5 answers
Savreet
Student
Batala, Punjab, India
7
Questions
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How can I be successful on my first day of medical school?
I'm starting medical school in the fall and want to know how to put my best foot forward. What can I do to make sure I'm successful beginning on the first day?
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5 answers
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
Figure out what studying works for you when you start block one. Some people do really well with Anki others don’t. Some people do really well with listening to lecture and others don’t. First couple blocks of medical school are going to be eye opening, but luckily it is typically a little bit of review just thrown at you really quickly. Figure out if you like studying alone or with others and go from there. It is going to be a transition and that is okay. You are going to be with many other people who are going through it with you. Reach out and ask for help when you need it and just know we have all been there. You are going to do great. If you have more questions just let me know currently a third year.
Michael Dv orkin
Orthopedic surgeon
10
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Just try to relax, you’ve made the most difficult part of your journey into medicine. Study hard, but also try to build in relaxation activities into your schedule.
The most important thing that you must realize is that you can’t know everything during your medical school education. Try to avoid questions as if I don’t know something, it will affect my being a good doctor you’ll be surrounded by the best of the brightest, but don’t be intimidated. If you’re looking for a good medical field, I recommend orthopedic surgery. I’ve done this for 40 years of my life and enjoyed every minute. Good luck!
The most important thing that you must realize is that you can’t know everything during your medical school education. Try to avoid questions as if I don’t know something, it will affect my being a good doctor you’ll be surrounded by the best of the brightest, but don’t be intimidated. If you’re looking for a good medical field, I recommend orthopedic surgery. I’ve done this for 40 years of my life and enjoyed every minute. Good luck!
Gregory Barclay, M.D., DLFAPA, FASAP
Psychiatrist
26
Answers
Wilmington, Delaware
Updated
Gregory’s Answer
Congratulations on your acceptance into Medical School! That is a unique achievement you deserve to be most proud of!
You might want to take a moment and consider how you define being successful. Remember that the big "cut" in the ranks has now been made, so you do not need to compete against your peers anymore like you did in college. Now, the medical school's focus is on helping you be a successful doctor by assuring that you have what you need to pass. They are now on your side. When I started medical school in 1979, I could have used that advice!
So, with that said, I would say that being succesful means remembering that you have risen above the cut and since you no longer have to compete, you should focus your energy on the achievement of your goal - graduation in 4 years' time and create in your mind a view of the physician you want to be at that time. This would presumably include being a well rounded person who is physically and mentally happy and not completely drained of energy or other interests. As a medical student, I saw many of my peers, devote every minute of their waking lives to their studies, even skipping Thanksgiving Dinner with their families in order to spend time in the gross anatomy lab. I also saw who they became by the end of 4 relentless years of this. I don't think they were better doctors in the end. So, I would say being successful in medical school from your first day forward is a matter of keeping your focus on the goal and taking time each day to nurture other parts of yourself and your life, including relationships, that are not part of medical training. If you pace yourself and keep yourself balanced and healthy, you will succeed!
Best Wishes!
You might want to take a moment and consider how you define being successful. Remember that the big "cut" in the ranks has now been made, so you do not need to compete against your peers anymore like you did in college. Now, the medical school's focus is on helping you be a successful doctor by assuring that you have what you need to pass. They are now on your side. When I started medical school in 1979, I could have used that advice!
So, with that said, I would say that being succesful means remembering that you have risen above the cut and since you no longer have to compete, you should focus your energy on the achievement of your goal - graduation in 4 years' time and create in your mind a view of the physician you want to be at that time. This would presumably include being a well rounded person who is physically and mentally happy and not completely drained of energy or other interests. As a medical student, I saw many of my peers, devote every minute of their waking lives to their studies, even skipping Thanksgiving Dinner with their families in order to spend time in the gross anatomy lab. I also saw who they became by the end of 4 relentless years of this. I don't think they were better doctors in the end. So, I would say being successful in medical school from your first day forward is a matter of keeping your focus on the goal and taking time each day to nurture other parts of yourself and your life, including relationships, that are not part of medical training. If you pace yourself and keep yourself balanced and healthy, you will succeed!
Best Wishes!
Grace S
Registered Nurse
3
Answers
Brunswick, Ohio
Updated
Grace’s Answer
Make sure to thoroughly read the assigned text before your class begins. Enjoy a restful night's sleep and rise early enough to arrive at class 30 minutes in advance. Come equipped with essentials like a pen, paper, textbook, tape recorder, and highlighters. Carry a nutritious veggie snack to munch on if you feel hungry and don't forget to bring water. Make a quick bathroom visit before the class commences. Choose a seat where you can clearly see and hear, with minimal distractions around you. Dress in comfortable attire.
Make it a habit to listen to your taped lectures daily until the next one. Play them as you drift off to sleep, as you wake up, and even during your drive. Invest time in creating note cards and immerse yourself in them and your notes. Make them a part of your daily routine - eat, sleep, and breathe them. Occasionally, take the time to rewrite your notes or type them out, especially before an exam. This process will not only refresh your memory but also boost your confidence. Remember, you've got this!
Make it a habit to listen to your taped lectures daily until the next one. Play them as you drift off to sleep, as you wake up, and even during your drive. Invest time in creating note cards and immerse yourself in them and your notes. Make them a part of your daily routine - eat, sleep, and breathe them. Occasionally, take the time to rewrite your notes or type them out, especially before an exam. This process will not only refresh your memory but also boost your confidence. Remember, you've got this!
Godfrey Magawe
Clinical officer nephrology
114
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Godfrey’s Answer
One need to get their priorities right from day one.
1.Set your priorities,the goals in terms of time management, lecture attendance, assignments submission timelines, practical sessions preparation and attendance and assignments and presentation.
2.Strive to achieve the target marks and attainment of required GPA
3.plan well with clearance of fees to avoid being out of college due to delays in fee submission.
4.One needs to always do some research prio to lectures for all the units being undertaken to make have a better understanding
5.Students need always to be proactive and ask questions and be active during both practicals and lecture as it will enable one as well as other students understand well and master what's being taught
1.Set your priorities,the goals in terms of time management, lecture attendance, assignments submission timelines, practical sessions preparation and attendance and assignments and presentation.
2.Strive to achieve the target marks and attainment of required GPA
3.plan well with clearance of fees to avoid being out of college due to delays in fee submission.
4.One needs to always do some research prio to lectures for all the units being undertaken to make have a better understanding
5.Students need always to be proactive and ask questions and be active during both practicals and lecture as it will enable one as well as other students understand well and master what's being taught