What/How to pre-study before med school?

[GillyVe]

Hello everyone,

First off, I know what you're thinking: "not this again." But at the risk of sounding arrogant, I feel as though I'm a special case. Shortly after graduating, I was involved in an accident that physicians confirmed led to neurological damage. I'm trying to be a little vague because I've PMed some people specifics before and alluded to it on my app, but essentially my cognition is not what it used to be.

My reasoning ability has been mostly unaffected, thankfully. I can still process abstract information and solve difficult problems. However, my memory has suffered greatly, some aspects more than others. My episodic memory is shot; everything that happened in the past feels like a dream, and every since the accident I've been going through life as if the world's being continually generated. Similar to the case of Clive Wearing, although not as bad of course. So for instance, if you hung out with me once I'd seem totally rational and sociable, but if we met continuously you'd sense something was off. My friends often need to remind me when I've already mentioned a certain topic of conversation several times before. Luckily my semantic memory has taken a smaller hit. I still need more repetition to get concepts to stick like before, but it's manageable.

As a result of my intact reasoning ability and ok-ish semantic memory, I was able to score very well on the MCAT (524+) after studying for 9 months. But that was the result of having unlimited time to study, and a test that prioritizes reasoning over memory. Now I'll be entering an environment that heavily emphasizes memorization, and I'm very scared about flunking out. Right now it's easy enough to seem normal during interviews and gain acceptances; I've been admitted to a T30, with a couple T10 decisions pending, because I'm riding on my undergrad record and downplaying the accident. But subjectively, it's quite obvious I'm nowhere close to my undergrad self cognitively. That being said, I want to do as much as possible in the next 8 months or so to prepare.

I know the standard advice here is "not to worry and enjoy life," but here are some facts: I haven't enjoyed life since the accident, and for the foreseeable future don't see how it's possible. I'm just happy I've gotten functional after lots of time and strict lifestyle changes (exercise, diet, etc.). Immediately after the event I couldn't even read kids stories, because I'd forget the previous paragraph. I find little reason to travel, because I forget everything as soon as it's over. Even photos of myself in various countries seem fake, like it's not actually me in the picture. Another difficult issue is derealization. Nothing seems real, including my own body parts, which appear like foreign objects (though I can feel sensations fine). It's difficult to describe, but if you put your phone camera up to your face and look at your hands, you'll get a sense of how I see the world. I've already seen numerous specialists, and while some recommended changes were helpful, most medication left me feeling worse, so I'm scared of trying anything else that would affect my mental state. Point being, I'm not concerned about happiness, because it won't happen either way. So I might as well be productive.

As for preparation itself, I've seen a few people mention Anatomy & Physiology and biochemistry as useful, but not through rote-memorization from a textbook or anki. Since all classes are online now, I'm considering reaching out to local professors to see if they'll let me sit-in on some of those classes, perhaps my alma mater or future med school. Otherwise, if anybody has other low-cost options for how to learn either effectively I'd be grateful to hear it. Many free courses online seem somewhat easy, and I want something difficult/detailed to actually reduce the workload requirement during med school. Alternatively, if anybody thinks other subjects would useful I'm happy to hear it!

Thanks everyone.

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[xffan624]

Hello everyone,

First off, I know what you're thinking: "not this again." But at the risk of sounding arrogant, I feel as though I'm a special case. Shortly after graduating, I was involved in an accident that physicians confirmed led to neurological damage. I'm trying to be a little vague because I've PMed some people specifics before and alluded to it on my app, but essentially my cognition is not what it used to be.

My reasoning ability has been mostly unaffected, thankfully. I can still process abstract information and solve difficult problems. However, my memory has suffered greatly, some aspects more than others. My episodic memory is shot; everything that happened in the past feels like a dream, and every since the accident I've been going through life as if the world's being continually generated. Similar to the case of Clive Wearing, although not as bad of course. So for instance, if you hung out with me once I'd seem totally rational and sociable, but if we met continuously you'd sense something was off. My friends often need to remind me when I've already mentioned a certain topic of conversation several times before. Luckily my semantic memory has taken a smaller hit. I still need more repetition to get concepts to stick like before, but it's manageable.

