If you are in the position of gearing up to attend medical school, then a huge congratulations to you! In the journey to MD, medical school is an exciting steppingstone where you will truly delve headfirst into all things health and medicine.

Embarking on this new stage, of course, means having to adjust to a new routine. Starting medical school can be daunting, but SGU seeks to set students up for success with resources like small-group learning, exceptional academic support services, a close-knit community, and hands-on training. Here are some blogs to help you get a sense of the med student experience:

• What is medical school like? Insights from an SGU MD student
• Surprising things about your first year of medical school
• Top 5 things to do before starting medical school

We also have some tips from SGU alumni for incoming med students to ensure a smooth transition into your new life in med school.

Create a routine conducive to learning

During college or high school, meeting deadlines may have been a light lift for some students. Others may have had success on exams or projects despite some serious procrastination. Be sure to enter med school with a different mindset.

Mastering an extensive curriculum centered around one of the most complex organisms on the planet, the human body, is doable. But the rigor of an MD program requires a certain level of discipline and effective time-management to absorb the necessary content while still having time for self-care, chores, and a social life. The balance of the responsibilities may be precarious, but finding your groove in your schedule is crucial to preventing burnout and maximizing study time.

Hear from SGU grads who reflected on their early days as a med student: 10 things I wish I knew before becoming a medical student.

 

Pick up on new study techniques

Speaking of study time, learning new material may require new methods of studying. Here are just a few former med student-approved tips for making the most out of your study sessions:

1. Review that again…and again. Repetition is a core element to many study strategies. Exposing yourself to material repeatedly—and also throwing in some mnemonics—can help it stick better in your mind (and prevent you blanking on a test).
2. Put that pen to paper. In our digital world, more modern technology has replaced pen and paper for many situations, but don’t rule it out for studying just yet! Many students studying medicine and beyond swear by the simple action of taking handwritten notes.
3. Study group, assemble! If collaboration is your jam, then look into starting or joining a study group. Study groups are a great way to learn from and teach your peers. SGU provides study spaces to accommodate both the individual studier and groups.

For more tips be sure to check out Physician tips on how to study in medical school.

Embrace this new chapter with new friends and new experiences

Establishing a support system through friends and faculty in your new environment is crucial. Find clubs, sports, or other student organizations to keep you involved and to provide an outlet outside of school.

Also, be sure to take advantage of unique opportunities offered in your new surroundings. SGU’s campus is situated on the idyllic Caribbean island of Grenada, which gives students some particularly noteworthy experiences. SGU students in their first two years of med school can enjoy hikes near waterfalls, picturesque beaches, and vibrant Grenadian culture and customs.

Learn more about how SGU students keep busy outside of class:

• SGU medical students talk about living in Grenada
• 7 ways to adjust to attending med school in the Caribbean

 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

A medical school with a strong network of resources for students will truly allow students to thrive. The journey to MD is not always easy while in med school.

SGU cares about student well-being. That’s why we have Student Support Services to provide students with resources like mental health sessions and health care services.

There are resources for students needing academic support as well—all you have to do is ask! Students can get connected with specialized coaching, language services, faculty-led small groups, and more.

For a fuller picture of the resources offered to SGU students, we outlined some of the many student supports services in: 10 med student support services you didn’t know SGU offered.

 

Do you see medical school in your future?

Have you been thinking about applying to medical school but have more questions? SGU offers information sessions to provide insights on medical school and the MD program at SGU.

You will hear from SGU alumni and admissions officers about academics, campus life, the admission process, and scholarship opportunities. Learn about the School of Medicine and our tailored student support services.

Explore our virtual and in-person information sessions.