Whether you’re a first or final year medical student, you’ll agree that every student has a unique studying style that best suits them. The challenge is finding your best way to study early on and implementing the right techniques that will allow you to optimise your time to ensure you’re getting maximum benefit. It’s all about that concept of working smarter, not harder.
Unfortunately with the vocation you’ve chosen, your studying days won’t end as you say goodbye to student life. These skills will become even more important during your doctor-in-training years as you juggle balancing working life with ongoing professional development and exam prep.
If you’re looking to improve your study game, here are five proven techniques that have helped medical students succeed throughout their journey.
1. Simply ask questions
There’s no such thing as a silly question. You’ve heard it before, and it’s true.
The benefits and importance of asking both silly and smart questions are endless, and for students, there’s only upside. Asking questions shows that you’re eager to learn, apply the knowledge and gain further insight, which will be noticed by your peers and mentors. It can enhance your problem-solving skills and improve your overall comprehension of the subject matter.
Remember, knowledge is power and you can never have enough.
2. Prioritise study intensity over duration
As a medical student, managing your time efficiently is critical to achieving your personal best and maximising your results. Successful time management and finding the right balance between being productive and taking the breaks you need can be difficult to navigate.
Research suggests that shorter, but more intense periods of study can increase academic results by minimising procrastination and increasing motivation. Rather than spending hours half-focused at your desk, try setting specific time blocks where you’re completely focused, followed by proper breaks.
3. Studying with friends
Studying with uni friends isn’t for everyone, but it can be extremely rewarding if done correctly.
A productive session with friends who have similar studying objectives proves that “two heads are better than one.” As conversations flow, more questions will be generated, which can broaden the discussion and provide key new learning opportunities in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
Group study can also help keep you accountable, particularly during the draining last few weeks of semester when motivation is low.
4. Nutrition, sleep, exercise, study…REPEAT
As med students, it’s important to prioritise your mental and physical health. Making a conscious effort to create a healthier, happier and calmer version of yourself will only be beneficial in sustaining and improving your learning performance.
Implementing small lifestyle habits will not only positively improve your mental and physical health but enhance your cognitive skills, such as concentration and memory. Studying can be 100 times harder without developing good sleep, diet and exercise habits.
Your brain needs fuel, rest and movement to function at its best. Don’t sacrifice these fundamentals in pursuit of extra study hours.
5. Organisation is key
If colour coding and pretty study notes isn’t for you, don’t worry, you can still be organised.
With such an intense study schedule, being organised can help you establish a good routine whilst developing time management skills such as learning how to prioritise tasks. Fortunately, there are many different ways you can be organised to ensure you utilise your time more effectively.
For more study related resources, check out the following articles:
- 5 benefits of having a part-time job while studying medicine
- How exercise helps you study better
- Study tips to get you through exam period
- Getting through self-isolation and studying medicine
* Disclaimer: The information contained in this site is general and is not intended to serve as advice as your personal circumstances have not been considered. DPM Financial Services Group recommends you obtain personal advice concerning specific matters before making a decision.
