How to Make the First Year of Medical School Completely MANAGEABLE

[@DocOssareh]

On the weekends I usually do some catching up on the notes and flashcards that I didn't get done during the week. I keep to the same work and sleep schedule on the weekends. It's just easier to do so. I allow myself more time for working out and as you call them "recreational activities." You will find that it's up to you how much time you want to spend not studying. If you feel comfortable with the material, then you can have long blocks of activities. It's really up to you.

[@aseelnasser1894]

I just finished my first year in medical school and I can say revision is very important. You don't need to go to the exam finishing the 100% of your lectures. All you need is to finish more than 50% of lectures and revise them all. Also, studying day by day. Read and keep reading! Search, ask, watch. All those things helped me to improve my grades.

[@BallyBoy95]

I LOVE that White Board/Blackboard/Fountain Pen idea, it's insanely genius!

[@DocOssareh]

Thanks for the comment. I bough the white board at Costco and I bought the chalk board from Amazon. Make sure not to pay more than $30 for either. There ae some that are extremely expensive online for no reason.

[@DocOssareh]

On the weekends I usually do some catching up on the notes and flashcards that I didn't get done during the week. Also, when you have Anatomy lab the weekends are a great time to go in. Usually few/no people are in the lab on Saturday or Sunday mornings. It's a great time to get in there and learn quietly for a couple hours. I oddly enough have a video about studying and life balance. Here is the link, I hope it's useful. youtube. com/watch?v=MFZTSge9crc

[@DocOssareh]

It's up to you what you want to study during the 1 hour sessions. For example, I tend to study path for 2-3 hours then switch to something else. This is really dependent on getting through the material. You can switch after every hour, but I like to stay focused for several hours on a topic then switch. No reason to stress to getting an antire topic/lecture in one hour. As you progress in your education you just can't study a lecture in hour. Again, no wrong way to do it. Just study and enjoy.

[@dregator2]

I LOVE YOU> This guy is so right. I started the one hour on 15 minutes off. It totally works. I use it now and it is amazing especially with taking my 1hr lunch and 1 hr dinner!!!!

[@kpopayumi93]

10 weeks in med school and I'm like a zombie. You have no idea how much you helped. Thx a lot

[@anjdah]

I'm in first year of vet school, and got totally lost with my stydying schedule, this video has so many good tips, thanks alot! I will abolutely try out the schedule and the prepping in the morning :-) Keep up the good work! Greetings from a norwegian vet-student in Budapest.

[@ummewaseem5983]

I start medical school in a month...so nervous already. I hope I can make the most of this amazing opportunity and blessing.

[@aishatahlil6738]

Oh my God really??? I start in 2 weeks time. Am excited and nervous. good luck to the both of us.

[@MayDhif]

Mee tooo!!!! so excited and so worried at the same time about this hole managing everything stuff!! inshallah everything cause well for all of us

[@ummewaseem5983]

Aw! Where will you be going? Im going to Barts in london :)+ yes inshaAllah we'll be fine. We've made this far why cant be make it through as well, yeah?

[@MayDhif]

Hahahaha des it's true let's be positive we never know what can happen! Well I will start med school in Switzerland inshallah

[@ummewaseem5983]

May Dhif inshAllah

[@trinigl]

Thank you for your videos I am applying for USUHS class of 2023 your videos are amazing and thank you for sharing all you have learned

[@awebb9657]

You are my saviour. I am the QUEEN of procrastination. You have given me new found hope and motivation!

[@3AJBNE]

can't get enough of watching your videos, it just gives me a motivation to continue studying. please do video on how to get motivation in medical school. thank you

[@thetravellingmed-studentfr5415]

Thanks for the tips. I'm in second year but am returning after a LoA so I am really thankful for this vid.

[@Schatten2712]

well... my first semester was a total mess... It was very difficult (at least for me) to adapt to the speed that things were going, and my schedule was just awful... I used to sleep like 4-3 hours a day... it wast just so difficult... the nervousness before an anatomy exam was just... gosh haha... I did a lot better in my second semester of that year, I managed to adopt a daily studying rutine and to be honest, it makes your life a looot easier... during my desesperation haha I tried to find the answer on how to do better in forums and stuff and everyone will tell you the same thing, respect a daily schedule of studying, that is the only secret

[@RemoteIndigoIndex]

good advice. I am 21. i'm undergrad. I take MCAT soon. This is good advice. I heard this from you at a good time. Note to self: -wake up at 6 -study 1 hr + 15 min break -sleep at 11 -military dicipline -don't look at others accomplishments -exercise -friends, family, life -got it!

