INVISTA NO SEU SUCESSO:
Medical students using Anki as a primary learning tool benefit from a range of resources and methods to enhance retention and efficiency. Popular tools include the Anking Deck with its comprehensive tagging system, along with specialized platforms like Flashlab.io and resources such as Pathoma, Sketchy, and Boards and Beyond. Additionally, tools like MedAnkiGen simplify flashcard creation from materials like UWorld explanations. Add-ons such as FSRS Helper and Advanced Copy Fields optimize deck customization, while filtered decks allow users to focus on specific topics.
Effective study strategies center around active recall, mind mapping, and spaced repetition. Setting realistic intervals (e.g., 10m, 20m) and filtering out low-yield cards are practical ways to maintain focus on high-yield material. Some users complement Anki with clinical cases, problem-solving exercises, and question banks like UWorld to deepen understanding. Moreover, visual adjustments, such as resizing images or enabling GPT-driven assistance through tools like Pathology 2nd Brain, streamline the learning process further.
The community highly values leveraging premade resources, such as the BlueLink Anatomy Deck or Mad Hatter’s Medicine, tailored for niche areas like emergency medicine or anatomy. While daily practice is emphasized to prevent overwhelming backlogs, students are encouraged to personalize their study methods. By combining high-quality materials, active recall, and Anki's algorithmic efficiency, medical students can achieve retention benchmarks of 95%+, ensuring both exam success and long-term mastery of critical concepts.
Resources:
Flashlab.io: Innovative flashcard platform with active recall features.
Anking Deck: Comprehensive pre-made deck with tags like Step 1 and Step 2 cards.
Pathoma, Sketchy, Boards and Beyond (BnB): Core resources for medical exam preparation.
MedAnkiGen: Tool to generate concise flashcards from study materials.
FSRS Algorithm: Advanced spaced repetition integrated with Anki.
YouTube Channels: Organic Chemistry Tutor, Ninja Nerd, Melissa Maribel, Tyler Dewitt.
UWorld, AMBOSS: High-quality question banks for exam prep.
Mad Hatter’s Medicine: Specialty Anki decks for emergency medicine.
Netter’s Atlas, BlueLink Deck: Anatomy-focused resources.
Scores/Benchmarks:
FSRS Retention: 95% desired retention with a 94% actual using FSRS for 6 months.
Log Loss: 1.85, RMSE: 1.16% using FSRS metrics.
Methods & Opportunities:
Active Recall: Reinforce memory by speaking answers aloud or using cloze cards.
Mind Mapping: Enhance conceptual understanding and connections.
Custom Study Strategies: Tailoring Anki decks to include only high-yield or weak topics.
Filtered Decks: Pull specific cards (e.g., by interval, topic) for early review.
Combination Learning: Integrating Anki with clinical cases, problem-solving, and concept mapping.
Custom Tags & Updates: Example—grouping UWorld QIDs with matching Anki cards.
Tips and Tricks:
Optimize Review: Set intervals (e.g., 10m, 20m) to avoid overloading on new cards.
Suspend Low-Yield Cards: Focus on high-yield material during high-stakes exams like Step 1.
Leverage Add-ons: Use tools like Advanced Copy Fields or Batch Edit for efficient updates.
Practice Daily: Consistency in card reviews is key to long-term retention.
Visual Adjustments: Resize images in Anki using card-type settings or note editor.
AI for Assistance: Utilize GPT-powered tools like Pathology 2nd Brain for focused learning.
Post 1: Discrepancy in # of cards in main menu vs. when I actually “study” the deck?
The user reports a discrepancy between the card counts shown in Anki’s main menu and the number displayed while studying a deck. Despite seeing a higher count in the menu, the deck ends once the lower number of cards is completed. The deck is school-specific and handed down, raising concerns about hidden settings. The user is seeking help to ensure no cards are being missed.
Responses suggest that the issue is due to buried sibling cards, a feature of Anki that delays related cards for subsequent days. A commenter provided a link to Anki's official documentation, helping the user understand how to adjust or disable this setting. The conversation highlights a frequent confusion among new Anki users and the importance of understanding deck settings to optimize learning.
Post 2: This is better than Anki and Quizlet
The post introduces a flashcard tool, Flashlab.io, claiming it outperforms Anki and Quizlet with features like Learn Mode, which adjusts card difficulty and includes active recall by requiring users to fill in incomplete answers. The creators are seeking feedback for improvements.
