Due to the rigor and demand of medical school I won't be able to post as much but
I'll try my best to post when able!
During the summer, a friend of mine on Instagram (braidsnglasses) suggested that I write this post! Now that medical school is in full gear I def. have picked out a few "must-have's" in my purse to get me through my day!
1. Planner: You cannot get through a day in medical school without pre-planning your week. In addition to attending lecture each day, you have to learn the new material as well as review previously taught material within an allotted amount of time. A planner is a must! I like to draw square boxes next to whatever I have to study, as I complete a task I check it off; that way I have a clear and focused agenda each day.
2. Binder : I carry this everywhere I go! I have 1 binder per block. So for my first exam I have a binder that holds all my PowerPoint lectures and notes. By the end of the semester I will have 4 binders total. This is a great way to organize and compartmentalize because you constantly have to review old material to prepare for the Final exam at the end of the semester.
3. iPhone: I don't know why I didn't purchase one sooner! This is a must in medical school in terms of the wonderful apps offered. I recently discovered that I am a auditory learner so I've been using the app QuickVoice to record myself while studying the material. I can then listen to "my notes" at the gym, before bed, walking around campus, etc. I also purchased SimplyNoise which is a "white-noise" generator. It blocks out external noise, and I can literately study for hours by listening to it. My friends have also downloaded other apps such as "Netters Flashcards" and "Quizlet"
4. Pen/Pencil Case: This is an easy way to carry all my highlighters, pens, and pencils. It also has a clear zipper pouch in the front so I can keep my lip balm, hand-sanitizer, and gum all in one place!
5. Water Bottle: You always want to stay hydrated while studying. It also forces you to get up periodically to take a break and use the restroom!
6. Jacket: You pretty much live in the library, which is below freezing....enough said. lol
7. Grant's Dissector Anatomy Book: This book has helped me so much in terms of learning and understanding Anatomy which is the main subject taught your first year. I review it every morning, then review it throughout the day; especially before lab!
8. Money: This should be a given but it's even more important in medical school when you want to walk over to the campus cafe to grab a cup of tea/coffee or take a break for lunch/dinner!
I hope you all enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. I am so excited to be on this medical journey and I look forward to sharing my experience with you all in the near future.
Stay encouraged and God Bless!