As a result of my intact reasoning ability and ok-ish semantic memory, I was able to score very well on the MCAT (524+) after studying for 9 months. But that was the result of having unlimited time to study, and a test that prioritizes reasoning over memory. Now I'll be entering an environment that heavily emphasizes memorization, and I'm very scared about flunking out. Right now it's easy enough to seem normal during interviews and gain acceptances; I've been admitted to a T30, with a couple T10 decisions pending, because I'm riding on my undergrad record and downplaying the accident. But subjectively, it's quite obvious I'm nowhere close to my undergrad self cognitively. That being said, I want to do as much as possible in the next 8 months or so to prepare.

I know the standard advice here is "not to worry and enjoy life," but here are some facts: I haven't enjoyed life since the accident, and for the foreseeable future don't see how it's possible. I'm just happy I've gotten functional after lots of time and strict lifestyle changes (exercise, diet, etc.). Immediately after the event I couldn't even read kids stories, because I'd forget the previous paragraph. I find little reason to travel, because I forget everything as soon as it's over. Even photos of myself in various countries seem fake, like it's not actually me in the picture. Another difficult issue is derealization. Nothing seems real, including my own body parts, which appear like foreign objects (though I can feel sensations fine). It's difficult to describe, but if you put your phone camera up to your face and look at your hands, you'll get a sense of how I see the world. I've already seen numerous specialists, and while some recommended changes were helpful, most medication left me feeling worse, so I'm scared of trying anything else that would affect my mental state. Point being, I'm not concerned about happiness, because it won't happen either way. So I might as well be productive.

As for preparation itself, I've seen a few people mention Anatomy & Physiology and biochemistry as useful, but not through rote-memorization from a textbook or anki. Since all classes are online now, I'm considering reaching out to local professors to see if they'll let me sit-in on some of those classes, perhaps my alma mater or future med school. Otherwise, if anybody has other low-cost options for how to learn either effectively I'd be grateful to hear it. Many free courses online seem somewhat easy, and I want something difficult/detailed to actually reduce the workload requirement during med school. Alternatively, if anybody thinks other subjects would useful I'm happy to hear it!

Thanks everyone.

Honestly, I think that meeting with a neurocognitive specialist and finding the best strategies for learning for you would be the most productive thing to do. Prestudying might make the initial few months of medical school easier, but MS1-2 are pretty much a non-stop marathon of memorization. No matter how much prestudying you do, you're going to have to find an effective and efficient way to memorize the material.

 

[M&L]

completely agree with @xffan624 . in the middle of the second year now, and honestly no matter what you cover over summer, it will probably be enough for the first month of school at the most. The amount of information we stuff in our heads in medical school is just insane.

I would invest time working on my study methods. THis is the best thing you can do. Find how to help yourself study faster.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Agree with the above. The learning never stops in med school and beyond. You could spend the time learning stuff to get ahead, but that would only help you for the first block at most. If you instead spend the time trying to perfect a study method that will let you keep up, you’ll be much better off.

 

[deleted1079620]

To echo what others have said, start working on a study method rather than trying to pre-study. I would set up a system where you choose something to learn, and use different methods to learn it.

For example, get a fairly technical, detailed book, like a physiology or chemistry textbook. Use a method with one chapter or section such as anki, another method with a different chapter like the Feynman Technique, drawing out a story scene, creating quiz & recall questions, practice questions at the end of the chapter, memory palace, etc.

Ask yourself after each trial:

1) Was I able to learn the material quickly and recall it?

2) Was this method efficient or did it take a lot of time?

3) Did I enjoy doing this method? You won’t enjoy everything about medical school, but it’s worth exploring study methods that you actually enjoy so you don’t dread what you’re spending 8+ hours a day doing.

You’ll have to place an artificial time stress on yourself to simulate a medical school pace, and even then it won’t be perfect, but what you’re really trying to do is amass a collection of study tools that you can use once you start school. Each course will require a different set of “tools”, but you’ll waste less time figuring out what works for you because you’ve done the work up front.