[@oneonlyxram]

being prior military, this mindset makes a ton of sense, thank you for this video.

[@RevBhangra]

Hey man, thanks. You really helped me to understand logically how to manage medical school, instead of panicking, which is what sometimes happens to me.

[@MrDTsDonuts]

you lost me at get up at 6

[@repentance1748]

looooooooooool

[@natallycordova9969]

It’s a real hustle once your in med school.

[@myaqount]

I've had a pretty rough start to med school so far with studying and keeping up with material mainly due to a lack of a daily disciplined routine so I'm hoping some of your tips will help as I try to get back on track. Thanks!

[@DocOssareh]

+sal bravo good luck and thanks for the note!

[@reliixx918]

How did it go, any update? (:

[@MeZzZzZzZzZzZzZzZzZ]

you seem like the kind of guy that WON'T let yourself fail. Good for you man to have such self control, your going to achieve great things.

[@kristajarolan]

I'm so glad I found this vid 'cause I'm starting med school in less than 2 weeks. Thanks for the awesome prep advice! Subbed!

[@ramyarstar]

I will start in a month at least....... I will also be first year.... I will be happy if we can be friends so that we can get benefit from each other if you dont mind..... this is also true for anyone else who sees this reply..... waiting for your answer CHEERS

[@JjGabrielPianist]

How is medschool going for ya ?

[@ramanjotsingh2172]

the schedule is pretty good!! BUT ITS NOT GOING TO WORK FOR INDIAN STUDENTS who have medical school from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. i think we just have to study continuously till we doze off!!

[@outersp8ce]

+ramanjot singh try 8am to 7pm lmao

[@ramanjotsingh2172]

+outersp8ce lol

[@opus0872]

I have ever Thursday 9am to 9pm 😥😥

[@chrisnothemsworth4665]

ramanjot singh seriously?? Damnn🤥

[@helligusvart2384]

Kid mine is 6:00 am to 9:00 pm

[@DocOssareh]

Thanks for the nice comment.

[@DocOssareh]

Everyone in medical school is in the same boat. Keep on working through it.

[@MacknificentMack]

I'm from Zambia, Africa and I just recently got into med school over here. I've only had 2 lectures so far and I'm really enjoying it. I've been watching all your videos and I must say, they're making me even more enthusiastic to learn more. Thank you so much for your information. I think it's gonna make me a good med student.

[@AbbashajjHussein]

"I am a medical student now, I am really smart" lol. Brilliant. Great advice mate. Definitely will be reflecting on your advice next year.

[@TheNunakun]

Excellent points and presentation. I can tell that you will make a fine doctor. Though I've given up my previous goal of becoming a dentist, I somewhat "miss" the lifestyle I guess. I've decided that it wasn't the best path&career for me, but I have great respect for the medical field.

[@Jesuskee]

I think this is a good practice as an undergrad as well! I will def. be doing this this fall

[@ifeelwholeagain2904]

Thank you so much! This is probably the best advice I've ever gotten I think its a good idea to have 15 min free time, 1 hour lunch, getting you to think that u actually have a life haha thank you so much again, hopefully I can manage my self better now

[@nouhab4182]

I really really like your video, i mean it's been almost three weeks (yeah only three weeks) that i've started all of my studies in medical school, and i really started feeling down, getting confused and depressed and like omg i made a bad choice and stuff. And seriously these tips helped me a lot, i'm feeling more organised and less stressed. So thank you so much, and yeah keep it up man !!

[@natallycordova9969]

I’m in 2nd semester in med school ! 7am in class -I get out around 4pm, a lot of homework 📚 test every day or at least once a week, 9pm cry eat and repeat ❤️

[@DocOssareh]

Thanks for the comment.

[@QueenRhaenyra]

I'll use your method of studying for my chemistry and biology A levels. Thank you very much for sharing your experience.

[@olufemiadams8008]

just graduated from college and realizing medical school is starting up in about 2 months now, this is helpful to get less nervous about it!!

[@ShimmyMD]

Great stuff man. I wish I followed this kind of regimen. The only problem is that many schools have lectures in the morning and labs during the day. This definitely holds true for second year though (no labs). Good luck in MS2. Keep up the hard work and you'll do great. -MS2

[@miguelmaturana8757]

Hello Ossareh, I'm an IMG medical graduated from Chile and now I'm preparing my step 1, this was a great video, thanks for the advise!

