INVISTA NO SEU SUCESSO:
When facing struggles in medical school, it's essential to develop effective study strategies and utilize available resources. An essential resource for medical students is Anki, a flashcard app that promotes active recall and spaced repetition. Many students emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and balancing new content with review. Regular review sessions can be as crucial as learning new material, ensuring information retention. Other suggested resources include Bootcamp videos and USMLE RX and Amboss question banks, which provide structured learning and exam preparation.
Medical students often seek advice on how to classify their clinical research experience, especially when lacking publications. In this scenario, it's advisable to detail your roles and responsibilities in clinical research on your ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) application, as this highlights your skills such as handling IRB submissions, performing clinic visits, and managing documents for FDA approval. Demonstrating extensive experience and competence, even without publications, can be significant. Including this experience in the "other experiences" section if advised, and discussing your role honestly in your personal statement, can also be beneficial.
Using Sketchy videos can be highly beneficial for mastering microbiology and pharmacology. However, opinions vary on the usefulness of Sketchy for pathology, with some students finding it overwhelming due to its dense content. Complementing Sketchy videos with Anki cards can enhance retention through spaced repetition. For topics like pathology, alternatives like Pathoma may provide more manageable content. It's crucial to integrate these resources thoughtfully, avoiding overload and ensuring effective study habits.
Lastly, when deciding between personal and professional aspirations, such as pursuing a residency in the US versus staying in one's home country, it is vital to weigh long-term goals and values. The decision should consider work-life balance, career satisfaction, and personal happiness. Consulting with mentors and reflecting on one's priorities can help in making an informed choice that aligns with both professional ambitions and personal well-being.
In this post, a first-year medical student expresses their struggles and seeks advice on effective study strategies. They feel overwhelmed and are looking for practical tips to improve their academic performance.
Commenters provided a variety of suggestions to help the student manage their studies better. Key advice includes focusing on high-yield content rather than trying to learn everything, regular review of materials, and seeking advice from senior students (M2s and M3s). Specific resources mentioned were Anki for spaced repetition and USMLE-Rx and Amboss for question banks. Maintaining a positive mindset and managing study time efficiently were also emphasized.
A medical student seeks advice on how to classify extensive clinical research experience in the ERAS application, despite not having publications to show for it.
Commenters suggested focusing on describing the role accurately in the CV and personal statement. Highlighting the skills and responsibilities, such as managing clinical trials and handling IRB submissions, was advised. Honesty and humility in detailing the work were stressed, as well as emphasizing what was learned from the experience. Some advised listing it under work experience rather than research, given the lack of publications.
A third-year medical student considers creating Anki cards for previously studied material during the summer vacation to enhance retention.
The primary advice from commenters was to utilize pre-made Anki decks, like the AnKing deck, which cover most content comprehensively. They suggested focusing on high-yield topics and integrating Anki with other study methods. It was also recommended to avoid re-creating cards if existing decks are available to save time and effort.
A medical student questions the effectiveness of using Sketchy for multiple subjects like Micro, Pharm, and Path without overloading their memory.
Responses highlighted the value of Sketchy Micro and Pharm, noting their effectiveness in retaining detailed information through visual mnemonics. However, Sketchy Path was considered too dense by some, who suggested using Pathoma instead. Effective methods included combining Sketchy with Anki and reviewing regularly. Some recommended breaking up study sessions with other resources to avoid burnout.
A 25-year-old female medical student from Asia seeks advice on choosing between pursuing a residency in the US or staying in her home country to marry a supportive partner with a promising future.
Commenters advised the OP to consider her long-term career aspirations and personal happiness. They emphasized the importance of not compromising on dreams for a relationship that is still new. Several suggested having an honest conversation with her partner about future plans and assessing the potential for regret if she forgoes her US ambitions. Ultimately, prioritizing personal goals and ensuring compatibility in life aspirations were deemed crucial.
An M2 student asks whether continuing a job during medical school would positively impact residency applications, or if it should be sacrificed for more traditional extracurriculars.
Opinions varied, but many suggested that while clinical grades, Step scores, and research are more critical, having work experience could differentiate the application. It demonstrates time management skills and the ability to handle multiple responsibilities. However, it was emphasized that work should not come at the expense of academic performance.
Doctors in Korea warn of an impending healthcare system collapse in a letter to The Lancet, following the government's plan to increase medical school quotas by 2,000 seats starting in 2025.
The letter outlines that the crisis stems from low reimbursement rates, with ICUs getting only 60% of resource costs covered, leading to financial losses. It highlights high criminal charges for medical errors, deterring physicians from high-risk specialties. The letter calls for a reorganization of the reimbursement system to prevent the collapse of what was once a highly regarded healthcare model.
A student seeks advice on whether to purchase the full Katzung Pharmacology textbook or the condensed Katzung Pharmacology Review for their pharmacology studies.
One commenter recommended the Katzung Pharmacology Review as sufficient for covering essential topics and suggested supplementing it with Lecturio videos. This combination was seen as a practical approach to mastering pharmacology without being overwhelmed by the comprehensive textbook.
An incoming intern expresses extreme anxiety about starting a trauma surgery rotation, fearing lack of preparation and potential harm to patients.
Commenters reassured the intern by emphasizing that interns are not expected to know everything and will be under strict supervision. They stressed the importance of asking for help when needed and maintaining a positive attitude. Many shared personal experiences of similar fears and assured that learning and adaptation happen quickly in a supportive environment.
A student questions why there are acute and chronic states for respiratory acidosis/alkalosis but not for metabolic conditions.
Responses explained that respiratory conditions have acute and chronic phases due to the time needed for kidney compensation. In contrast, metabolic issues lack these phases because respiratory compensation occurs quickly. The fundamental difference lies in the speed and mechanisms of the body’s compensatory responses.