How to Excel in Medical School

You’ve worked hard to get into medical school, but the real challenge starts after being accepted. Balancing a heavy course load and intensive training requires strict dedication and effective time management. But, the following tips and strategies can help set you up for success as you embark on your journey to becoming a physician.

Set a Study Schedule

From the beginning of the term, try to set a study schedule that allocates a certain block of time each week to a given subject while carving out enough time to prioritize the most challenging concepts.

A consistent study schedule will help you stay on top of memorization and comprehension throughout the course without needing to cram the night before an exam. Even if you didn’t need to do much studying during undergrad, medical school is a completely different challenge, and your study habits will need to reflect it.

While it’s easier said than done, make sure to pencil in lunch and snack breaks to give your brain a rest, helping you avoid becoming overwhelmed and burnt out.

Find a Support System

Medical school can feel all-consuming at times, though it’s still important to make time for friends and family. Whether you’re attending school near your hometown or across the country, finding a community of people you can spend time with outside of your program can help you unplug from the demands of medical school every once in a while.

It’s also helpful to find classmates that you can connect with, even if they don’t become one of your best friends. These are people who you’ll likely spend more time with over the coming years than your closest friends and family and who will share many of your struggles.

Take Advantage of Available Resources

Aside from attending classes and reading through textbooks, there are likely other available resources that can help you grasp the material. This might include study sessions with your cohort, office hours with professors or teaching assistants, or online resources like educational videos and flashcards.

These resources allow you to get clarification on challenging topics and may even help you connect with your peers outside of the traditional classroom. This can have the added benefit of community-building, helping to expand your support network.  Find what works best for you, and stick with it throughout the term.

Practice Self Care

Academic success is an obvious goal for medical students. But, you shouldn’t let your physical and mental well-being take a backseat throughout the entire term. After all, a good self-care routine can help you feel more relaxed and well-rested, supporting your cognitive function and ability to focus.

While there will be moments when you need to fit in a late-night study session, make sure you’re consistently getting enough sleep, exercise, and nourishment to fuel your body. You may even start to incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation into your daily schedule. It only takes a few minutes, and won’t take away from your rigorous study schedule. 

– Written by Bailey Schramm in partnership with stethoscope distributor Stethoscope.com