I finished my bachelor's in biology and will be pursuing a medical degree. I have noticed it is not easy to remember the vast amounts of material, how much does a practicing physician actually remember and how do they handle diagnosing patients if they don't know something?
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It isn't as difficult as you might think, especially now. As a physician, you are required to complete a certain numbers of GME hours to keep your DEA/license current. So you keep refreshing your specialty.
A lot of it is that most doctors specialize. Even in something like family practice or internal medicine, you see the most common things most frequently. Tests test for unusual things with names (as well as what happens commonly), but that isn't true, for most MDs, in what happens every day. You will rarely, if ever, need to know 1st year med school things, unless it is your specialty, or if you teach 1st or 2nd year med school.
Still, references are your friend. You can't know or remember everything.That is where good versions of apps come in. Much easier than searching a book; now we have apps on a smart phone to look specific things up. You can search by illness, symptoms, meds...etc. Or on most hospital computers. Don't forget the most important reference - older, more experienced doctors and nurses that have seen it all. "Curbside" your colleagues in other specialties. Most people are glad to give their expertise - but check on your hospital's stance on actual consults.
It is much easier than you think once you become stablished. Med school and really residency are the most difficult parts. Congratulations on deciding on one of the most fulfilling, important careers. To do what you love, and to know it makes a difference -how many people get to say that about their career? It is hard to be sure, but all of those crazy nights, both in med school and residency, pay off. You will earn a comfortable living and truly enjoy what you do!
A lot of it is that most doctors specialize. Even in something like family practice or internal medicine, you see the most common things most frequently. Tests test for unusual things with names (as well as what happens commonly), but that isn't true, for most MDs, in what happens every day. You will rarely, if ever, need to know 1st year med school things, unless it is your specialty, or if you teach 1st or 2nd year med school.
Still, references are your friend. You can't know or remember everything.That is where good versions of apps come in. Much easier than searching a book; now we have apps on a smart phone to look specific things up. You can search by illness, symptoms, meds...etc. Or on most hospital computers. Don't forget the most important reference - older, more experienced doctors and nurses that have seen it all. "Curbside" your colleagues in other specialties. Most people are glad to give their expertise - but check on your hospital's stance on actual consults.
It is much easier than you think once you become stablished. Med school and really residency are the most difficult parts. Congratulations on deciding on one of the most fulfilling, important careers. To do what you love, and to know it makes a difference -how many people get to say that about their career? It is hard to be sure, but all of those crazy nights, both in med school and residency, pay off. You will earn a comfortable living and truly enjoy what you do!