Avoiding 10 common mistakes when studying in medical school

The dream of each aspiring physician is to attend one of the best medical schools in the nation, so they can graduate to become inspirational & exceptional physicians. Getting accepted into medical school is itself a great accomplishment. >Medical school is challenging, even if students have good grades in high school & pre-med. Thee are some common mistakes students usually make and these mistakes can be averted. If students know how to avoid these mistakes, then they can go through medical school with relative ease. Below are some of these 3 mistakes which medical students commonly make. They can be avoided by expert advice from a graduating student attending the final year of medicine at a top Caribbean medical school

Pretend you do not know everything

Even if you are knowledgeable, you need to realize you have a lot to learn. If you are a medical student, chances are you did well in college, and it made you confident. Do not be overconfident because it turns into arrogance. The field of medicine is always challenging and there is always a lot to learn. The field always faces a lot of advancements in medicine on a daily basis and practical learning is a must, even if you are intelligent and perform at the highest level too. Do not be fooled by the fact that you know everything. Experienced physicians themselves admit they do not know everything.

Do not be argumentative

Another mistake a medical student can make is arguing with either a resident or a nurse during their clinical rotations. If there is a case of difference of opinion, express it but there is no need to be hostile or turn it into an argument. Remember that the professors, physicians & nurses medical students meet have more experience than the students themselves. Students can learn a lot from them as well as from nurses, therapists, technicians and social workers. They all have expertise in their specialities. Always keep learning from each member of the team because that will help you become an exceptional physician.

Always respect your place in the chain of command

Always remember that as a medical student, you are at the bottom of the food chain. Yes, that certainly does not sound great, but it is true. There is a hierarchy in medicine, and the medical director & head of the department are at the top. Then come the attending physicians & fellows, followed by chief residents & residents. Medical students have least authority. However, it does not mean that they should be disrespected by professors, attending physicians and residents. It is helpful to realize that their opinion may not always be as valued as they believe. Medical students should not take things personally & realize that those who are above them worked hard to move up there. They deserve their respect.

Students should not fall behind

Students can get overwhelmed easily once they are in medical school. They necessarily don’t have to slack around to fall behind. Balancing lectures, laboratory work, clinical rotations and personal life is tough for them without a doubt. The only way students can avoid falling behind is being organized and be on top of their assignments. Cramming up lectures in the mind may have worked sometimes, but it is preferable to develop improved study habits as early as possible. It helps retain information in a much better manner & relieves stress too.

Poor time management skills are a bad sign

During classes, clinical rotations, exams & studies; students will have their hands full when they are in medical school. Having excellent time management skills is necessary. If students can effectively manage their time in medical school, then they can continue their medical career in an improved manner. Residents have to juggle multiple responsibilities (observing patients, meeting with senior residents, attending patient rounds, completing documentation and the like). They need to manage their routines well too.

Student should not hide their errors during clinical rotations

Medical students can make mistakes as they are human. Making a mistake in the field of medicine has grave concerns. The well-being of a patient is on the line and if a student makes an error in this regard, they can be tempted to hide it. But, in all honesty, they should not hide it and rather tell their supervising authority about it. It will save the student’s medical career and future as a physician.