Getting admitted to a medical school is a big achievement. But the struggle story doesn’t end here for students. Navigating through the world of medicine is another challenge they have to face.
In fact, studies suggest extremely high stress rates among students, ranging from 30 to about 94%. This usually happens because they are unaware of a few important considerations. So if you are seeking tips for surviving medical school, this blog has got you covered!
Below, we will discuss some expert tips for medical students that will help them with a successful medical school journey.
Survival Tips For Medical Students
Medicine is a rewarding profession. It requires a lot of hard work and consistent effort. But is it only about hectic study schedules? Is there anything more to it? Let’s take a look at what you should be doing during your study years.
1.Connect With Your Professors And Experts
Medical school isn’t merely about attending lectures and heading back home. It is about building connections. Learning new things.
By the end of your medical journey, your connections can help you find a reliable medical CV service in Ireland to land a job successfully.
Moreover, books won’t be the only source from which you will learn. Instead, you need to consult the medical professionals from your faculty for their valuable advice. Gaining recognition from them can also help you get insights on how to build a successful career in medicine.
Here is what you should do,
- Don’t be shy during class sessions, ask as many questions as you want
- Book one-on-one meetings with tutors
2.Participate In Extra-Curricular Activities
Medical school is a long journey. You need to make sure that it isn’t a boring one. Turn on your social mode and participate in student groups. There are plenty of student-led communities that are either arranging games, medical care camps, or other sorts of activities that can offer you an interesting experience.
This is essential because,
- These activities can contribute to personal development
- Allows you to connect with seniors in the field of medicine
- Can be beneficial for future purposes
Remember, voluntary work can help land your first medical job. It will demonstrate your commitment, experience, and passion. A professional CV writing service Ireland can help you create a standout resume that highlights your dedication to the medical field.
3.Have A Proper Sleep Schedule
A healthy sleep routine comprises 7-9 hours of sleep per night. However, when it comes to medical students, the pressure of lectures, quizzes, and clinical rotations takes away most of their time.
According to research, a medical student sleeps for a maximum of 6 hours. Most of the students feel overwhelmed with the study pressures and pull all-nighters to complete their syllabus.
This contributes negatively to their health and leads to burnout. A disrupted sleep schedule can lead to a lack of focus, exhaustion, and poor academic performance.
Recommended tips,
- Don’t compromise on sleep; get at least 7 hours of sleep
- Create a study schedule
- Seek help from tutors instead of wasting time on a complex topic
4.Manage Time Effectively
Medical students often fail to distinguish between the right study approaches. Right when you enter the medical school, you will witness a massive shift in your schedule. The weekly tests and quizzes will require some extra dedication and study efforts.
However, many students leave the preparation part for the end. Delaying tasks can only lead to end-moment cramming, which is a very wrong approach for medical students.
Tips for medical students to avoid this situation,
- Connect the concepts with a practical approach
- Break the chapters into small, manageable tasks
- Minimize distractions
- Start studying from the beginning
You just don’t need to memorize the wording; instead, you should have a clear understanding of the concepts. The foundation year of the medical school will form the core of your understanding, which will help you become a successful physician in the future.
5.Take Care Of Your Mental Health
The excitement of entering the field of medicine is real. But mental health issues are real as well. And they can heavily impact your lifestyle and the way you feel. This is why it is important to focus on a balanced lifestyle.
Constant study sessions can drain students. It is essential to take breaks and focus on tasks that can refresh your mind.
Remember, medical school is all about studying, but your life isn’t! So, make sure to strike a balanced approach when it comes to completing the syllabus and engaging in fun activities.
Here is what you should be doing,
- Prioritize your sleep in free time
- Eat something you love
- Spend time with friends
- Read your favorite book
- Hit the gym
- Watch a show that makes you laugh and takes all the stress away!
6.Take Care Of Your Budget
Managing finances is one of the most difficult phases of medical school. This new journey often changes their spending habits, leading to financial constraints each month. And with the hectic study routine of medicine, it is nearly impossible to find and focus on a part-time job.
Tips for medical students to manage finances,
- Track your expenses
- Apply for scholarships
- Eliminate the unnecessary variable costs
- Use medical student discounts while shopping
7.Do Not Compare Yourself With Others
Every student is different. Some might excel in the theoretical concepts, and some might be good at their practical applications.
Comparing yourself with others can only lead to self-doubt and poor performance. Don’t do that. Your admission to medical school has already proved your worth. You did it among so many students! So never doubt your capabilities.
Here is what you should be doing,
- Focus on improving your weaker areas
- Stay confident in yourself
- Choose the study methods that work for you
FAQS
What is the best study method to use in medical school?
Spaced repetition is the recommended learning method for medical students. It involves retaining the information by reviewing the lessons at spaced intervals. These continuous exposures after long breaks can help solidify the study material in your brain.
Which is the most difficult subject for medical students?
Anatomy is considered the toughest subject by medical students. The subject requires learning the whole body structure at the microscopic level. The complex details associated with this subject often overwhelm the students.
How can a student improve their memory during medical school?
Medical mnemonics are considered one of the most effective tools to boost memory while studying.
Final Word
Medical school might feel tough. The place you once dreamed of can confuse you in the beginning. However, advanced preparation can help you transition smoothly into this new journey.
Remember, the key is to take care of yourself while giving your books the time they deserve! By following the tips for medical studentsmentioned above, you can enjoy medical school while simultaneously focusing on becoming a good doctor.