 

[bigindian4891]

Not this aga... oh wait.

As someone who worked in education a few years, I would listen to the above advice. Learn how to learn. That will get you very far before medical school. I would say that advice applies to everyone about to start.

 

[ChymeofPassion]

I dont have any additional advice than above, came here to say I think it's incredible and moving that after an accident like that you are still working your ass off to pursue your dreams like medical school. I wish you the best of luck with everything.

 

[GillyVe]

Honestly, I think that meeting with a neurocognitive specialist and finding the best strategies for learning for you would be the most productive thing to do. Prestudying might make the initial few months of medical school easier, but MS1-2 are pretty much a non-stop marathon of memorization. No matter how much prestudying you do, you're going to have to find an effective and efficient way to memorize the material.

Hm I never considered meeting with a neurocognitive specialist, I'll definitely look into it. The general theme throughout this thread has been working on method over content, so I'll look into books/methods devoted towards improving memorization as well. Maybe test out various methods on an anatomy text for effectiveness.

It makes sense though; I noticed shifting my study strategy during MCAT prep made a huge difference too. Initially I was following my usual [reading -> notes -> practice -> check answers] paradigm, but I was finding it ineffective. Borrowing some strategies from r/mcat and this forum, I switched to doing [brief reading -> difficult practice -> in-depth content review on mistakes -> anki + review], closer to how you'd study math. It was effective because I'd remember a fact better after struggling on a relevant problem for 30s, say, than memorizing it outright.

Thanks everyone!

 

[M&L]

Hm I never considered meeting with a neurocognitive specialist, I'll definitely look into it. The general theme throughout this thread has been working on method over content, so I'll look into books/methods devoted towards improving memorization as well.

It makes sense though; I noticed shifting my study strategy during MCAT prep made a huge difference too. Initially I was following my usual [reading -> notes -> practice -> check answers] paradigm, but I was finding it ineffective. Borrowing some strategies from r/mcat and this forum, I switched to doing [brief reading -> difficult practice -> in-depth content review on mistakes -> anki + review], closer to how you'd study math. It was effective because I'd remember a fact better after struggling on a relevant problem for 30s, say, than memorizing it outright.

Thanks everyone!

if you are a visual learner in general try integrating colors, - what i do is make concept maps, and i have a box of crayons that i use to color code stuff and group stuff by color. It helps me so much!!!!!

 

[MissRibeye]

As someone who has also experienced a TBI and had to fight for a few years to get to (not back to) a good version of "normal", let me first say that I am probably much closer to understanding what you are experiencing than most people you will meet (unless they have also experienced a brain injury). I am so sorry you are going through this.

But please please please do not RUSH your recovery. It is better to go to school refreshed and READY. Can you defer a year?

Every brain injury is different, as is the recovery, but something that took me a while to learn (because my doctors did not prepare me or teach me well) is that this process takes YEARS. I was one year into my recovery and had experienced so many ups and downs that I began to hide my symptoms and struggles because I grew more and more afraid I would never feel the same again and I was now a "dummy for life". One day my uber driver heard I had my injury and she asked me how long it had been. When I told her "one year" she said "oh, you're just at the beginning, you poor thing!" and it was the beginning of my psychological turn around because I had been told I should be better in a few months.

It is true that you should work on your study and learning skills, particularly memorization strategies, when you are working to go back to school. I did that about 2 years into my recovery and I came out with all As for the first time in my life. I put in a lot of work to do that and please PM me if you want to learn about that or anything else I have said here.

On the other hand, if you want to be ready in time for school, I would HIGHLY recommend that you give TOP PRIORITY to giving your body what it needs to heal, and that means:

• SLEEP IS #1 - both of your brains (brain and gut) require this for optimal functioning.
• A diet that supports brain health and brain energy balance like a high fat, very low carbohydrate diet (like keto) with a lot of gut-healing/microbiome-enhancing support (like GAPS). I did a hybrid version of GAPS and keto and that is when I finally started seeing improvements. I am a nutritional therapy practitioner because of this experience, FYI.
• Learn to lower your stress and remove all unnecessary obligations and stressors from your life. The lower the stress, the more your body can focus on healing.
• Low intensity/stress exercise (like weight lifting, cycling, walking, yoga, etc)
• Talk to other people who have gone through and are going through this process so you do not feel alone and afraid, like I did. That was the biggest mistake I made. I AM HERE FOR YOU.