Comments focus on comparing Flashlab.io with Anki, emphasizing Anki’s advantages, including its advanced spaced repetition algorithms (FSRS), open-source development, and extensive third-party add-ons. Some users correct misinformation (e.g., “Anki Premium” doesn’t exist) and provide insights on Anki’s longevity and popularity. This discussion reflects the loyalty of Anki’s user base and skepticism toward new platforms without clear evidence of better algorithms or long-term benefits.
Post 3: Anking Premium Thoughts
A user shares enthusiasm about Anking Premium, especially its ability to process lecture PDFs and suggest related cards. They seek opinions on the tool’s utility and functionality.
The comments range from enthusiastic endorsements to queries about technical details, like segregating new cards from mature ones. A significant thread discusses AI integration, which uses Anking card data without introducing external material. Others note issues with server performance due to high user activity. Discussions highlight AnkiHub’s evolving features and comparisons to custom Python-based solutions that some users prefer for enhanced flexibility.
Post 4: Anking Deck for USMLE Step 2
The user seeks a way to identify all neuro-related questions from UWorld within the Anking deck.
A single response mentions that such a feature requires access to UWorld’s QIDs, which could be matched with corresponding cards using addons. This highlights a gap in existing Anki workflows, where comprehensive integration with external resources like UWorld could significantly streamline studying.
Post 5: Anki Keep Crashing When I Try to Search on Browse
The user describes Anki crashes when searching or interacting with sub-decks, particularly after updating the Anking deck via AnkiHub.
Responses suggest troubleshooting steps, such as updating addons, running Anki in safe mode, and verifying the Anki version. These standard troubleshooting methods highlight the community’s reliance on addons and the compatibility issues that arise with frequent updates.
Post 6: Already Have to Ask How to Make the Purple Chatbot Icon Go Away?
The user inquires about removing the AnkiHub AI icon from the interface.
Responses provide practical advice, including disabling the AnkiHub add-on via Anki’s tools menu. Others query how the AI functions, revealing confusion about its scope (e.g., whether it uses local or shared decks). This post demonstrates the mixed reception of AI integrations, with some users appreciating the features while others see them as intrusive.
Post 7: I Can't Delete FSRS
The user struggles to disable or delete the FSRS algorithm, finding it still influences daily card counts even after being turned off.
Comments clarify that FSRS is an integrated feature in Anki that requires proper deck option adjustments to disable. Misunderstandings about FSRS, such as distinguishing between the core algorithm and helper add-ons, reflect the complexity of customizing Anki’s advanced features. Links to documentation and community threads provide comprehensive solutions.
Post 8: Benefit of 15 Minute Again Button?
The user questions the rationale behind the default 15-minute interval for the "again" button in Anki’s learning steps, considering shorter intervals for efficiency.
Responses discuss memory consolidation and the optimal balance between intervals to avoid relying on short-term memory or causing retention issues. The community recommends intervals between 5–15 minutes, with some users linking tools for personalizing step lengths based on memory patterns. This showcases the scientific approach many users take toward improving study efficiency.
Post 9: Shuffling Only New Cards
The user wants to shuffle new cards within Anki instead of presenting them in their default order.
A brief response directs the user to adjust the new card gathering and sorting settings, offering links to visuals. This thread highlights basic customization options in Anki that are sometimes overlooked by beginners.
Post 10: Could We Add This Button to the Android Version?
The user requests a button for the Android version of Anki that would allow skipping a card temporarily, similar to desktop features.
Responses explore workarounds, such as manual burying and custom gestures via AnkiDroid. Advanced users propose combining actions like flagging and burying with scripts. These discussions underscore the limitations of mobile versions compared to desktop and the community's ingenuity in overcoming them.
Post 11: Downloading apkg Directly to iPad
A user is considering switching to AnkiMobile on their iPad due to limited laptop storage. They ask whether .apkg files can be directly downloaded, used offline, and whether AnkiMobile is comparable to the desktop version.
Responses confirm that AnkiMobile supports downloading and using .apkg files offline, and it can sync with other devices if desired. However, desktop Anki remains more robust and feature-rich, and is free, unlike AnkiMobile, which has a cost. Links to official AnkiMobile documentation were provided, illustrating a helpful, detailed community ready to guide transitions between platforms.
Post 12: Are the !Shelf No Dupes Tags Enough for FM Shelf Exam Prep?
Preparing for the Family Medicine (FM) shelf exam, the user questions the adequacy of AnKing’s !Shelf No Dupes tags in covering high-yield topics. They combine AnKing with OnlineMedEd and UWorld but feel the tags might lack structure or comprehensive coverage.
