How to Manage Daily Reading in Medical School

As a medical student, managing daily reading can be a daunting task. The question of how many pages you should read in a day might seem straightforward, but it involves variables that can make the answer highly individualistic. Let's explore this further and provide some practical advice to help you manage your readings effectively.

Factors Influencing Reading Volume

Reading volume in medical school isn't just a number; it is influenced by a multitude of factors:

Subject: Some topics might seem more complex or less interesting than others, affecting your reading speed and interest levels. Your Interest: Engaging with topics you find intriguing can improve your reading pace and comprehension. Reading and Deciphering Speed: Some individuals can read quickly and digest information rapidly, while others might require more time to understand complex concepts. Book Size and Font: Larger books or books with smaller fonts can significantly affect the number of pages you can read in a single sitting. Presence/Absence of Diagrams: Books with numerous diagrams may take longer to read than those with fewer or no diagrams.

Personal Recommendations for Page Count

While there is no definitive number of pages to read daily, here are some personal recommendations based on different subjects:

Subject Pages Per Sitting Anatomy (Vishram Singh Anat) 20-25 pages Physiology (Ganong and D.P. Physio) 12-14 pages (Ganong) / 30-35 pages (D.P. Physio) Biochemistry (Vasudevan) 15-20 pages Pathology (Robbins) 15-17 pages Pharmacology (KDT Pharma, Shanbag Pharma) 15-18 pages (KDT Pharma) / 40-45 pages (Shanbag Pharma) Microbiology (Apurba Sastry Micro) 15-18 pages

For books like Reddy FMT and Gautam Biswas FMT, which typically contain less text and more formulae or tables, one might aim for 10-13 and 16-18 pages respectively.

Setting Reading Goals

To help you stay on track with your readings, it's beneficial to set timely goals for the number of pages you aim to read per hour. For example:

Set a goal to read 30-40 pages per hour for subjects that are more text-heavy, like anatomy or physiology. Focus on completing a specific number of pages in a set time. If you exceed your goal, reward yourself by briefly looking at memes or taking a short break. If you fall short, use that as motivation to work harder in the remaining time.

Importance of Revising

It's essential to remember that reading isn't just about the volume of pages; it's also about the quality of your learning. Effective medical education requires not only reading but also constant revision. Revising multiple times over the course of your studies can significantly enhance your retention and understanding of the material.

Even if you find yourself reading only a few pages in a single day, the key is to maintain a consistent study habit. This consistency builds a robust foundation of knowledge that can withstand the rigors of medical education.

Concluding Thoughts

The journey through medical school is a marathon, not a sprint. While no fixed number of pages should be seen as mandatory, closely aligning your reading habits with the complexity and demand of the subject matter can help you stay on track.

Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance that enhances your understanding and retention. By fostering good reading habits, you can set yourself up for success in this challenging yet rewarding field.