10 Tips to Excel in Medical School

Article from USA

Hello, my name is Farangis (Fara) Farsio and I am currently a third year oral and maxillofacial surgery resident at University at Buffalo, who just completed medical school. Navigating through medical school can be challenging, so I wanted to share my resources and mindset throughout this period. Succeeding in medical school requires discipline, adaptability, and a strategic approach to learning. Here are 10 key tips that helps medical students thrive.

Tip #1 - Develop a Strong Study Routine

Establish a consistent daily study schedule. Use active learning techniques such as spaced repetition (e.g., Anki), concept mapping, and practice questions. I personally used Anki decks, and two question banks (Amboss and UWORLD) throughout third-year medical school.

Tip #2 - Master Time Management

Prioritize tasks and triage accordingly. Use planners or apps like Notion or Google Calendar to keep track of lectures, assignments, and exams. I personally have the Microsoft To Do app on my phone and would make a list of three high yield tasks that had to be completed for that day.

Tip #3 - Focus on High-Yield Material

Medical school can be overwhelming, so prioritize high-yield topics from trusted resources like First Aid, UWorld, Sketchy, and Pathoma (UFAPS) for STEP 1. For STEP 2 and shelf exams, I used AMBOSS, UWORLD, Anki, and NBMEs.

Tip #4 - Practice Active Recall & Spaced Repetition

Passive reading won’t cut it. Test yourself frequently using question banks, flashcards (Anki), and self-quizzing to reinforce knowledge effectively.

Tip #5 - Learn to Synthesize Information

Avoid memorizing blindly—understand concepts deeply by integrating subjects learned throughout clerkship rotations. Teach topics to others to solidify your understanding by joining a small study group within your class.

Tip #6 - Take Care of Your Mental & Physical Health

Burnout is real. Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise to maintain focus and energy. It can seem difficult with the workload but set a date for a meal prep day. Make a realistic workout plan whether if it’s only 20 minutes of movement a day. It was always a nice way to clear my mind when hitting a study block.

Tip #7 - Develop Strong Clinical Skills Early

During rotations, be proactive—ask questions, volunteer for procedures, and engage with patients. Clinical experience helps solidify classroom learning. Never underestimate the value of each clerkship because all of medicine is interrelated and will help you in some way. Be enthusiastic!

Tip #8 - Build Professional Relationships

Network with mentors, attendees, residents, and colleagues. Strong connections can open doors for research, recommendations, and future career opportunities.

Tip #9 - Stay Adaptable and Resilient

Medical school is challenging, and setbacks will happen. Learn from mistakes, seek feedback, and adjust your strategies as needed. At the end of every week, I would ask the residents and attendees on how I can improve. They were always receptive and appreciated the effort.

Tip #10 - Maintain a Life Outside of Medicine

Balance is crucial. Engage in hobbies, socialize, and make time for family and friends to prevent burnout and maintain perspective. For me, going to the gym was crucial and I would set aside every Friday night to socialize with my friends and found it very refreshing and something to look forward to.