While the post didn't generate substantive replies, the user's comprehensive study approach shows alignment with common prep strategies. The lack of detail about the curation process for the !Shelf tags raises valid concerns about relying solely on them, emphasizing the importance of broad resource validation for exam preparation.
Post 13: What AnKing Cards Should I Prioritize If I Have Less Than 3 Months Before Step 1?
With three months before Step 1, the user seeks advice on narrowing down AnKing cards. They feel overwhelmed by the 15,000+ cards in categories like Pathoma, Sketchy Pharm, and Micro and ask whether focusing on question banks would be more effective.
Responses highlight high-yield categories such as Pathoma chapters 1–3, Sketchy Pharm, and Micro. Users suggest prioritizing cards based on mistakes made in UWorld question banks, leveraging add-ons like the UWorld QID search tool. The discussion underscores the challenge of managing large decks within short timelines, emphasizing customization and focusing on weaknesses for efficiency.
Post 14: Everyday We Stray Further from God’s Light... /s
A lighthearted post lacking detailed content but referencing study distractions and humorous multitasking during exam prep.
The comments humorously reflect on balancing study discipline with moments of distraction, like gaming or listening to podcasts. Users bond over shared experiences of overwhelming Anki review loads or struggling with focus, providing a relatable snapshot of medical student life.
Post 15: How Many Cloze Deletions Per Card Is Too Much?
The user asks for advice on managing multiple cloze deletions per card and determining when it’s better to split information into separate cards.
Most commenters recommend limiting cloze deletions to 2–4 per card to avoid cognitive overload. Others emphasize the contextual nature of the question, suggesting adjustments based on content complexity and recall goals. This discussion highlights best practices for Anki card design, optimizing retention and minimizing frustration.
Post 16: Need AMC MCQ Anki Cards – Anyone Got One?
A user requests AMC-style multiple-choice question decks for their exam prep.
Responses clarify that Anki is not well-suited for MCQs, which are better tackled through dedicated question banks. This showcases the limitations of Anki’s design for certain types of content while underscoring its strength in active recall for factual information.
Post 17: Is It a Good Idea to Use Anki for Everything in My Learning?
The user finds Anki overwhelming and seeks advice on whether to balance it with other study methods like writing practice papers and taking notes.
Responses emphasize Anki’s role as a memorization tool and advise combining it with active learning methods, such as problem-solving, mind-mapping, and case-based learning. Many suggest focusing on high-value cards and using premade decks like AnKing to reduce time spent creating cards. The discussion reflects on study personalization and the potential inefficiency of over-relying on Anki.
Post 18: Mad Hatter's Medicine Is Moving to AnkiHub
The creator of Mad Hatter’s Medicine announces its migration to AnkiHub, aiming to contribute to AnKing’s platform. The deck includes embedded videos and will be updated regularly.
Comments range from curiosity to jokes about the deck’s name, with little focus on its content or contribution to AnkiHub. This thread highlights the growth of AnkiHub’s ecosystem, which centralizes resources and simplifies updates, benefiting users seeking curated study materials.
Post 19: Bulk Field Editing of AnKing Cards
The user wants to transfer personalized notes from the “extra” field of AnKing cards to another field without losing AnkiHub updates.
Responses suggest tools like the Advanced Copy Fields add-on or using Anki’s Change Note Type feature. Others provide step-by-step solutions, such as searching for edited cards and selectively protecting fields. This post underscores the complexity of customizing shared decks while keeping updates intact, showcasing Anki’s flexibility and the community’s technical expertise.
Post 20: When You Speak Out Loud to Remember... and It Actually Works
The post discusses the benefits of speaking aloud during flashcard review to enhance memory retention, proposing an app designed to leverage this method.
Comments are a mix of skepticism, jokes, and some interest in the app’s voice-recognition features. The thread highlights the importance of multimodal learning strategies, combining speech, hearing, and active recall. However, responses also reflect resistance to overly gimmicky tools in favor of proven, simpler methods.
Post 21: Pathology 2nd Brain – FREE GPT
A user introduces the Pathology 2nd Brain, a specialized GPT model designed for anatomic pathology. Built on WHO Classification of Tumors, AJCC Cancer Staging, and ICD-11, the model integrates databases like PubMed and offers features such as pathology diagnosis aids, academic database access, and code interpretation for data analysis. It’s free and has a 4.5-star rating in the OpenAI GPT store.
Responses appreciate the innovation, with one user noting a similar tool for AnKing. Another suggests integrating UpToDate for added value, although its API isn’t free. This highlights the growing role of AI tools in medical education and their potential to transform how students and professionals access and process information.
