Pre-Clinical Years
The pre-clinical years of medical school are crucial as they lay the foundation for a future in medicine. During this time, students dive into the basic sciences essential for understanding the human body, develop critical clinical reasoning skills through simulated patient interactions, and learn fundamental clinical skills. These years also serve as a vital period for developing a professional identity, grounded in the ethics and responsibilities of being a physician.
Topics
Learning
how to
learn
Learning how to learn is crucial because it equips you with the skills to efficiently absorb, process, and retain new information throughout your life. This meta-cognitive skill enhances your ability to adapt to new situations, solve problems creatively, and continue personal and professional growth beyond formal education. It allows for the development of effective study habits, critical thinking, and the ability to independently acquire new skills or knowledge in an ever-changing world. By understanding your own learning processes, you can tailor your approach to learning, making it more enjoyable and effective, and thereby achieve your goals more successfully. This foundational skill is essential not only for academic success but also for thriving in a rapidly evolving global landscape, where continuous learning is key to staying relevant and competitive.
ANKI
Pre-made decks vs. self-made decks
Using AnKing Anki decks for medical school brings with it a blend of advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, AnKing decks offer comprehensive coverage of medical school material, drawing from a wide array of popular resources and review books, ensuring students study extensively. The content within these decks has been reviewed and refined by a vast community of medical students, enhancing their accuracy and relevance. Opting for a pre-made deck like AnKing can save students a considerable amount of time, which is otherwise spent on creating personal flashcards, allowing for more time to be dedicated to mastering the material. Furthermore, AnKing decks often feature a consistent format and include multimedia elements like images and diagrams, aiding in the learning process.
However, the vast number of cards in the AnKing deck might be overwhelming, potentially leading to burnout. These decks might not perfectly match a student's specific curriculum or focus areas, including material that might not be immediately relevant. There's also the risk of becoming too reliant on pre-made decks, possibly neglecting the development of personal flashcard creation skills—a process that helps in synthesizing information and identifying individual learning challenges. Keeping the deck updated with the latest medical guidelines or findings requires regular engagement with the Anki community, which can be a daunting task. Lastly, there's a concern that students might lean towards memorization without a deep understanding of the concepts, a critical factor for applying knowledge in practical, clinical settings. When considering the use of AnKing decks, it's important for students to weigh these factors against their learning preferences, study objectives, and the specific demands of their medical curriculum.
​
Comparatively, creating your own Anki decks for medical school has its advantages, such as the ability to tailor content specifically to your learning needs and curriculum, which enhances the relevance and effectiveness of your study material. The process of making these decks can itself be a powerful learning tool, as it requires a deep engagement with the material, thereby promoting better understanding and long-term retention. Additionally, the flexibility to update and modify your decks as your knowledge grows or as new information becomes available ensures that your study resources remain up-to-date and aligned with your evolving learning journey. Focusing on creating flashcards for areas where you feel less confident can also make your study sessions more targeted and efficient.
However, this approach comes with notable drawbacks. The most significant is the considerable amount of time required to create comprehensive and effective decks, which could otherwise be spent reviewing and reinforcing existing knowledge. Beginners in flashcard creation might also face inefficiencies, crafting cards that are not optimized for memorization or comprehension, potentially leading to ineffective study habits. Furthermore, self-made decks lack the community verification process that pre-made decks benefit from, raising the risk of reinforcing incorrect information. Additionally, the temptation to create an extensive number of flashcards might result in an overwhelming volume that is difficult to manage and review consistently, undermining the spaced repetition principle that makes Anki so effective.
​
In essence, while making your own Anki decks for medical school offers a personalized and engaging learning experience, it demands a significant time investment and careful consideration to ensure the quality and manageability of your study material.
