How to Excel in Medical School [Paperback]

Norma S. Saks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1998 | ISBN-10: 1888308044 | ISBN-13: 978-1888308044 | Edition: 1

This title contains concise, simple instructions for approaching the study of each of the basic sciences. Memory strategies show students how to retain key information while reviewing coursework. There are simple and effective explanations on how to apply the strategies in a practical manner. Its contents are: Part 1: General Strategies, The Basics, Acquisition, Maintenance, Proficiency; and Part 2: Strategies for Studying Courses, Gross Anatomy, Microscopic Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Other Sciences.

Editorial Reviews

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

From Chapter 5: Strategies for Studying Gross Anatomy

Gross Anatomy is the study of the gross structures of the body, their relative locations, and their importance as structural units. In learning Gross Anatomy, enormous amounts of information must be assimilated. Vocabulary must be memorized, structures must be visualized relative to other structures, and often, the general functions of these structures must be learned. Chapter Overview: A. Use words to guide you through the pictures since Gross Anatomy is a visual subject. B. Learn terminology in a meaningful way. The words will often direct you. C. Pay attention to the relative locations of structures. Focus on how each structure fits in with surrounding structures. D. Identify an anchor point and build your knowledge around it. E. Learn major structures in a simplified form first. F. Draw structures from memory to see how well you know them. G. Study the connection between regions. H. Consolidate and organize information. I. Review cumulatively. J. Use Gross Anatomy laboratory time effectively. K. Become familiar with the types of questions you will be asked.

Followed by illustrated text covering each of these major points.

Product Details

• Paperback: 187 pages
• Publisher: J & S Pub Co; 1 edition (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888308044
• ISBN-13: 978-1888308044
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #922,742 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Some good tips, but a disorganized presentation, September 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Excel in Medical School (Paperback)

The book is a somewhat helpful review of study skills. The authors break it down into the Basics, Acquistion, Maintenance, and Proficiency. Later in the book they cover specific strategies for various classes. Some of these are helpful and probably make the book owning.

The book's biggest weakness is that it tends to be a bit vague about improving study skills and never really presents an organized and integrated methodology for improving ones study skills. They do explain the obvious, like suggesting that you should test yourself on the material, not simply read it and attempt memorize it, but that is about as far as they take it. Lots of tidbit tips that are valuable but they are presented in a chaotic manner.

This book would not be my first choice for a study guide book and certainly can not be considered a definitive guide. I would buy it again for the study tips relating to particular courses as I hope these will be useful, but for developing/improving general medical study skills it would be best to look at other texts as well.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars overpriced, not very helpful, September 29, 2008

By 

Eric Walters "Eric W" (Toledo) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Excel in Medical School, third edition (Paperback)

I'm starting medical school in a few months, and i first got this book to try to improve my study habits in anticipation of things to come. I have to say that for $30+, this book is overpriced. There is not very much "info" or "tips" here.. it's mostly just vague repition about studying a lot and testing yourself, and there is no clear study method presented.

One of my friends recommended a smaller and cheaper, yet BETTER book called "How to study in Medical School".. I found it much more useful, with a clear, defined study method presented, and even more tips for doing well. If you're going to get a book to help you spruce up your study skills for med school, there are better options out there.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad to keep you focused, July 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Excel in Medical School (Paperback)

The suggested techniques for studying and remembering information come out of cognitive psychology and, in my opinion, have a solid basis. The authors provide practical, easy-to-implement techniques for information acquisition, maintenance, and proficiency -- small things like previewing material, condense notetaking, and error analysis on practice exams for self-monitoring your understanding. Of course, none of this is groundbreaking for the bright student, but who couldn't use a focused, concise manual to remind them of effective strategies. If you've got the money, this book is not a waste.