Thread: Study Methods

I just got accepted to May '09

I am thinking that reading the book, attending lecture, and then doing some MCQs is the best way to study for my classes at medical school, does any one agree/ disagree with this technique.

I know netters also has an interactive atlas. I was thinking of making quizzes based on the dissection manual for each region of the body. Does anyone think that that is valuable. Also some of my friends at SGU used Histotime for histology and quizbank (MCQs). Have any of you used those. Are they as useful at Ross as they are at SGU?

Also, can anyone tell me the ratio of time i should dedicate to learning pathology/diseases (by pathology I mean what actually causes the diseases not the class it self which of course we take in another year) in comparison to all the other science stuff? I heard some of the mistakes students make is to study to much of the straight science material when they should be focusing mainly on diseases.

Thanks!

It is great to hear that you are excited about starting medical school and looking for advice on your studies. Your study plan sounds like it would be perfect if you were still in undergraduate but I found at Ross the coursework was like trying to take a drink from a fire hose. While I was on the Rock my main goal was not to repeat a semester and I focused solely on the classroom notes and also occassional first aid and board review books. As for trying to study the pathology at the same time, I would remain focused on the material for that semester. The important thing is to get off the Rock in 16 months and not waste another 4 months/$12,000+ due to failing a course. I have had friends that focused to much on the pathology behind diseases in first semester and they ended up repeating the semester. Good luck in your pursuit of your dream it is worth it.

Originally Posted by islandhopperMD

I just got accepted to May '09


Also, can anyone tell me the ratio of time i should dedicate to learning pathology/diseases (by pathology I mean what actually causes the diseases not the class it self which of course we take in another year) in comparison to all the other science stuff? I heard some of the mistakes students make is to study to much of the straight science material when they should be focusing mainly on diseases.

Thanks!

You should always stick to the basics. you'll have plenty of time to learn the path. I forgot so much anatomy already, that i couldn't even point out some of the structures that i used to know cold during a surgery. Keep up the enthusiasm and learn the basics well. They never go away.

Okay, perhaps I wasn't clear. By pathology I mean things like, where is a collies fracture, what ligaments comprise an unhappy triad, things like that, as opposed to where is the canal of schleme.

Glad to hear you're enthusiastic. Unfortunately, I believe that study methods are really individualistic. You need to assess the situation and find out what works best for you to learn the material thoroughly and efficiently. When I say learn the material, not just rote memorization but knowing the material thoroughly enough to manipulate the information when needed. Sometimes this will come through trial and error, so don't be afraid to fail! Just be afraid not to try!

As for me, I studied as soon as I got home and had something good to eat. I went over my notes and books reading carefully (not skimming to blank staring) for several hours a day until I could essentially give the lecture myself. Then I turned on the TV, watched the Simpsons/Family Guy had a beer, played the Xbox then went to bed.

It all depends on how your course is ran. Best thing to do is talk with a 2nd semester that "just" took the class. And of coarse each course requires a particular plan of attack that maybe different from others. I used Moore & Dally text for reading, Netter flashcards to memorize, and BRS to review. Ross anatomy should be well established so there shouldn't be much surprises. Find what has worked for others and follow it. Good luck; you'll do fine.

Originally Posted by stateofequilibrium

Glad to hear you're enthusiastic. Unfortunately, I believe that study methods are really individualistic. You need to assess the situation and find out what works best for you to learn the material thoroughly and efficiently. When I say learn the material, not just rote memorization but knowing the material thoroughly enough to manipulate the information when needed. Sometimes this will come through trial and error, so don't be afraid to fail! Just be afraid not to try!

As for me, I studied as soon as I got home and had something good to eat. I went over my notes and books reading carefully (not skimming to blank staring) for several hours a day until I could essentially give the lecture myself. Then I turned on the TV, watched the Simpsons/Family Guy had a beer, played the Xbox then went to bed.

So the beer helps you fall asleep I am guessing?

How many hours a night are you all sleeping and if you are reading from the book what is the best way to match your reading with the lectures. For instance if you are doing head and neck, you may be learning about the muscles of mastication in class, but in the book your learining about the larynx. Should you go by the lecture and then try to find the appropriate section in the text book?

just start studying the muscles of the back, arms, legs and anatomy of thorax. know blood supply, innervations, origins and insertions, actions... that should keep you busy for a while and if you get that stuff mastered you will have a much easier time in anatomy which will help you because you will be able to focus on other classes.

I think the key to med school is repetition. No matter what subject it is you need to see the material over and over again. I personally made sure I saw the material at least 5-6 times before an exam to ensure that I was comfortable with everything. I mean basically when you think you know the lecture read it again and you'll be surprised on how much you retain and how much more you learn. Im just saying repetition seemed to be a reoccurring theme in all 5 semesters I've been at ross. That and integration also but that comes naturally once you feel comfortable with each individual subject.