I have pharmacology this year, and people constantly tell me how terrible, awful, overwhelming, difficult, impossible it is. So I decided to ask for tips from those who have already survived, and this is what they said. I edited some for clarity and combined some similar answers:
- Always learn the names of meds using mnemonics
- Make a pocket notebook with just the name of the drugs and study it while commuting
- Make a chart and attach it to your desk/wall
- “tables are a lifesaver”
- Word doc with generic/trade names, a color for each pathway, side effect, considerations and updated it along the way
- Use diagrams to understand the mechanism of action
- Schematize using different colors for certain kinds of drugs
- Pay attention in class and follow along
- Make flashcards early on, with drug class, mechanism, side effects, etc.
- Anki “without a doubt”
- Quizlet!
- Revise every day for 30-60 minutes
- Use YouTube videos to learn it as a story
- Speed Pharmacology
- Sketchy Pharm x4
- combined with First Aid (great for Step 1)
- Little doodles help
- Read read read read read and read
- For pharmacokinetics: list all the definitions in one place
Bonus answer: “And THINK before answering 😄✌😜”
Someone recommended this website: www.freemedtube.com. I’ve never heard of it, but you’re welcome to try it out!
In about a year, I’ll be done with pharma and I’ll share my own experiences. For now, I’m so grateful to have this helpful community. I got so many answers within minutes, so thank you guys!
(Note, if you made a recommendation and you’d like your account to be mentioned next to your suggestion, send me a DM and I’ll edit it!)