[@yoyo-oy7xb]

Wow, you're so elaborate about it. Thank you for being so open and helpful. Seems very genuine :)

[@WheezyE]

I love taking 10 minute walk-breaks every hour. I stress out really easy while studying, so some physical activity (walking) helps me burn off some of that feedback loop that's trying to elicit a fight/flight in me. Also keeps my back and neck from getting all seized-up

[@mahajunaid1436]

I'm so happy that I found you on my first day at med school. And I got scared going for just one day, I obviously didn't want to stay scared or become weary of the path I'd chosen, so I turned to the internet and after several youtube videos ( mostly yours ) I just finished watching this one. I wanted to write a little chunk of sentences telling you Thank you ! Now I can start to make sense of where I'm headed and how to cope with the year ahead. ^_^ I'll keep around ^_^you get my 2 thumbs up ( Yup heard you say that in one of your more recent videos). Your work is amazing and so is your style of explaining. You're a great motivational speaker. ^_^ loved everything here. You're great help. P.S I love fountain pens too( most people think I'm crazy ) and white and black boards. ^_^ ^_^ Thanks a bunch again. You're amazing ^_^

[@DocOssareh]

Thanks for the comment!

[@3xymara366]

I am frm ALGERIA and I ll strt my 1st year in medical school, I love this video, great advices 10x man it helps a lot.

[@xyzxyzuvwuvw7633]

Ive done this for a month so far and havent fell behind, I use 30 min on 5-10 mins off, quizes and im feeling great and super productive but i also take a day off every week

[@pengyao1035]

i'm in the first year of vet school in Taiwan, this semester has been crazy insane with countless tests, class hours, and lab reports. My school doesn't work like yours, we have classes 9-5 almost everyday. But anyways, your video is inspiring and good pep talk, thank you!

[@thewoo702]

Love the video, what do you do at weekends? Is it the same routine?

[@priscillazuniga1273]

Thank you so much! I'm always looking for ways to manage my time and interests before entering med school to avoid the trivial worries you were talking about in the beginning

[@saudahmed2436]

DocOssareh has honestly inspired me to consider med school, I am currently in engineering and this video has honestly helped me rethink my goals and how to approach engineering time management wise. Thanks for the great video man, keep it up!!

[@DocOssareh]

That video is in the works. Stay tuned, I'll try to get it out soon.

[@DocOssareh]

I know exactly what you mean. I used to study that way when I was in college. It has been shown that after 1-hr people start to lose their focus. Even though you feel like you're studying just fine, you are learning at a lower efficiency. If you don't believe this, just try the study method for a week. See if you notice any difference.

[@hadooshlsp1566]

Thanks so much I just started first year of med school, and I'm really suffering with managing my time, memorizing,do other H.W other than studying blocks. My med school request student to have electives which you should stay in school till 7 p.m.At 7 p.m. you just find yourself tired and want to sleep. Yah not only that I also gained a lot of weight which makes me even feel worse, but I'm fighting, I'm trying to do what I suppose to do (studying). At last your youtube is going to help me.

[@KTPalyk]

These tips are great. But it would be nice if Dr. Ossareh shared with us his stats to not only prove that his tips are worthwhile..but to share what kind of students (Stats-wise) are in medicine.

[@galenw6833]

Thanks very much. I'm alone overseas, but thinking about doing this. Very supportive and means a lot.

[@missyprincesse27]

i'm already cramming right now for my exams on January ! this is just what i need . thank you!

[@nidhipatel1520]

I just discovered ur videos and I can certainly say that you are amazing at giving advice! I love your optimism... it makes me excited to start med school in August (even though I am also a lil terrified of what to expect!)

[@poupi18]

Amazing. I specifically logged in to comment your video. Thank you so much, I've just started my first year and it's been really hard. I didn't do good on my first exam so it feels like i'm stuck in a vicious cycle where I compare myself to others and think I'm the stupid one. It's hard to find yourself at the bottom of the class for the first time. Anyways great tips on the studying, will be using those as of NOW. see you in 1 hour

[@juangallegos72386]

This can be applied to anything you do in life, not just med school. Good video.

