Study Routine for Medical School Success

Introduction

• Struggled during initial years of medical school, facing failures and low self-esteem.
• Developed an effective study routine leading to success in medical school and becoming a doctor.
• Objective: Share a systematic study routine that optimizes learning and retention.

Overview of Study Routine

• Covers preparation before, during, and after classes, as well as exam prep.
• Evidence-based techniques that can cut study time in half.

Before Class

1. Download Lecture Material
   • Access lecture slides or relevant material ahead of time.
2. Review Material
   • Briefly go over what will be covered in class or do preliminary research.
3. Practice Questions
   • Engage with practice questions on the topic to identify areas needing focus.
   • Shift mindset to view mistakes as learning opportunities.

During Class

• Engagement
  • Avoid passive learning; be actively involved during lectures.
  • Use Notion or OneNote to track classes and topics covered.
• Flashcards with Anki
  • Create flashcards in real-time during lectures for active recall and spaced repetition.
  • Retention is higher when you create flashcards yourself.
  • Stay engaged by processing information actively.

Common Pitfalls in Class

1. Falling Behind
   • Mark slides where you lose track and revisit them later.
2. What to Flashcard
   • Use the Traffic Light System:
     • Green: Easy info.
     • Yellow: Needs review.
     • Red: New information.
   • Prioritize high-yield topics identified through practice questions.

After Class

1. Review
   • Create flashcards for missed slides after returning home.
2. Daily Anki Review
   • Review Anki cards made that day to reinforce learning.
   • Understand the importance of reviewing on the same day to combat memory decay (Ebbinghaus's curve).

Run-up to Exams

• Study Hours Adjustment
  • Increase study hours leading up to exams, but maintain a balance to avoid burnout.
  • Example schedule:
    • 2-4 hours daily two months before exams.
    • 6-8 hours daily one month before exams.
• Rest and Recovery
  • Leave 2 hours before bed study-free.
  • Understand different types of rest beyond sleep.

Exam Preparation

• Practice Questions and Anki
  • Split time between practice questions and reviewing Anki cards.
  • Use a troubleshooting session for challenging topics.
  • Prioritize timed mock exams closer to the exam date.

After Exams

1. Reflect
   • Analyze exam performance, focusing on weak points.
2. Time Spent vs. Performance
   • Assess if study hours correlate with performance.
3. Align Performance with Goals
   • Reflect on personal goals and ambitions.
4. Collaborate and Learn from Peers
   • Work with friends to share knowledge and resources for mutual benefit.

Additional Resources

• Skillshare Classes
  • Recommended classes for improving study techniques and productivity.
  • Free trial available for new users.

Conclusion

• Emphasized the importance of systematic study habits, active engagement, and collaboration.
• Encouraged reflection on exam performance to inform future study strategies.