Top 3 Study Techniques Every Med Student Should Know

Picture this: it’s 1 AM, and I’m surrounded by a mountain of textbooks, flashcards, and coffee cups. The looming proffs have turned my life into a blur of late-night cramming and thinking of just passing our exams. Sound familiar? If you’re a med student, you know this scene all too well. But here’s the thing — studying for med school doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In fact, I was also wondering and finding the way to study efficiently but after giving my first proff. I realised some techniques might increase our retention.

Let’s dive into the top 5 study strategies that transformed my med school journey from chaos to success. 📚

1. Active Recall

I personally think that Active Recall help us a lot while studying. It involves actively recalling your memory while studying so that you don’t feel sleepy and also your mind get attentive while recalling.

How to do it

I use short notes for every topic in a chapter. I usually write in a white A4 sheet and staple them to revise whenever needed. I recommend using Coloured Pens, I personally use Red, Black, Blue colour pens. But remember not to use Red and Green colour pens in your theory examinations.

2. Mind Mapping

Mind Mapping is a way to conceptualise the topic in form of diagrams and flowcharts. Remember Diagrams and Flowcharts helps us to score good in proff exams.

How to do it

Start the mapping by selecting a central topic

For Example: If you’re studying the respiratory system, your central topic could be “Respiratory System.”

Tip: Keep your mind maps neat and avoid overcrowding them. If a map becomes too complex, consider breaking it into smaller, more focused maps

Here’s a simplified mind map for the topic “Cardiovascular System”:

1. Central Topic: Cardiovascular System
   • Subtopic: Anatomy
     • Heart
     • Blood Vessels
       • Arteries
       • Veins
       • Capillaries
   • Subtopic: Physiology
     • Circulation
     • Blood Pressure
     • Cardiac Cycle
   • Subtopic: Diseases
     • Hypertension
     • Myocardial Infarction
     • Atherosclerosis
   • Subtopic: Treatment
     • Medications
     • Surgeries
     • Lifestyle Changes

3. Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time-management method designed to improve focus and productivity by breaking work into short, manageable intervals. Each interval is followed by a brief break, making it ideal for intense study sessions. I always follow this method as its difficult to sit continuously for hours.

Benefits of the Pomodoro Technique

• Enhanced Focus: By breaking study sessions into shorter intervals, you’re more likely to maintain concentration.
• Reduced Procrastination: Knowing that a break is coming soon can help you start tasks more easily.
• Better Time Management: The technique helps you estimate how long tasks will take, improving your planning skills.
• Decreased Burnout: Regular breaks prevent fatigue, making study sessions more sustainable.
• Increased Productivity: Completing multiple Pomodoros creates a sense of accomplishment and momentum.