If you ask me, the two primary characteristics that make a medical student successful are not GPA and MCAT scores but passion and work ethic. I have touched on passion in a prior blog so I’d like to elaborate on work ethic and more specifically, study work ethic. A common concern I have heard from a number of premeds and frequently read on PreMed STAR pertain to studying and motivation. Please consider some of these techniques I embraced through my years of training (The Setup, The Strategy, The Motivation). 

THE SETUP

1. Sleep/Eat/Exercise: If someone could put these 3 things in a pill providing all their benefits, they would instantaneously become a billionaire. Sleep and proper nutrition are essential for learning and memory. There are a number of brain foods and beverages that will enhance the study experience. Exercise in general improves cognitive function and may increase the size of the hippocampus which may benefit memory recall. Vitamin D gained from sunlight exposure and foods has also been thought to have neuroprotective effects. These three things can assist with improving mood, anxiety, sleep, stress and offer many other benefits.

2. Location Matters: You know yourself best. Consider clearing your study space. Consider going to a library or coffee shop. Remove all distractions!

3. Timing: Again, you know yourself. Are you a morning person? Then make sure to get enough sleep, grab your coffee (if that’s your thing) and get to it. If you are more of a night owl like I was, then go for it. Regardless of preference, it is known that reviewing your notes soon after you’ve learned the material allows better recollection.

THE STRATEGY

1. SQ3R

     a. Skim the text

     b. Questions (ask them and write them down)

     c. Read the text

     d. Recite (in YOUR OWN WORDS, mnemonics, sing it, record it, or whatever sticks)

     e. Review the material (flash cards, highlighting, teach someone)

2. Pomodoro Technique

     a. Pick 1 task to study

     b. Set timer (typically 25 minutes)

     c. Focus on task

     d. End work when timer rings and place a checkmark on paper (1 pomodoro)

     e. Following the first 3 pomodoros take a 3-5 minute short break

     f. After the 4th pomodoro take a longer break (15-30 minutes)

3. Feynman Model

     a. Pick a topic to learn and write on a board or top of paper

     b. Write and speak the concept (especially what you don’t know)

     c. Simplify what you have written in PLAIN ENGLISH (filter the content)

THE MOTIVATION

1. Know your Why: Understanding this may be the one thing that helps you get by the stressful premed studies and the even more stressful med school studies. The sooner you figure this out the better off you will be. Those who know their why rarely quit.

2. Reminders: Why are you doing this? Who are you doing this for? Place a photo of your loved one who is depending on you, your home country you want to fix, the GPA or MCAT score you are aiming for on your wall or use this reminder as a bookmark.

3. Think Positive: Be optimistic. The glass is half full. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is not a train. Always remember, it has been done before you and will be done after you. There are everyday normal people scoring in the 99th percentile and people doing what it takes to get there. Why not you?

4. Take a Break: Refreshing your mind is necessary. Spend a day with friends. Call your mother or someone who will provide support. Go for a walk. Read a book unrelated to your studies. Watch a motivational video. It is important to know there is another world out there.  

iGrind Motivational Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce1NYsFPzXI

These are a few strategies that got me through and actually allowed me to somewhat enjoy studying. I hope they help someone.

Do you have other tips or strategies? Please share your study hacks below.

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