Post 22: Missing Mature Cards FSRS
The user is concerned about missing mature cards while using FSRS (95% retention, RMSE 1.16%), feeling some cards they thought were easy aren’t appearing. They ask about manually adjusting intervals or sticking with the algorithm.
A commenter provides a thorough explanation, emphasizing FSRS’s accuracy and suggesting filtered decks to review specific cards early if needed. The advice reassures the user of FSRS’s reliability while offering flexibility for additional review. This thread demonstrates the nuances of advanced algorithms in Anki and the community's understanding of personalized study needs.
Post 23: AnKing Neuro Feels Excessive?
The user finds AnKing’s neuro cards overwhelming, particularly low-yield tags like "ID nucleus." They wonder if brute-forcing these is worthwhile, especially with Step 1 now pass/fail.
Responses overwhelmingly suggest skipping low-yield content unless necessary for specific exams. Many recommend focusing on the Rule of 4s for brainstem lesions or sorting cards using UWorld and NBME tags. This highlights the importance of prioritizing high-yield study materials, especially for exams with broader content scope.
Post 24: [REQUEST] AnKing Note Type Add-on Extra Section Button
The user requests a button for resizing images in AnKing’s extra section because large pictures hinder usability on older devices.
Responses explain how to resize images manually by dragging within the editor. While brief, this thread illustrates customization tips for improving Anki’s functionality on less powerful hardware, a common concern in resource-intensive workflows.
Post 25: Anticonvulsants (From a Toxicology Standpoint) for Emergency Medicine
A new deck focused on anticonvulsants from a toxicology perspective is shared, targeting Emergency Medicine ITE/Boards prep. It includes PicMnemonics and explanatory videos.
Aside from basic comments, one user provides the deck link directly, showcasing the subreddit’s collaborative nature. This post aligns with the growing trend of multimedia-enhanced decks, which cater to diverse learning styles.
Post 26: Using Anki in First Year
A first-year medical student asks about using Anki and finding premade decks for their topics.
Responses highlight the AnKing deck as the gold standard while suggesting students consult upperclassmen for school-specific decks. The post reflects the challenge of navigating Anki’s ecosystem early in medical school and the importance of leveraging shared resources for efficiency.
Post 27: Study Group Step 1, Telegram
The user proposes a Telegram group for Step 1 prep, particularly targeting Spanish speakers while welcoming all nationalities.
Comments inquire about Telegram logistics, such as linking via phone numbers or emails. This post highlights the value of peer-to-peer support in exam preparation and the role of language-specific groups in fostering inclusion and collaboration.
Post 28: Is There a Chapter Missing or Is This Just a Numbering Mistake?
A user notices a potential missing chapter or numbering issue in the AnKing deck related to Phantom Limb Pain.
Responses clarify that the content may have been removed or consolidated in the latest AnKing update. This thread underscores the dynamic nature of shared decks and the need for users to trust the curation process or verify content independently when necessary.
Post 29: Is Anki Worth It, and Does It Really Save Time?
A second-year med student asks if Anki is worth the effort, as they struggle with retention during their studies.
Overwhelmingly positive responses highlight Anki’s effectiveness for retention and revision, especially with pre-made decks like AnKing. Users caution that Anki complements, but doesn’t replace, conceptual understanding through qbanks or lectures. The consensus emphasizes Anki’s transformative potential, provided students tailor its use to their study needs.
Post 30: What Is the Best Way of Using Cloze Cards?
The user asks about structuring cloze cards, particularly whether to include multiple clozes in a paragraph or split them into separate cards.
Responses emphasize flexibility in design, suggesting that the card format should align with the material’s complexity. The discussion touches on balancing card specificity with review efficiency, a critical consideration for effectively using Anki’s cloze feature.
Post 31: Do Cloze Cards Actually Work as Well as the Basic Card Type?
The user questions whether cloze cards are as effective as basic cards, expressing concern that cloze deletions might provide too much context, reducing active recall effort.
Responses highlight that basic cards often demand more effortful recall, making them potentially better for long-term retention. However, cloze cards are praised for their efficiency and adaptability. A medical tutor emphasizes using basic cards with structured question-answer formats for struggling students, as cloze formats may encourage reliance on visual or syntactic cues. Ultimately, both formats are effective when tailored to the content and learning goals.
Post 32: Settings for Monthly Tests
The user seeks advice on optimizing Anki settings for a test occurring every 4–5 weeks, aiming to review cards more intensively before exams.
Commenters suggest sticking with the 95% retention rate but emphasize combining Anki reviews with practice questions for better results. Others advise not suspending sibling cards and prioritizing daily reviews over tweaking settings. The thread underscores the importance of integrating Anki with broader study strategies, rather than relying solely on the software.
