Cheyenne
In what ways does Medical School differ from University?
I am planning on becoming a physician and I would like to know in what ways Medical school will be different than University and not in the obvious ways. I mean like the amount work, studying, deadlines, etc... I want to become an OB/GYN, but I think Medical school will the time of exploration in the different fields of medicine. I also have an interest in neuroscience. I am very serious about wanting to become a physician and I just want to know what to expect. #doctor #physician #neuroscience #neurology #obstetrics
2 answers
Maria Hubbard, MD, FAAN
Maria’s Answer
Medical school takes a serious amount of work and effort. Depending on your school you may have weekly, biweekly, monthly or trimester exams.
It all boils down to time management. If I could choose my medical school now, I would choose one with exams frequently on small amount of subjects. That would allow me to focus on that. Nonetheless the national licensing exams are yearly and cover multiple areas.
In terms of comparing med school with college, I found med school taking a lot more hours to study and learn the terms.
I would have helped me to take more undergrad pertinent biology courses, but I majored in Chemistry and Math.
During med school, I set up study times for early in the am when my brain was more awake. I avoided study groups since it distracted me more, But my friends preferred study groups and they did well like me. They seemed to have more free time than me. But that is just my learning style.
Recapping.
The more undergrad courses you take in human biology the better.
Learn you study style and the best hours for you to sit and study.
Are you amenable to group study? Do you prefer to study by yourself or a mix?
Take time for yourself and don't neglect to have a healthy diet and exercise.
Overall my medical school experience was great and it has been a rewarding career.
Best wishes!
Nidhi Magoo
Nidhi’s Answer
1. Intensity and Volume of Study: Medical school is typically much more intensive than undergraduate studies. The volume of information you'll need to learn is significantly larger and more complex. You'll be diving deep into human anatomy, physiology, diseases, and treatments, which often requires long hours of studying and memorization.
2. Study Patterns: In university, you might have been able to get by with cramming for exams or completing assignments at the last minute. In medical school, consistent and regular study is crucial due to the volume and complexity of the material.
3. Practical Learning: Medical school involves a lot of hands-on learning. In addition to classroom learning, you'll have lab work, clinical rotations, and patient interactions. These experiences are designed to prepare you for the realities of practicing medicine and can be both challenging and rewarding.
4. Examinations: Medical school exams are notoriously rigorous. They not only test your knowledge but also your application of that knowledge. Standardized exams such as the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) are high-stakes and require intensive preparation.
5. Emphasis on Professionalism and Ethics: Medical school places a strong emphasis on professionalism, patient care, and medical ethics. You'll be taught not just how to be a doctor in terms of medical knowledge, but also in terms of patient interaction, empathy, and ethical decision-making.
6. Specialization: While the first part of medical school (typically the first two years in a traditional four-year program) is focused on core medical sciences, the latter part allows for exploration of various specialties through clinical rotations. This is a time to discover areas of medicine you're passionate about, like OB/GYN or neuroscience.
7. Commitment: Becoming a physician is a long-term commitment. After four years of medical school, you'll need to complete a residency program, which can range from three to seven years, depending on the specialty. Some physicians further specialize by doing fellowships.
Remember, while medical school is challenging, it's also a journey of incredible learning and growth. Having a clear vision of your end goal – becoming a physician – will be a valuable motivator when the going gets tough. It's important to take care of your mental and physical health throughout this journey. Good luck with your path towards becoming a doctor!