Download UMDNJ-SOM SECOND YEAR FALL SEMESTER CARDIOLOGY …

UMDNJ-SOM
SECOND YEAR FALL SEMESTER
CARDIOLOGY MODULE
YOUR SUCCESS AS A MEDICAL STUDENT
DOES NOT ONLY REQUIRE INTELLECT,
PERSERVERANCE AND HARD WORK; BUT
ALSO SMART AND EFFICIENT STUDY SKILLS.
YOU NEED A CALCULATED STRATEGY TO BE
ABLE TO CONQUER THOSE MOUNDS OF
NOTES AND PILES OF BOOKS. HERE ARE
SOME STUDY SKILLS THAT YOU CAN UTILIZE.
Know the Reference Books Recommended By Your Professor
This information is found in your
syllabus. If the professor
recommended a textbook, this this
would be your first priority. You
should read the book. If you don’t
have the means to buy it, then use
the library. As you go on, try to
access all of the suggested learning
in your syllabus. Before day 1, start
reading; don’t wait for the first
class. Read ahead as often as you
can. This will facilitate your
understanding of the subject matter
when the professor lectures on the
topic
Don’t Cram!
If you really want to learn, then you
have to ready and study every day.
Each of your courses in medical
school come with their own unique
challenges and learning
opportunities, find something
interesting in every course.
Imagine learning about the
circulatory system; how blood is
transported to the heart and back to
the body cells. Isn’t that awesome?
Develop a genuine interest in your
subject and you’ll be more
motivated to learn.
Understand What You Are Memorizing
Memory recall is easier if you
understand the concept first.
Never memorize verbatim.
Read the subject matter and
then summarize in your own
words. You should be able to
explain the concept or
information using your own
terminology. Writing it on
paper could help a lot in
retaining information that
has been read.
Make use of Mnemonics
This is very useful in
simple recall information,
like items for enumeration.
Get the first letters of the
data to be memorized and
form a memorable word
that you can easily
remember, i.e., FOG for
Flow of bloodOxyhemoglobin-Globin
PROVE IT!
Pulmonary stenosis
Right Ventricular hypertrophy
Overriding aorta
Ventricular septal defect
Easy, huh?
Use Actual Material
If you’re studying bones,
then use a skeleton. Go to
the library or laboratory
and name them as you hold
the bones in your hand; if
your to focus on the heart,
then get a heart model and
go through it like you’re
explaining it to a class.
Keep Your Notes Well Organized
Make use of highlighters.
Highlight the major points with
a red pen and then write the
minor points with a different
color. The color depends on
your preference. Rewrite your
notes into a neater and cleaner
page. Use bullets and spaces in
between data. Don’t write one
long paragraph, this is visually
discouraging. Organize your
notes in such a way that it
facilitates an easier reading
process for studying.
Prepare a Timetable for your Study Period
All subjects should be
given ample time of study,
the more difficult subjects
first. More time can be
devoted to those topics you
find harder to understand.
Allocate time for
accomplishing
assignments, case studies
and material review.
Use the RSE Method
Read • Summarize • Evaluate
Read the topic, summarize it in a sheet of
paper, and then evaluate what points you
have missed. Keep doing this until you are
able to summarize all of the salient points
needed, i.e., The normal cardiac flow
pattern consists of the following: During
systole: The right and left ventricles empty
into the pulmonary artery and aorta,
respectively, while the right and left atria fill
with blood from the SVC/IVC and
pulmonary veins respectively. During
diastole: The right and left atria release
blood into the right and left ventricles,
respectively. In summarizing, use
association with everyday life. Have a
picture in your mind of an event or object
you’re well acquainted with and associate
with the topic.
Mentoring by Your Professor or Others
If you’re still having trouble
keeping up with the lessons,
then you can ask for help from
your classmates or from your
professors. You could also
initiate a study group and meet
with classmates and discuss one
topic per session. Each of you
should contribute what he or
she knows about the subject
matter. Questions are raised
and answered by the group until
such a time that are all
answered.
The bottom line…
While some of these skills come
naturally to some students;
others may find it harder to
develop a successful schedule.
Skills are not developed
overnight. It takes time for you
to incorporate learned study
skills into your daily routine.
But you can do it with
persistence and determination.
Remember, the material and
knowledge you gain today, will
help you to better treat the
patients you see in the future.