5 Tips to Study MBBS—A Must Know From Day 1 of MedSchool

 

 

The internet is flooded with tips to study MBBS, how to study MBBS after 12th, and more for the aspirants and first-year medical school students. While there are experts telling you how to study for MBBS 1st year exam, how to tackle life in a med school, how to speak to seniors, how to avoid ragging, etc. there are only a handful who discuss the real focus of first year MBBS that sets the stage for a successful career in healthcare ahead. Stay with us as we discuss a few unknown tips for students in first year med school, that will stay with you for good. 

 

 

5 Unconventional but Actionable Tips That Every First-Year MBBS Student Should Know From Day 1

Some of you are in MBBS by choice, some to fulfill parental dreams. Whatever the case may be, remember that studying medicine is more than just clinical practice today. It opens doors to multiple career options within healthcare as an industry.

 

Highlight Clinical Relevance Over Rote Memorization

In the early years of MBBS, the curriculum heavily focused on basic sciences like anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. No doubt these subjects are foundational—you need to know them thoroughly. However, the sheer volume of content tempts students to engage in rote memorization. Medical professionals say otherwise—and stress putting clinical relevance first.

 

How to start MBBS study? When studying, always ask yourself, your teachers, or seniors, “How will this knowledge help me in a clinical setting?” For example, before a test on the cardiovascular system, don’t just memorize the pathways. Understand and discuss how these pathways relate to common cardiovascular diseases you’ll encounter in practice. 

 

Even if clinical case studies are not required in the first year, they can help supplement your studies. This approach makes your learning more engaging and purposeful.

 

Develop a Problem-Solving Mindset

Medicine is as much about solving puzzles as it is about knowing facts. Agree?

 

How to study MBBS first year? Are you able to diagnose a disease based on what you learned theoretically? Correct diagnoses and treatment hinge on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Textbooks are necessary, and so are real-world medical practices where you need to think beyond what’s written.

 

There are ways to stimulate problem-solving abilities:

• Medical quizzes

• Study groups where case discussions are the focus

• Diagnostic simulators or virtual training if available. 

 

Begin practicing the art of differential diagnosis early on by analyzing symptoms and signs, even if it’s with hypothetical scenarios. This habit will prove invaluable when you transition to clinical internships.

 

Emotional Intelligence and Empathy, Both Go Hand-in-hand

Medical studies are overtly focused on technical knowledge. In reality, successful healthcare professionals always balance emotional intelligence (EQ) and empathy in patient care with precision. The ability to connect with patients, understand their concerns, and communicate effectively is just as important as any medical skill.

 

Tips for MBBS first-year students—from Day 1, make a conscious effort to develop your interpersonal skills. 

• Read real-life case studies.

• Watch real-life case videos

• Be a part of the senior friend circle and see how best you can learn from their clinical knowledge. 

• Pay attention to your communication style, and learn to listen actively. 

• Practice mindfulness or engage in reflective writing to be more aware of your emotions and how they impact your interactions with others.

 

Learn the Language of Business in Healthcare

Students are so overwhelmed by the vastness of the syllabus that they overlook the importance of understanding the business side of healthcare. In today’s healthcare environment, where many physicians also manage practices, understanding the basics of healthcare economics, management, and policy will be a roadblock.

 

Enroll in elective or online courses that teach you about healthcare management and economics. 

Understand the concepts of healthcare financing, medical ethics, and healthcare policy.

Should you choose to pursue a career in clinical practice, administration, or even medical entrepreneurship, basic activities such as reading business news about the healthcare industry or attending seminars on medical entrepreneurship can lay a solid foundation for success.

 

Look for Mentorship Early

Finding a mentor happens a lot later in the career of healthcare professionals. But looking for a mentor and learning to study and network with them will impact your professional development. Entrepreneurs in the healthcare industry emphasize the importance of early networking and mentoring to expand their horizons and create opportunities.

• Look out for mentors from different fields within healthcare, not just medicine. 

• Attend medical conferences and join professional organizations.

• Connect with seniors and faculty who share your interests. 

• Don’t hesitate to approach professionals who have transitioned from clinical practice to other areas such as healthcare technology, policy, or business. 

 

These connections offer guidance, open doors to unique opportunities, and inspire you to think beyond the traditional medical career path.

 

 

Tips to Study in Medical College by Anastomos

Anastomos, India’s first healthcare providers’ network, founded and run by healthcare professionals prioritizes career counseling, upskilling, and mentorship from day 1 of med school. Our founders and managers are healthcare experts who were novice first med school students and later on established themselves as renowned clinicians, healthcare entrepreneurs, and administrators. 

 

We have a curated section for medical students where you can access tips to study MBBS - upskilling courses, certifications, career coaches, mentors, observerships, and healthcare job market trends. 

 

If you are interested in coaching young mentees or if you are looking to upgrade your first-year MBBS status, feel free to sign up with us for free!