Learning to study medicine

Effective learning is crucial for success in medical studies. Students of different learning styles benefit from different learning techniques. From mnemonic devices and specifically organised study groups to apps with meditricks, everyone needs to find the most suitable way of learning for them personally.

Challenges in medical studies

Studying medicine is challenging. Many students struggle with the enormous amount of material, especially in the pre-clinical phase, as this is often where it is decided who is really up to the demands of the degree programme. 

It is important to learn and memorise medical basics, from physiology to biochemistry. Although there are some mnemonic devices that make it easier to remember certain things in order to successfully master the exams, you still have to deal intensively with complex contexts. Motivation, perseverance and a clear overview of the available tasks are therefore essential.

Understanding the different learning types and using suitable learning methods

Everyone has different ways of learning that suit them well. Understanding your own learning type can make studying medicine much easier, as you will learn much more efficiently if you use learning techniques that suit you. This allows the learning material to be better anchored in your brain. A distinction is usually made between the following four learning types:

• The visual learning type learns particularly well using pictures, videos and diagrams. Coloured markings in texts can also make learning much easier for people of this type. In complicated learning areas such as anatomy or physiology, illustrative models, such as those found at many universities, are helpful.
• Auditory learners benefit more from lectures than from reading specialised literature because they need to hear content in order to understand it. Discussions in the study group and talking to yourself while studying can be very helpful for you if you belong to this type.
• The motor learning type learns less through boring theory and more through practical activities. It is important for these types of learners to get into action. Create summaries of learning content not only in writing, but also in the form of notes or drawings placed in different parts of the room, for example. Memorising often works better for this type of learner on a walk than at a desk.
• Communicative learners benefit enormously from working with fellow students when studying medicine. Therefore, take every opportunity to discuss learning material in groups or explain complex topics to yourself in front of the mirror.

The vast majority of people are not 100 % of a particular learning type, but have mixed abilities. It is therefore best to try out what suits you and which learning technique suits you best.

Organise learning material efficiently

Good organisation of learning material is essential in medical studies. Good time management and the right learning techniques enable students to find their way through the flood of information. The aim is to organise knowledge in a structured way in the mind so that it can be quickly recalled in examinations and beyond.

Important time management tips

Good time management is crucial when studying medicine. Prioritise lectures, learning content and definitely also breaks. Plan fixed study times for complicated subjects and those that are less suited to you. It is also important not to wait until the last minute. Preparation for the Physikum, for example, begins in the first semester, so that you only have to repeat everything after the last exam, but have already mastered the material.

Close-knit to-do lists are helpful

To-do lists can help you Learning in medical school considerably easier. Create clear lists for the entire semester, a month, a week and, if necessary, for each individual day. This will give you a structure that will help you to organise your workload and not forget anything important.

While some medical students prefer the classic paper form for their to-do lists, others like to use practical apps that allow them to access their list anytime and anywhere and make changes.

The right learning environment

The learning environment can make a significant difference to the efficiency of learning. Just as with learning types, the same applies here: Not all tips are suitable for all students. Therefore, find the way that best suits you and your learning and concentration skills. However, some principles apply to (almost) all medical students.

The desk - less is more

A tidy desk increases concentration during medical studies. Important study material and essentials such as books or notes should be within easy reach, and it's best to clear away unnecessary items straight away. 

This keeps your focus on the essentials: Cramming medication and illnesses, understanding learning content, refreshing your memory. Keeping things to a minimum creates a clear environment that helps you to focus.

Learning does not have to take place exclusively at a desk

The digital age also brings many advantages for medical studies. Many students use apps and learning platforms on tablets or smartphones to remain flexible. This allows them to review and deepen their knowledge while walking or between lectures. 

This variety is fun and makes things easier. Use the various options to study effectively and remain as flexible as possible.

Digital learning: using mobile phones, tablets and laptops efficiently

Digital learning in medical studies offers flexibility. However, it is important not to use apps and digital devices simply because they are modern. Feel free to try out one or two learning platforms and other tools, but then choose the ones that will really help you. 

For example, if you prefer to write summaries by hand, you don't have to switch to a laptop just because other students do it and think it's more up-to-date. Digital devices should always be your helpers and not a burden for you.

Learning groups: It's easier together

Study groups make studying medicine much easier. You can discuss topics together, help each other with problems and share your knowledge. This way, you won't despair if you don't understand something. There is sure to be someone in the study group who can explain it to you.

Thanks to the internet and modern apps, planning study and exchange meetings is now even easier. Be sure to network with fellow students, with whom you can then walk the path to a licence to practise medicine together.

Learning blocks and how to overcome them

Learning blocks are a common problem when studying. If you get stuck, take a short break to organise your thoughts. Sometimes it helps to change your perspective or talk to fellow students about the subject. Set small, achievable goals and celebrate your successes. Apps that track learning progress offer clear summaries of your level of knowledge. 

Don't worry too much if you ever have a learning or concentration block. Many medical students experience this. Proven tricks and tips can break through the depression when studying and help you to get motivated again.

Fear of the exam 

Exam anxiety is a familiar feeling for many students. It arises when the pressure and worry about failing become too great. To overcome exam anxiety, you should study regularly and in a structured way and realise what you already know and where there are still gaps. 

Review the material from lectures and textbooks and use apps for self-checking. Make sure you get enough sleep and take breaks. Also take a look into the future: every exam you pass will bring you closer to your goal of becoming a doctor. And if you don't pass at the first attempt, there is usually an opportunity to retake the exam.

Does it make sense to see a psychologist?

If you are under a lot of stress or if negative feelings are permanently affecting your learning, it may be useful to seek support from a specialist to help you deal with the problem. A psychologist can help you to better understand the problems and stress reactions that occur when studying and in exam situations and ensure that you can concentrate on your subject again.

It's not just about getting you fit for the exam, but above all about ensuring that the high pressure to learn and perform doesn't throw you off track and that you stay mentally healthy in the long term.

Differences between oral and written examinations

Oral and written medical examinations test knowledge in different ways. Written examinations in medical studies mainly take the form of multiple-choice tests. What may sound simple at first, however, is actually quite difficult: the questions require a precise understanding of the context in order to be able to give the correct answer with confidence.

In the oral exam situation, on the other hand, communication skills and quick thinking are required in addition to your knowledge from the textbook. This will enable you to answer questions in the right way and show that you have in-depth knowledge of the topic being tested.

Study for the oral exam

In addition to learning the actual content, targeted preparation for oral exam days also includes free speaking and the ability to structure answers in a meaningful way. Role-playing with your study or exam preparation group can help you to gain confidence and prepare yourself specifically for the situation. It is also helpful to incorporate exercises right at the start of the learning process in which you speak freely about the content. For example, if you have just read an article in a textbook, stand in front of the mirror and pretend to explain the content to other people.

Study for the written exam

The multiple-choice tests in medical studies are considered to be extremely demanding. The various possible answers are structured in such a way that you can only give the correct answer if you really understand the topic.

It is often difficult for students to get used to the different learning and practice requirements for the written tests in medical studies and to find the right learning method for them, especially directly after graduating from high school.

It is usually not enough to simply pay attention in the lecture. In order to familiarise yourself with the structure of the multiple-choice questions, it is advisable to practise with old exams again and again.

Conclusion: Find out individually how learning works for you

The bottom line when it comes to studying for medical school is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone has to find out individually what works best. Whether you learn best in a lecture, in the library or in study groups is something you have to try out.

The learning workload for medicine is significantly higher than for most other degree programmes. If problems arise while studying, it is therefore important to tackle them early on and find suitable strategies.