[@Datztite]

Thank you much for this video. This was extremely helpful for me as I'm prepping for medical school in the next year or two...anything else that you recommend, please upload! :)

[@BeautiFuFu]

I feel a lot better after watching this, and I'm starting to get really excited about med school. I'm a junior in under grad. And a lot of the tips you gave especially about being strict and military with time management, I feel like I have a great handle on this already. I even write out a study schedule so that I know exactly what to study, when to study it and how long to study it (according to priority, highest being which ever exam is first or what ever I understand least lol), it usually is weekly. Monday study this for this long, then study that for that long, Tuesday study this for this long, complete this assignment (or start) etc. And I set two alarms in the morning 5 min apart to make sure I get up lol. So hearing this makes me happy, maybe it won't be such a thrown in cold water with no clothes on for me :D

[@hilarydilarydoo]

I'm soooo glad I found your channel!!

[@DocOssareh]

+Hilary Chap thanks for the message! Glad you joined the community

[@knuckledraggers5396]

Can you please tell me how you use the white and black board for you studies? Is there a video on it? I personally haven't seen one since primary school. Thanks

[@londeire11292]

I wish I had seen this sooner. Into my 8th week of med school here in scotland and im struggling a bit haha, here its part of a 6 year undergraduate course.

[@SelkaAndHorses]

Thanks! You put tougether all the important tips :) I'm on the first yera od medical school warsaw, Poland and it was so hard to find my routin :)

[@mafiaboylay2]

Great video! I like your idea of breaking your study period down to small chunks. I do it a little bit different. I read in a study technique book that your mental focus sort of goes up and down, I mean you can't stay focused for the whole hour. So they recommend break you study down to 25-40 minutes. It depends on each individual. For me, after experimenting with it, I study for 30 minutes and then take a 5 minute break.

[@eatyourfaceftw]

I am only in 10th grade high school, but I think that this method you were talking about will really help me through out the rest of high school and in college, etc. Really liked this video, thanks! :) I also liked the fire hydrant and marathon comparisons.

[@StephSmallville1]

I've adjusted my sleep schedule to wake up at 7am and go to sleep at 9-10pm. I have 1 hr bus ride to and from uni so I revise my flash cards then. r/v the weeks material a week before (standard in Australia) then make notes, compact a weeks material into 1 page. use flash cards or prep qs for majority of study

[@mhmmimalyssa]

This definitely helped! Maybe start the lowkey version of this schedule in your undergrad and build. It would help when starting such a crazy schedule for med school as well as make your undergrad grades awesome! Thank You!!!

[@xXiTzSaaDXx]

Honestly just preparing the tests throughout the session is more than enough to pass any exam in medical school.

[@sassygirl6105]

I really enjoyed watching the video!!! I am attending medical school next semester and I find your video very helpful:) Again, thanks for sharing !!!

[@amend021]

Very helpful like you said its common sense and discipline and eventually it just turns into habit but you have to make the effort first. I'm applying to post baccs this year so it will be awhile before I start taking the MCAT's and applying to med school but Im priming myself now so wish me luck! I appreciate the video!

[@deeviyaganesan3094]

My med school begins at 8am & ends at 5pm :'(

[@kullarrrr]

Same here

[@TheOriginalFatinD]

Deeviya Ganesan YESS!! Same here..

[@sahar1usa]

Deeviya Ganesan I went for computer science classes with same schedule , so what s the big deal?

[@deeviyaganesan3094]

Since finals is around the corner, they even planning for extra class :'( :'(

[@TarheelAl10]

Deeviya Ganesan If 8-5 is difficult for you, then you will not enjoy residency. By 8am during my PGY1 year, I am expected to have rounded on, developed plans on and written notes on the patients on my service. I am expected to see consults, and take care of anything that happens to any of the 15-20 or so patients on the floor. My day "ends" at 5:30pm when I check out to the night staff, but I am routinely in the hospital until 8pm catching up on paper work, consults, admissions, etc. from the day before I have to come back at 5am again for sign out the next day. I do this 6 days a week. This is what you will be facing as a resident. I hope 8-5 gets easier for you.

[@MedinaRegal]

Thanks for the video. I'm only in highschool so I don't have to deal with nearly as much as you do, but my life's a mess and I've needed to fundamentally reorganize myself for a while now.

[@estephanierivero1088]

You're so funny and I love the advice you gave. Thanks for posting this video!