UNDERSTANDING
NinjaNerd, Boards and Beyond, Amboss
Ninja Nerd is a popular educational YouTube channel known for providing detailed and easy-to-understand lectures on a wide range of topics, primarily focused on medicine, science, and biology. The channel aims to support students in their learning journey by breaking down complex concepts into simpler, more digestible pieces of information. Ninja Nerd is particularly favored among medical students and those in related fields for its comprehensive coverage of subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. The person behind Ninja Nerd takes a deep dive into each topic, often using diagrams and illustrations to enhance understanding. The channel has garnered a large following due to its high-quality content that serves as a valuable resource for both students and educators looking for a thorough understanding of medical and scientific principles. The Ninja Nerd videos are free, with the exception of a few ads each video, which makes this resources incredibly accessible. The Ninja Nerd delves deep into each topic, securing the fundamental knowledge you need in order to understand medical concepts. Often, Ninja Nerd explained pathophysiology with more clarity than our own professors.
​
Boards and Beyond is celebrated among medical students preparing for the USMLE Step 1, offering a wealth of video lectures that span basic sciences and clinical medicine. Its strengths lie in the comprehensive coverage of exam-relevant material, delivered through clear and concise explanations. Dr. Jason Ryan, the force behind these lectures, is acclaimed for his ability to break down complex topics into manageable segments, enhancing student understanding and retention. Additionally, the content is well-integrated with the First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 book, facilitating a streamlined study process, complemented by an associated question bank to test and reinforce knowledge.
​
However, the extensive scope of Boards and Beyond demands a significant time commitment, which can be daunting for students juggling multiple responsibilities. The subscription cost also poses a potential barrier for those on tight budgets. There's a risk of students becoming overly dependent on this single resource, potentially neglecting other study methods or materials that could round out their preparation or address personal learning needs more directly. Moreover, the sheer volume of information might lead to overload, challenging students to distill the most vital points for exam success. In essence, while Boards and Beyond is a valuable tool in the arsenal of medical students, it should be balanced with other resources and study strategies to ensure comprehensive preparation for the USMLE Step 1.
​
AMBOSS stands out as a comprehensive medical learning platform and clinical reference, offering a wide array of features that cater to the needs of both medical students and professionals. At its core, the platform boasts an extensive library that meticulously covers medical knowledge, paired with a high-quality question bank designed to enhance exam preparation and clinical understanding. Its integrated learning system allows for a seamless transition between studying topics and testing knowledge, supported by customizable study plans to meet individual learning objectives. The accessibility of AMBOSS through both mobile and desktop apps enhances its utility, making it possible to study anytime, anywhere, which is a significant advantage for users with busy schedules. Furthermore, the platform's detailed analytics and feedback mechanisms are invaluable for identifying areas of strength and weakness, enabling more focused and efficient study sessions.
​
Despite these strengths, potential users must consider the subscription cost, which could be prohibitive for some. Additionally, the depth and breadth of content, while generally seen as a benefit, might overwhelm some users with its sheer volume and complexity, presenting a challenge for those seeking quick reviews or concise explanations. Newcomers to AMBOSS might also encounter a learning curve as they familiarize themselves with the platform's extensive features, from navigating the library to optimizing the question bank and study plans for personal use. There's also the risk of becoming too dependent on AMBOSS, which could deter students from exploring a wider array of study materials and engaging in varied learning methods.
In essence, AMBOSS represents a powerful tool in the medical learning landscape, offering detailed content and flexible study options to support a wide range of educational and clinical needs. However, it's important for users to balance its use with other study resources and methods to ensure a well-rounded and effective learning experience.
​
​
MEMORIZATION
Sketchy, Dirty Medicine, AJmonics
Sketchy provides an innovative approach to learning complex medical topics like microbiology and pharmacology through engaging visual stories and mnemonics, making it a popular tool among medical students. Its unique method leverages memorable sketches to facilitate the memorization of vast amounts of information, covering a wide range of topics comprehensively. This not only caters to visual learners by offering engaging and entertaining content but also includes quizzes, review cards, and workbooks to enhance the learning experience further. The platform's approach can significantly increase time efficiency in study sessions by easing the memorization process.
