First-year medical students, and even those farther along in their education, may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. Hear tips from seasoned fourth-year students on what they wish they had known about medical school that would have helped them.
Your study style may need to change
“I remember treating my first anatomy test as I had done several of my tests in my undergraduate program: type up my notes, study those notes and then take the test,” said Laura Stone McGuire, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. “But I soon discovered that this study strategy did not work for anatomy. Be aware that you may have to try new study methods in order to succeed in your classes.”
McGuire said she found she had a kinesthetic learning style and that typing and reading her notes wasn’t enough for her to understand the material. “I needed to work hands-on in the lab to best learn anatomy,” she said. “I discovered something similar when I studied for Step 1, and I used multiple channels of leaning: I watched videos, listened to audio recordings, worked with models and studied from the book. To be adaptive and to readily assess what works best for you is important.”
Remember your personal wellness is important
"Take advantage of study breaks when you can,” said Josh Lesko, a fourth-year medical student at Eastern Virginia Medical School. “It’s very easy to burn out early if you don’t find a balance. Find something—be it exercise, friends, involvement in a group—that gives you exposure to life beyond medical school.”
Ravi Shah, a fourth-year medical student at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, shared similar advice about not neglecting your own health. “Always have exercise built into your schedule,” he said. “Tomorrow is another day.”
Look for research opportunities early
“Even if you’ve never done [research] and haven’t decided on a specialty, simply ask a department or individual, and most are very happy to help,” said Tessa Stamile, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. “The earlier you start, the better your chances will be to complete the project and get published.”
Participate in opportunities outside the classroom
“Take opportunities to explore your career and embrace your education by getting involved in extracurricular activities in the local and global community,” said Shannon Brockman, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Florida College of Medicine. “From student-run, free clinics to medical mission trips, it’s amazing how much you can learn when you experience medicine outside of the classroom.”
Take advantage of your “last summer”
“You may hear people talk about your ‘last summer’ between MS1 and MS2 years,” said Stone McGuire. “Well, it’s true that this is your last substantial amount of free time during your medical career, so do something fun, worthwhile and meaningful. Consider all the great possibilities out there: research, community service, travel and more.”
What do you wish you had known about medical school? Share your tips for medical students on the AMA Medical Student Facebook page.
