Thriving at medical school: top tips

It’s no secret that medical school is hard work, but there are a few ways you can lighten the load.

Current and past members of Avant’s Early Career Doctor Advisory Council, who have all survived medical school, provided these tips on thriving and getting the most out of what can sometimes seem an overwhelming stage of your career.

1. Avoid paralysis by analysis

Bingeing on medical school advice is an easy trap to fall into.

Every Instagram or TikTok medical student or doctor-come-author has their own secret to success and, while some of these resources are useful, it can also lead to information overload. Speak to as many people as you can, but be intentional and considered in what you choose to adopt and apply to your own journey.

Trying to incorporate every ‘uni hack’ or exam-prep tip will leave your head spinning. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Being proactive and incorporating some tried and tested techniques like the ones outlined below will help you along the way (of what's a long journey!)

2. Learn how you learn

It may sound bizarre, however, it’s remarkable how few medical students know how to study when they have academically excelled in all aspects leading up to this moment. Medical school is its own beast, as is being a practicing clinician when you’ll need to keep up to date with an ever changing game.

Spend some time understanding the basics of education theory and applying it to yourself. One size does not fit all, and your future self will be forever grateful if you invest some time figuring out what type of learner you are.

3.  Set up a proper space to study

To study effectively, it’s worth the effort setting up an ergonomically sound study space.

The medical school curriculum is vast, so before you get overwhelmed, work out the best approach to storing and organising your notes. If you prefer working on paper, just bear in mind you’ll need lots of space for all the files and folders you generate.

You may choose to stick to electronic notes the whole way through, but you’ll still need to spend some time thinking about how to organise everything. There are numerous fabulous programmes out there which integrate electronic note keeping with ANKI style flash card generation.

4.  It’s more fun to share experiences

Medical school is a challenging time but it’s also going to form some of your best memories, best friends and the best opportunities to grow. Spend time exploring extra-curricular activities, engaging in socials and investing in friendships. These friendships will help carry you through not just medical school, but also training and life.

A problem shared is a problem halved… or in this case, a module split between four friends teaching each other is much more effective (and fun) than rote learning a module cooped up as a hermit in the library. Treat medicine as a social sport!

5.  You can never be too organised

Giant wall planners, diaries, weekly planners or electronic calendar apps – work out what helps optimise your organisational skills. The more organised you are, the more you will be able to juggle.

Good planning will help you maintain a good work-life balance. Make sure to keep track of all deadlines, upcoming exams and key events as you progress through medical school. This includes keeping track of key social events and important dates for family and friends!

6.  Be a Yes person!

Medical school is brimming with opportunities, and you should try everything that’s on offer (within reason!). This is such an exciting, experimental period of your life and the perfect time to get involved in research projects, committees, writing opportunities, memberships and mentoring, as well as explore new hobbies, sports and social groups.

Medical school isn’t just about the science, it’s about laying strong foundations to becoming a well-rounded clinician.

7.  Medicine is part of your life. It is not your whole life.

There will be many times when you’ll feel medicine forms your entire identity and purpose of your existence. It is important to recognise this is not the case. Engage early in non-medicine-related activities and ensure you find time to spend with those you care about. The healthier your work-life balance, the happier you’ll be and the better you’ll function as a student and future clinician.

Prioritise your wellbeing and remain in tune with your mental health. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, reach out to peers, friends, mentors and supervisors so they can help you build in healthy coping strategies right from the start of your career.

8.  Imposter syndrome will come and go

You’re an incredibly capable and talented individual who has shown great commitment to the profession by mere virtue of getting this far. Medical school is hard, the content is vast and the skills you’ll need to nurture will take time.

Throughout this journey, you will experience both highs and lows, and as part of these lows you may question if you’re good enough for the role. This is a natural phenomenon which impacts us all differently, at different stages and often multiple times in our careers. Those with insight to reflect on how they can better themselves as students and clinicians will serve the community well.

Reflect hard, but always be kind to yourself.

Useful resources

Medical student support and resources

Health and wellbeing with Avant 

Imposter syndrome: feeling like a fish out of water