There are so many careers that require professionals to memorize content. In fact, any career that requires a license to operate typically will involve a standardized test (or many). This is true for those who need to get a driver’s license to work, and especially for those working as or aspiring to become doctors.
Exam Prep For Doctors
Doctors and other medical professionals, in particular, will need to memorize and go through exam prep time and time again throughout their careers. Preparing for the many internal medicine boards standardized exams can be stressful, but it can be made so much more doable by using the following key memorization tips:
Memorization Techniques
There are many memorization techniques out there. You don’t need to use all of them. Instead, try the options on this list and keep what works and chuck the rest. The only thing that matters in terms of what techniques you use is that the techniques work for you.
Break Down Large Lists
If you have a large list of information you need to memorize, break it down into smaller lists. This tip is also known as chunking, and doing it is very simple. For best results, subcategorize what you need to learn into smaller and smaller chunks. If there’s a list of 25 different concepts or names you need to memorize, break them into five subsections of five each.
Create a Mental Map
Another great way to memorize is by creating a mental map. For example, if you need to memorize all the different parts of the human body, you can mentally map them out to make things easier for you. A good way to do this is either by assigning the body parts a different spot in a mental map or by mapping them out on a mental body. Both can work by adding visual (even if you aren’t actually seeing anything) context to your memorization.
Create Acronyms or Acrostics
Acronyms let you group several concepts together in a way that’s much easier to remember. The letters in the acronym work as a prompt to help you remember topics in a certain order. You can also use acrostics, which work in a similar way when the acronym in question is difficult to remember. Instead of just remembering the acronym, you create a silly sentence that your brain can catch onto easier. Rhymes and other word prompts can help you remember items, especially if they’re in a specific order.
Practice or Mock Exams
A great way to memorize anything (and take the edge off while you’re at it) is to take mock exams. These exams are now available online, meaning it’s easier than ever before to take the exam as part of your prep and get results, including a list of the questions you got wrong so you know where to focus future revisions. Use these practice tests to help you revise, become familiar with the format of questions, memorize, and, of course, take the edge of uncertainty out of the equation.
