Yasha's Study Strategies During Residency

Introduction

• Personal study style during medical residency.
• Not claiming this is the "right" method, but sharing what worked for her.
• Background as a last-minute studier; good at memorizing shortly before exams.

First Year of Residency

• Minimal studying outside work.
• Focused on gaining practical experience:
  • Maximizing studies and scans at work.
  • Asking attendings questions for a solid knowledge base.
• Limited additional study at home:
  • Occasional 30-minute to 1-hour sessions reviewing material suggested by attendings.
  • Utilized resources like Core Radiology, Radiopaedia, and StatDx.
• Struggled to study during weekends due to fatigue and personal commitments (e.g., long-distance relationship).

Second Year of Residency

• Involved in away rotations (Boston Children's, MGH).
• Focused on pediatric radiology during rotations:
  • Used Cleveland Clinic modules and the Pediatric Requisites book.
• Studied more during MGH rotation to make a good impression for potential fellowship.
  • Primary resources: Thoracic Requisites, Core Radiology.
• Pandemic allowed more time for in-depth study:
  • Focused on Rad Primer questions, creating thorough notes on various topics.
  • Developed comprehensive study notes across subspecialties.

Third Year of Residency

• Continued intensive study approach from second year.
• Utilized Rad Discord for board reviews and Anki cards from "Crack the Core".
  • Focused on weakest sections first (Neuro, MSK, GI).
• Spent significant time outside work on studying:
  • An hour or two every evening, and extensive study sessions on weekends.
  • Regulated routine without cramming before exams.

Physics Study

• Delayed intensive study of physics until the third year.
• Program provided Tallyrad Physics resources:
  • Aimed to watch lectures multiple times for comprehensive understanding.

Summary of Study Approach

• Minimal study in the first year, gradual increase in study intensity during second and third years.
• Successfully passed the core exam.
• Future focus on fellowship studies and continued knowledge development.

Closing Remarks

• Acknowledges potential for studying more, but feels prepared.
• Encourages reaching out on social media (Twitter, Instagram) for questions or further advice.