams and is definitely important for Step 1.

B&B is generally considered a supplement to medical school, but Pathoma is part of how most students study for Step 1 (UFAP = Uworld, first aid, pathoma)