How much do you have to learn in medical school?

Henry Hildebrandt

Advisor at futuredoctor

Reading time: 5 Minuten

Last updated: 13 August 2024

How much do you have to learn in medical school?

📖 Table of contents

How much do you generally have to learn when studying medicine? Most school leavers look at medical studies with great reverence. But how much truth is there behind it? How much does a medical student learn per day? Is it really so exhausting that you no longer have time for hobbies, friends and family? In this article, we try to provide a little more clarity for all those who are interested in studying medicine.

Before we get to the answer, if you haven't got a place at medical school yet and would like the right strategy for your A-level results, then click here and save yourself time, money and mistakes:

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The examinations in medical studies

As in any other degree programme, there are many different examinations in medicine. These also vary in their respective "level of difficulty". For example, there are certain subjects in the Preclinicthat almost every student is afraid of. These definitely include biochemistry and anatomy.

On the other hand, there are also subjects such as terminology and psychology that generally don't give anyone a stomach ache.

This means that the learning phases also vary in intensity, which is why it is impossible to make a generalised statement about how much you "always" learn.

EXCEPT:

The best learning strategy for studying medicine

There is a learning strategy that provides a more detailed insight into the "strenuous" life of a medical student. The idea behind it is that learning doesn't just start when exams are due! Learning doesn't start after the semester break and learning doesn't consist of 8 hours of miserable text marking.

A medical student who applies the best learning strategy has 2-3 hours of intensive work on an average day. Does that sound like you have no free time left in your life? No, definitely not! But how does this learning strategy work?

Here is the right strategy for studying medicine without a 1.0

Studying medicine: How to study only 2-3 hours a day

The learning strategies for studying medicine are based on two very simple methods:

Spaced Repitition: This simply means that you repeat each topic as often as possible over a very long period of time. In this way, you work against the so-called "forgetting curve" and memorise the material optimally.

Specifically: A very long period of time in medical school means 6 years! For 6 years, you have the routine of studying 2-3 hours a day. Of course, sometimes more and sometimes less and with less or more content depending on the exam.

You don't have the stress of starting 4 weeks before the exam and then studying for 10-12 hours a day. You divide your study phases evenly and always work for the same amount of time. After a very short time, a real routine will develop and you will realise that you no longer have to push yourself so hard to study.

Active Recall: However, you use these 2-3 hours as effectively as possible. Reading, marking and writing notes are no longer your learning methods. You learn with a clever flashcard system called "Anki". This actively tests your knowledge and you learn in a truly sustainable way. This method is scientifically proven to be the best way to learn. Here you can read publications about it.

The active recall Learning methodis a real relief for many medical students!

The whole thing works conveniently via an app or your laptop. So you can learn from anywhere, without books etc..

If you use the technique described above, you will have to study between 2 and 3 hours a day during your medical studies. Of course, you will have a little more to do 1-2 weeks before the exams, but that also depends on your ambitions.

On the other hand, it's also enough to do just 1 hour a day during your semester break. That way you won't forget anything and you'll consolidate your knowledge. It's just important that you stay on the ball.

To actually follow this learning method over 6 years, you need one thing above all: discipline! Many people will find this a little difficult at the beginning, but as soon as you have established a routine, it all works itself out.

Studying medicine: No free time?

Yes, you have plenty of free time! Assuming, of course, that you use your time effectively. So time management is the be-all and end-all.

But don't let anyone tell you that your life will only consist of learning as soon as you start studying medicine. This is simply no longer true and, especially in this day and age, everyday life as a medical student can be made so much more relaxed with software programmes like Anki.

As a medical student, you still have free time and can pursue your hobbies as usual. There is also time for a part-time job if you need an additional source of income.

Is studying medicine your dream, but you don't know how to get a place? Learn from experts here how to do it without an A-level:

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