3 answers
Rilwan
Student
Akure, Nigeria
1
Question
Asked
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How do I study in preclinical school?
I’m a year two medical student at The Federal University of Technology Akure College of Health Sciences.
As a year two medical student, I’m taking 3 major (Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Biochemistry) and 2 minor (Psychology and Community Medicine) courses.
Looking at the volume of what I’m meant to know, it gets so overwhelming and intimidating.
I would love someone who has been in similar situation to offer their advice.
Thank you!
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2 answers
Brett Schlifstein
Anesthesiologist
18
Answers
Pittsboro, North Carolina
Updated
Brett’s Answer
Hi Rilwan,
It has been over 30 years since I graduated from medical school, but I my memories of that time are still quite vivid. I, too, remember being overwhelmed with the amount of information presented to me. I felt like there was no way I was going to remember everything. It wasn't until years later that I came to realize that the purpose of these years is to lay a foundation for the years to come. When I was a third year student on my surgical rotation, I couldn't recall everything I learned in anatomy two year before, but at least I knew what my professors were talking about, and knew where to look to review. Since I had studied it before, it came back quickly, and now that it was in the context of patient care, had much more meaning.
So my advice to you is to study hard, and absorb as much as you can. But don't stress, as the overwhelming feeling you are having is absolutely normal. I considered dropping out of school because of that feeling, but I am very grateful that I stuck it out. I've had a very rewarding career over the last decades, as I look towards retirement in the next one. Hope that helps!
Best of luck,
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital
It has been over 30 years since I graduated from medical school, but I my memories of that time are still quite vivid. I, too, remember being overwhelmed with the amount of information presented to me. I felt like there was no way I was going to remember everything. It wasn't until years later that I came to realize that the purpose of these years is to lay a foundation for the years to come. When I was a third year student on my surgical rotation, I couldn't recall everything I learned in anatomy two year before, but at least I knew what my professors were talking about, and knew where to look to review. Since I had studied it before, it came back quickly, and now that it was in the context of patient care, had much more meaning.
So my advice to you is to study hard, and absorb as much as you can. But don't stress, as the overwhelming feeling you are having is absolutely normal. I considered dropping out of school because of that feeling, but I am very grateful that I stuck it out. I've had a very rewarding career over the last decades, as I look towards retirement in the next one. Hope that helps!
Best of luck,
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital
Thank you so much Brett for this invaluable advice.
Seeing you’ve passed through same and scaled through assures me I will surely do too.
Than for your time
Rilwan
Rita Chuang
Physician
189
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I also was overwhelmed in medical school. I often thought of changing from 4 years to 5 years but I was too embarrassed. I always recommend anyone interested in medical school to work as a scribe because I feel it will help out. Unfortunately, or fortunately for you, you are already in school. Just know that you will get through it. Years after I graduated, I still had dreams of medical school and studying or not studying for a test and being scared. I think your advantage is that you have the internet so I think just go to the internet to have someone explain difficult classes easier. Ask the students prior to you how they studied and any hints. Even when I graduated, I thought, I don't know anything. It eventually works out. Just hang in there.