Good luck!!

 

[Gilakend]

Learn how to use to use anki (settings, making cards, getting in pre-made decks, etc.) that's it. Studying actual material is a huge waste of time, not because it won't help, I'm sure it might, but you're trading your last little bit of time where you don't have to study to maybe get marginally ahead for the first couple of weeks. Just not a smart decison.

 

[Dr. Basketball]

Honestly, I think that meeting with a neurocognitive specialist and finding the best strategies for learning for you would be the most productive thing to do. Prestudying might make the initial few months of medical school easier, but MS1-2 are pretty much a non-stop marathon of memorization. No matter how much prestudying you do, you're going to have to find an effective and efficient way to memorize the material.

^This 1000%

 

[jhmmd]

Buy First Aid, Robbins pathology, shelf books, etc. One more look ahead of your fellow students

 

[Yhwach]

Don't - at most prepare for how you will study. Will you use Anki? Watch Anki How To Vids.

Using an iPad? Learn how others use iPads to study in med school.

Using OneNote? Learn how to use it.

As a first-year ill tell you that what helped me the most. Once I had Anki set up I was ready on day one. No fiddling around with settings just straight go.

Edit: Also look up research mentors casually as well. I had a list of researchers I kept in a google chrome folder and just blasted emails to them and had meetings with them.

 

[PipetteDreams]

I am a non-traditional student. Biochem was the hardest subject in preclinical for me because it was so far off my radar; I wish I had studied for that or bought Boards and Beyond earlier in the year to help me organize it.

After following the excellent advice above to learn *how* to study, perhaps start reviewing that or anatomy, since the latter is easily the most memorization-intensive topic in medical school. University of Michigan has fantastic cadaver quizzes and if you search around the site you'll find some great anatomy resources.

 

[TheRealBatmanMD]

When I was a pre-MS1 just a few months ago, I also thought about pre-studying. I didn't and I've still nailed every exam and I'm probably at the same place I would have been had I pre-studied.

I second what others say about deferring a year to make sure you're truly ready to start again.

 

[yallwild]

Honestly, I think that meeting with a neurocognitive specialist and finding the best strategies for learning for you would be the most productive thing to do. Prestudying might make the initial few months of medical school easier, but MS1-2 are pretty much a non-stop marathon of memorization. No matter how much prestudying you do, you're going to have to find an effective and efficient way to memorize the material.

If you can make the next first months easier then why not? I'm an incoming M1 and I am prestudying with my first aid book and USMLE-Rx. I'm pretty sure I'm going to soar the first few months of med school.

 

[yallwild]

completely agree with @xffan624 . in the middle of the second year now, and honestly no matter what you cover over summer, it will probably be enough for the first month of school at the most. The amount of information we stuff in our heads in medical school is just insane.

I would invest time working on my study methods. THis is the best thing you can do. Find how to help yourself study faster.

What better way to work on your study methods, than by pre-studying the material to see how efficient (or not efficient) your methods are.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

If you can make the next first months easier then why not? I'm an incoming M1 and I am prestudying with my first aid book and USMLE-Rx. I'm pretty sure I'm going to soar the first few months of med school.

Because you don’t know what your school will deem important versus less important. It’s also difficult to prestudy the volume of material you’re going to see even in the first week or two. And unless you already have an outline of what your lectures are order-wise, you might be studying stuff you aren’t going to see right away.

The advice to not prestudy is given because you don’t have to prestudy to do well, but also because you basically won’t have this kind of free time again. It will actually help you way more in med school to spend the time before you start doing things for your own mental health like enjoying hobbies, getting into a workout routine, reading for pleasure, etc.