​
However, the effectiveness of Sketchy varies with individual learning styles; while visual learners may find it incredibly useful, others might not benefit as much from its mnemonic-based techniques. The requirement of a subscription might also pose a financial consideration for students. While Sketchy excels in aiding memorization, it may not fully support the development of a deep understanding of concepts or analytical thinking for subjects beyond the scope of rote memorization. There's also a concern about potential overreliance on the platform's specific mnemonic cues for recall, which could hinder the ability to remember information independently. Furthermore, integrating Sketchy's content with a school's specific curriculum can be challenging, making it important for students to discern the most relevant material to focus on. Overall, Sketchy represents a unique and effective study tool with specific advantages and considerations that students should weigh according to their learning preferences and study requirements.
​
Dirty Medicine is a YouTube channel that has gained popularity among medical students and professionals for its straightforward and often humorous approach to explaining complex medical topics. The channel focuses on simplifying high-yield medical concepts, making them easier to understand and remember, particularly for those preparing for exams like the United States Medical Licensing Examination. It covers a wide range of subjects, including pathology, pharmacology, physiology, and more, using clear language and engaging visuals. The content creator behind Dirty Medicine often uses mnemonic devices, analogies, and simplified diagrams to break down complicated subjects into more digestible pieces of information. This approach not only aids in retention but also makes studying more enjoyable. The channel is appreciated for its directness, efficiency in conveying information, and its ability to clarify topics that students often find challenging. Dirty Medicine has become a valuable resource for many in the medical community, offering an alternative and complementary method of studying to traditional medical education resources.
​
AJmonics is a YouTube channel aimed at helping medical students understand and remember key concepts in biochemistry, anatomy, and other critical subjects relevant to the USMLE and COMLEX board exams. The channel focuses on providing step-by-step tutorials and helpful mnemonics to make studying for these challenging exams more manageable and effective. AJmonics is designed to be a fun and easy way for students to memorize vast amounts of medical information, enhancing both their learning experience and exam preparation efforts.
OTHER STUDY RESOURCES
First Aid for USMLE Step 1, Osmosis
The First Aid book for the USMLE Step 1 is celebrated for its succinct distillation of high-yield information crucial for the exam, neatly organized into sections for easy navigation and quick reference. It's particularly appreciated for its mnemonics and diagrams that facilitate the memorization and understanding of complex topics. Furthermore, its content is annually updated to stay abreast of the latest exam trends and guidelines, ensuring its relevance and utility for current test-takers. However, this resource is not without its drawbacks. Newcomers to medical study might find the condensed presentation of information daunting, as it lacks extensive background explanations. This necessitates the use of supplementary materials for a more thorough understanding, as First Aid alone may not suffice for in-depth learning. The book's layout, while efficient for review, may inadvertently promote cramming—a study approach that favors short-term memorization over meaningful, long-term comprehension and clinical application. Additionally, the variability in the quality of its illustrations and the occasional presence of minor errors or omissions necessitate cross-referencing with other sources to ensure accuracy. Despite these concerns, First Aid remains an indispensable review tool for medical students, albeit one that should be integrated into a broader, more comprehensive study plan.
​
Osmosis is a popular online learning platform for medical students, featuring a wide range of educational resources, including videos, flashcards, and quizzes, aimed at simplifying and engaging medical education. Its comprehensive content coverage ensures students have access to extensive material across different medical subjects, crucial for both school exams and board preparations. The platform's high-quality, engaging videos are particularly noted for breaking down complex concepts into more manageable pieces, enhancing understanding and retention. Additionally, Osmosis supports integrated learning through its flashcards and quizzes, promoting active recall and spaced repetition, further bolstered by customizable study plans that cater to individual learning needs and goals. The platform also encourages a sense of community and provides substantial support with additional study guides and reference materials.
​
However, the benefits of Osmosis come with considerations. The subscription model may pose a financial burden for some students, making access to its full features a significant investment. Moreover, the sheer volume of content available can lead to feelings of information overload, potentially making it difficult for users to identify key areas of focus. While the quality of content is generally high, variability in the depth and clarity of topic coverage has been noted, which could impact learning efficiency for some students. Additionally, a strong dependence on digital platforms like Osmosis might limit exposure to traditional learning methods, such as textbook reading or attending lectures, which can offer valuable insights and a more diverse educational experience. Overall, while Osmosis provides an enriched and dynamic online learning environment for medical students, it's important to balance its use with other resources and learning strategies to achieve a comprehensive and effective medical education.