Post 33: Duplicates When Updating From V11 to V12
After updating the AnKing deck from V11 to V12, the user notices duplicate cards and seeks a method to identify and delete them efficiently.
A commenter shares a tutorial link explaining how to identify and remove duplicate cards, specifically those with single tags, as these are likely remnants from V11. The post reflects the community’s shared commitment to maintaining well-organized decks and ensuring seamless updates through collaborative troubleshooting.
Post 34: Question About MD Entrance Interview
A prospective medical student requests tips for MD program entrance interviews, specifically in Canada and Alberta.
Responses redirect the user to more relevant communities like r/premedcanada, highlighting the specialized nature of interview advice. The post reflects the broader utility of medical school forums in guiding applicants beyond academic content into career preparation and local requirements.
Post 35: Is This Card Wrong or Do I Have a Misunderstanding?
The user debates the accuracy of an AnKing card describing Class IC antiarrhythmics and whether its explanation aligns with rhythm versus rate control.
Responses clarify that Class IC antiarrhythmics primarily target atrial myocytes and are used for rhythm control. The discussion highlights nuances in pharmacology concepts, with detailed references to supporting studies. The thread demonstrates how community input can correct misunderstandings and refine nuanced topics.
Post 36: How Would You Flashcard This?
The user seeks advice on crafting flashcards for a clinical vignette on labyrinthine artery occlusion, debating whether to prioritize pathology or presentation questions.
Suggestions favor creating dual cloze-deletion cards to cover both angles (pathology → presentation and presentation → pathology). Responses emphasize aligning cards with learning goals, such as focusing on high-yield presentations rather than exhaustive symptom lists. This reflects the balance between specificity and efficiency in flashcard design.
Post 37: Suspending Step 1 Cards (QUESTION)
The user plans to suspend Step 1-exclusive cards to reduce their workload during rotations and focus on Step 2. However, they question why their suspended card count differs from others.
Comments suggest the 11,900 cards identified are accurate for Step 1 exclusives, as differences likely stem from deck version discrepancies (e.g., V11 vs. V12). The discussion showcases the importance of understanding deck structures and tags when customizing study materials for individual needs.
Post 38: 👑 AnKing Step Deck Update #11
The AnKing team shares highlights of the latest Step Deck update, including 16,442 note updates, new Sketchy and Pixorize tags, and illustrations for better comprehension.
Enthusiastic responses praise the updates, particularly the high-quality images and mnemonics. Others inquire about upcoming features like AnkiHub AI and Step 3 cards. The post demonstrates the ongoing evolution of AnKing decks and the community’s engagement in enhancing learning resources.
Post 39: How Do I Choose an Anatomy Deck?
A future neurosurgery resident seeks recommendations for a comprehensive anatomy deck, ideally paired with Netter’s Atlas.
Responses suggest the BlueLink UMich cadaver deck and recommend evaluating multiple decks to find one that aligns with their needs. This thread underscores the variety of specialized resources available for anatomy and the importance of tailoring them to individual learning preferences.
Post 40: How to Make First Aid Images Larger?
The user wants to enlarge First Aid images across all Anki cards but finds manual resizing infeasible.
Suggestions include editing note type code to set global image size limits, though this requires coding expertise. The lack of a mass-editing solution highlights a gap in Anki’s flexibility for large-scale customization. This post reflects the practical challenges of adapting shared resources to personal needs.
Post 41: Do You Guys Also Have Written Resumes or Just Anki Cards?
The user prefers writing out class notes but worries about balancing the time-intensive process with creating comprehensive Anki cards for study.
Responses emphasize the efficiency of Anki, with one commenter advocating for mind mapping to establish conceptual connections and enhance understanding. Others suggest that while note-taking can aid initial comprehension, Anki excels at spaced repetition for retention. This thread highlights the importance of finding a balance between active recall techniques like flashcards and supplemental strategies like note-taking or mind mapping to achieve both understanding and retention.
Post 42: Is There Any University?
The user, based outside the U.S., seeks publicly available in-house university lectures for self-study.
Commenters suggest alternatives like YouTube channels (e.g., Organic Chemistry Tutor, Ninja Nerd) and third-party medical resources (e.g., Pathoma, Boards and Beyond). The thread underlines the superiority of curated online resources compared to typical in-house lectures, particularly for students seeking structured, high-yield content. However, some participants note that in-house lectures might offer a more comprehensive, foundational approach, which could be valuable for those just beginning their medical education.