Day in the Life of a UofT Medical Student

Aishwarya Nair, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

Every day is different but if you took a slice of my week in first year, here’s what it would look like. It’s a Friday morning in April. I wake up at 6:45am, make myself a smoothie, and get ready for the day. I am out the door at 7:20am and meet up with my group to head to Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) for our weekly clinical skills session. One of our amazing group members drives us there every Friday, so our mornings are always filled with music, stories from the week, and lots of laughter (aside from the few days when we are sleep deprived or stressed or both).

At MGH, we assemble in the Medical Education centre, and meet up with our physician tutor. We have a rotation of two tutors at MGH, so we get to know them quite well over the year. We quickly catch up on how our weeks were and share any fun stories, before jumping into weekly content. Friday mornings consist of learning physical exam maneuvers, building communication skills, and learning the art of taking a detailed but focused patient history. We also get the opportunity to go up to the wards and interact with patients, practicing our clinical skills.

Given that it is April, our year-end Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is coming up and as first-year students, we are STRESSED to say the least. We review patient scenarios, practice interacting with standardised patients, run through possible examiner questions, and discuss strategies to stay calm under a time crunch. After a busy morning reviewing the content, we head home at 12pm for lunch.

At 1:30pm I log into Zoom for our weekly Integrated Summary and Application Lecture (ISAL). Here we review the week’s content, go over important concepts, and prepare for the upcoming Mastery Exercise (i.e., the block exam that occurs approximately biweekly at 8am on Monday mornings). At approximately 4:30pm we wrap up for the week and I spend the rest of the evening napping, cooking, working out, and/or catching up with friends.

We have academic commitments from approximately 8:30am to 4:30pm, four days a week, leaving a significant amount of time for studying, extra-curriculars, and socialising (let me reassure you that there is room for a social life even in medical school). At the end of the day, we get what we put into it, and I can confidently say most of my peers are extremely happy with their medical school experience so far!

FAQ’s about Medical School

The Pre-Med club has put together a series of Frequently Asked Question’s that might be of aid to those on their pre-med journey. All information has been shared by a variety of medical students as ways to help you succeed on your path to medical school.  

FAQ’s

  1. Do you need research to get into medical school?

Research experience is not necessary to get into medical school. However, it may provide one with certain skills and knowledge which might be beneficial to them during their interviews or in their ABS. 

  1. How long did you prepare for the MCAT?

Most medical students claim that they spent around 10-12 weeks of full-time studying for the MCAT. It is crucial that you prioritize the MCAT during this time. Medical students often also stress that one should take the MCAT only when they feel prepared. It is an important exam in your pre-medical journey. 

  1. Are there any types of tools used to study for the MCAT such as books, a planner or specific courses?

This answer varies from person to person and is highly dependent on their study techniques and methods. Check out our Prep Course vs Self Study blog to see what is a better fit for you!

  1. Would you recommend shadowing a Doctor as an experience needed for Medical School?

While it is not a requirement to have shadowed a doctor, some individuals may find it useful to have hands-on experience with the healthcare system. Physically being in the working environment of a doctor can help you decide if this profession is right for you. 

  1.  What specialties can one go into after medical school?

Check out our Specialized Fields in Medicine blog!

  1. How did you prepare for your interview?

While every interview can be different, here are a few general practices that you can follow to ensure a successful interview.

  • Study your application inside-out. 

This will help you in questions such as “Tell me about yourself?” Due to the vague nature of this question it can be a hard one to answer. Studying you application will make sure that you know yourself and will therefore help build self-confidenc

  • Practice

It is always a great idea to do a series of mock interviews to help get a feel of what the interview may look like.

  • Study the school you are interviewing for

This will help you get a good sense of the school culture and values which can allow for more direct answers. Understanding the school’s culture will help you understand which school you may be best fit for. 

  • Be prepared

On the day of the interview, make sure to be well-rested. It is important that you look presentable and are well conversed. Professionalism is a great first impression!

For more in depth information, you can check out the Interview Strategies Guide from the University of Toronto. 

Exam Season

Ace Your Exams: Tips and Tricks for Effective Study and Preparation

As we get closer to exam season, it’s natural to feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Whether you’re a seasoned exam veteran or facing your finals for the first time, the challenge is universal: how to prepare effectively and perform at your best. 

Fear not! The Pre-Medical Club has compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this exam season. 

Here are some proven tips and tricks to enhance your study sessions and ace your exams.

1. Start Early and Organize

Begin your preparation well in advance. Procrastination is the arch-nemesis of exam success. Create a study schedule that breaks down your subjects into manageable chunks and dedicate specific times to each topic. This approach not only makes the task seem less daunting but also facilitates better information retention.

2. Embrace Active Learning

Simply reading through notes or textbooks isn’t the most effective way to learn. Engage in active learning techniques such as summarizing information in your own words, teaching concepts to a friend, or creating flashcards. These methods force you to process the information more deeply, leading to better memory retention.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice

Past exam papers are gold mines of information. They give you insight into how questions are formatted and highlight the areas that examiners deem important. Timed practice sessions can also help you manage your time more effectively during the actual exam.