[@queensbanker28]

Thank you for this bro. Applying this stuff now. Sleep is oh so important

[@nurulainizabuddin]

thank you for the tips and advices!! It really motivates me to study more in medical school. I have been trying to find techniques on how the manage things so that it won't be so stressful but it never worked. So im gonna try your techniques :) seems easy maybe.huhuh. anyways, thank you soon much :)

[@GetSchanked]

This video makes me want to go study :)

[@mrtaylor2011]

Great video that undergrads and premed students should use to start learning how to learn efficiently. I will recommend this to all my premed friends

[@mariallanos244]

Thanks so much for this! Everyone is telling me how medical school is going to be incredibly tough and how I will do worse than I normally do so this is a breath of fresh air. I've always believed in setting daily goals for yourself and having good time management skills so I appreciate your approach to med school. I'm starting in the fall and I am both excited and slightly scared but your video makes me feel like I can do it. Thanks!

[@maxp6521]

Lol 4 years later. How did it go

[@SirLuis_]

thanks im in the 10 grade and i want to be a Repatriation which I know is hard but these tips are also good for high school.

[@uhhhhJD]

currently in pharmaceutical school and I may begin to test this strategy because my schedule is quite random

[@amberkillion]

Thanks for making this video. It is very helpful and I am going to start incorporating this into my school/studying. :)

[@TheLightOfMyWindow]

Im on a roll! I love your videos! Very inspiring! It's motivating me to study- which I'm doing right this second!

[@DrSheenaSong]

Thanks a lot for this entertaining and helpful video! Getting ready for med school to start soon and am glad I stumbled upon this video

[@jayw8726]

8 years later I'm here again. I first watched this video just entering college way before Med School even started. And now I'm going to go to medical internship in few months. Time has gone fast but now I'm gonna recommend this video to my juniors who ask me how to manage first year, because this video still is valid. Even during a pandemic. Keep it up dude! Heard you are a neurologist now. :D

[@phirun1234]

I like how you have a copy of Campbell Biology text. Probably the most convenient reference!

[@gleamlikegold]

this is a wonderful video! I was intimidated by the length initially, but it was so very useful, and the advice so precise and simple! I took notes while watching this, your advice and experience has been so helpful and your delivery so engaging! Thank you very much!

[@AAnt1993]

I really enjoyed your video, it was very informative. I was even bursting out laughing at parts. I am starting medical school in August and I will definitely be using your advice! Thanks for the help!

[@m35926]

I think his best advice was to clean during breaks. My room and kitchen used to be filthy but after hearing his advice I started cleaning for about 1 and a half to 2 hours a day between studying. Changed my life.

[@CK-fq9lk]

You are the MAN! Thank you so much for your advice! And I'm glad i watched this video

[@tabarce4a]

I'm from Romania ,thank you sincerely for the tips.

[@JjGabrielPianist]

I am starting medical school in 2 weeks. hopefully this journey will be amazing , wish me luck :)

[@fazilathunnisa1192]

I should have found out your videos at the beginning of 1st year. :/ they are so helpful!!

[@DocOssareh]

No worries. Congrats on being in 4th year! How is it going?

[@wcbgcpetere1]

Thank you so much. Best common sense resource on the Internet.

[@alansharif7772]

Your videos are simply amazing. Thank you for your advices in every single video, I really appreciate it! Greetings from Germany

[@nickboldan7833]

Thank you so much for such a helpful advice video. There is no doubt this will motivate many of us college students to study harder, follow our schedules, and get enough sleep so that we can bring those good habits to med school (hopefully!). Btw, fountain pens are awesome, what're you talkin' bout?

[@diesel5355]

It funny how the simplest things are often the most overlooked.. Thanks for the video.

[@bkerr90]

I am an MBA student with an interest in health care. Recent life experiences have inspired me to pursue a career as a doctor, particularly in oncology. While many leading schools are now offering MD/MBA combined programs after recognizing a need for management and leadership in the medical field, I will still be essentially starting over. Any advice???

[@marieb.4665]

Wow! This is very informational and helpful. Thank You so much.

[@LizAkyxl]

Omg, I was so wanting to ask this question. Yes Mo, please do!

[@TwilightFAN5427]

Thank you so much for this video it really helped me a lot. I'm about to finish my first year in med school and I struggle a lot so I'm going to use and implement all the stuff you talked about. And you're right it's nothing that I didn't know already but the way you put it out there made me see it more clearly. Thanks! Greetings from Mexico!

[@reliixx918]

Grace Colin How was your 1st year? Any update? :D

[@bubblygoth]

hi there ur video really helped me.i am a med school student and its my first year at khyber college of dentistry ,its only been a month and im getting sick of it.ur videos are life saver for me keep uploading more and more and can you plz do a tutourial on how to take good notes during lecture and which andriod apps are good for med students.looking forward to ur reply thanks again