3 Hacks Every Medical Student Should Know

Updated on February 20, 2021

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Every year, tens of thousands of hopeful students across the USA apply to med school. Of the more than 50,000 that apply each year, only about 41% are accepted. Medical school is not only difficult to get into, but challenging to complete. There is a lot to learn when getting an MD and it will take a lot of time, hard work and dedication to become a doctor.

While many are up to the challenge, others may struggle with the stress, anxiety, or even the workload. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help make your med school experience as positive as possible, and this article is going to go over a few of them. Read on to learn about a few important hacks that every medical student should know.

Use the Technology and Tools Available to You

The first hack to know is to be sure to use the tools and technology around you. Technology is everywhere, so you might as well use it. It can be used in several different ways to do everything from help you manage notes, learn new concepts, speak with like-minded students and more.

For example, if you visit Lecturio, you will be greeted by a resource that allows you to prepare for multiple exams and watch concise, helpful and easy-to-follow video lectures.

There are a variety of other apps and online resources you should consider using, many of which are free or very affordable. Even things like YouTube have hundreds and thousands of videos that could help you learn or freshen up on certain things. Past generations didn’t have the same access to information that we do, so be sure to use it.

Keep All Notes Backed Up and Secure

Any student, medical or otherwise, relies on notes. Writing down these notes not only helps you absorb information, but referring back to them is one of the most common ways to study. Unfortunately, accidents happen and your notes could be unfortunately deleted or lost from your computer. As a result, be sure to keep a backup of these notes, preferably on the cloud so you don’t lose them if you lose your computer.

If you write your notes by hand, be sure to keep your notebook in a safe place to prevent it from becoming damaged or lost. For best results, consider also writing the notes on your computer as well. This can help them be more secure, and rewriting them can also help you understand the concepts better. Of course, you could also just scan or take a photo of your written notes to preserve them as well.

Prioritize Your Emotional Well-Being

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Medical school is notorious for being difficult and stressful. Students burning out is incredibly common as well. In fact, nearly 80% of first-year medical students experience stress related to their schooling, with many saying the stress is severe. Stress can hurt your ability to think clearly, make it hard to focus, impact performance and have many other downsides that could hurt a medical student.

Because of all of this, it is important to never forget to prioritize your emotional well-being. Be sure to avoid burnout by taking time off, and taking breaks during study or work periods. Take care of your body by eating well and getting enough sleep, and don’t neglect your hobbies or relationships. Ensure to take time to relax as well.

In conclusion, these are just a few of the hacks that can help medical students have the best and most fruitful experience possible.

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