4. Understand, Don’t Memorize

While rote learning can help you remember specific facts, understanding the material ensures you can apply knowledge in various contexts—a skill that is often tested in exams. Try to grasp the underlying principles and concepts, which will make it easier to tackle unfamiliar questions.

5. Mind Your Health

A well-rested brain performs significantly better. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and taking regular breaks during study sessions. Physical activity, even short walks, can boost your mood and enhance cognitive function.

6. Create the Right Environment

Find a study space where you can concentrate. Everyone is different—some prefer complete silence, while others thrive in a bustling environment. Whatever your preference, make sure your study area is well-lit, comfortable, and free from distractions.

7. Use Visualization Techniques

Visual aids can be incredibly helpful for memorization and understanding complex information. Create mind maps, charts, or diagrams to organize your notes visually. This can be especially useful for subjects that involve processes or relationships between concepts.

8. Stay Positive and Manage Stress

Maintain a positive attitude towards your exams and believe in your ability to succeed. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or even listening to calming music can help manage stress levels. Remember, anxiety is a normal response to exams; it’s how you handle it that counts.

9. Group Study Sessions

Studying in groups can be beneficial, provided they are focused and structured. Explaining concepts to others is a powerful way to reinforce your understanding, and you can benefit from different perspectives and study techniques.

10. Review and Revise Strategically

In the final days before an exam, review your notes and summaries instead of trying to cover new material. Focus on understanding key concepts and formulas. This is the time to consolidate your knowledge and build confidence.

Exams are not just a test of your knowledge but also your preparation and approach. By integrating these tips and tricks into your study routine, you’re not just preparing to ace your exams; you’re also developing habits that will serve you well in your academic and professional future. Give it your best shot, and regardless of the outcome, be proud of the effort you’ve put in.

Good luck from the entire Pre-Med team!

CANMEDS

Embracing CANMEDS: Nurturing Compassionate Care in Medicine

In the ever-evolving world of medicine, the journey to becoming an exceptional healthcare provider extends far beyond mastering medical textbooks. It’s about embodying a diverse skill set that includes not just clinical prowess, but also empathy, communication, and leadership.

What is CANMEDS?

A framework that not only shapes medical education but also guides the practice of healthcare professionals worldwide. CANMEDS is like a roadmap, showing you the essential skills and qualities you need to navigate this intricate landscape.

The Seven Pillars of CANMEDS:

  • Medical Expert: This is your foundation – the medical knowledge and skills you’ve spent years honing. But it’s not just about what you know; it’s about how you apply it to help your patients heal.
  • Communicator: Ever heard the saying, “It’s not just what you say, but how you say it”? That’s the essence of communication in medicine. It’s about connecting with your patients, listening to their concerns, and making them feel heard and understood.
  • Collaborator: You’re not alone in this journey. From nurses to pharmacists to fellow doctors, healthcare is a team sport. Collaboration means working together seamlessly, like the gears of a well-oiled machine, to provide the best possible care for your patients.
  • Leader: You may not realise it, but as a healthcare professional, you’re also a leader. Whether it’s guiding your team through a complex surgery or advocating for your patients’ rights, leadership is about stepping up when needed and inspiring others to do the same.
  • Health Advocate: Beyond the confines of the hospital walls lies a world full of health challenges. As a healthcare provider, you have a voice – and a responsibility – to speak up for those who can’t. Whether it’s fighting for better access to healthcare or raising awareness about public health issues, advocacy is about making a difference, one voice at a time.
  • Scholar: Medicine is a journey of lifelong learning. It’s about staying curious, asking questions, and seeking answers. Whether it’s keeping up with the latest research or reflecting on your own practice, scholarship is about growing, evolving, and becoming the best possible version of yourself.
  • Professional: Last but not least, professionalism is the bedrock of medicine. It’s about integrity, ethics, and above all, putting your patients’ needs first. It’s about treating every person you encounter – from patients to colleagues to janitors – with respect and dignity.

CANMEDS is about embracing these roles not just as checkboxes on a list, but as guiding principles that shape our every action and decision. It’s about taking the time to really listen to our patients, to understand not just their symptoms, but also their fears and hopes. It’s about reaching out to our colleagues, recognizing that we’re all in this together, and that by working as a team, we can achieve so much more than we ever could alone.

And it’s about a lifelong journey of learning – about constantly seeking out new knowledge and experiences, and using them to become better healers, better leaders, and better advocates for our patients and our communities. 

Join our mailing list!

If you wish to stay up to date with our upcoming events and the resources we have to offer, join our mailing list by providing us with your name and email address!

[contact-form-7 id=”234″ title=”Join the UW Pre-Med mailing list to receive monthly updates about our events!”]