JSMBS Unofficial Handbook

Q&A with the 2016 OC

What do you like to do with your free time?

Drew: Gym, take photos/vidoes, golf, netflix, sleep

Nick: I am fortunate enough to have my family very close by, so when I have the opportunity, I try and see them. I also try and play sports as often as I can whether that be local men's leagues or pick up games. 

Eva: When I'm not studying, I like to go home to Clarence and spend time with my family and my dog. I love to travel, and I spend some weekends in Albany to visit my sister. I like to doodle, make string bracelets, run when I have time, and sit outside in the sunshine when it's nice. 

Max: I like to swim laps in Clark hall, it's usually not very crowded and surprisingly nice compared to the rest of the building. I usually try to see my parents once a week, no matter what is currently going on in school. I also have friends from undergrad scattered in nearby cities, so I like to take weekend trips to visit them. 

Aarti: When I have free time, I love to cook and bake. I am still learning how to cook so sometimes I fail miserably, but its a chance to eat healthy and get creative. My family is pretty far away so I also like to spend time with my close friends here and just watch a movie or go out for drinks. Binge watching TV seems to be a habit I haven't been able to shake. 

Joelle: I am very close with my four siblings, so I spend most of my free time at home with my family. I also like to keep active, and workout whenever I find the time.

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What was your favorite class?

Drew: Microbiology (block 1, fundo 3) - because of Sketchy

Nick: No one will have the same answer to this question but, personally, I really enjoyed microbiology for its applicability and pathology. 

Eva: Anatomy. I thought this would be one of my least favorites starting out, but there is no other learning experience similar to what you get from the anatomy lab. The teamwork, collaboration, and chatter that goes on in the lab is fantastic and after anatomy ended I really missed those aspects that aren't really found anywhere else in the curriculum. 

Max: Anatomy. It is one of the hardest courses and arguably the most work. But it is an incredible experience unlike anything you will ever have done, or get to do again. 

Aarti: By far, gross anatomy! This is the only class that is hands on and spent with your peers. It is easy to get caught up in studying and not see the majority of your classmates, but with gross everyone was in the same lab working towards common goals. Once second semester started, I definitely missed having lab, minus the constant smell of formaldehyde in your hair for 5 months.

Joelle: Definitely anatomy! There's no question that anatomy is the most time consuming class you'll have all year, but what I loved most about it was the camaraderie that it brought out in my classmates. I met some of my best friends from class while studying in the anatomy lab after 2am.

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What was your most challenging class?

Drew: Anatomy. Not because it was difficult per se, just that it requires you to put in the most time.

Nick: I struggled tremendously with the first couple of classes during first year. I found that the transition to medical school was much more difficult for me than I had previously anticipated, and much of it manifested itself in academic struggles. In the moment it was discouraging, but retrospectively, it allowed me to hone in on more productive and efficient study methods. 

Eva: Heme. I loved heme, and it was taught well, but heme was hard for me. It is one of the first real systems based classes and I felt like I was doing a lot of pointless memorizing and not actual learning because of how short this module was. My advice for this class would be to try and actually understand what your learning, rather than try to memorize a bunch of facts. 

Max: Renal. Renal physiology is complicated by itself, and it's very interconnected with the cardiorespiratory systems. It's the first module where I felt like we were really addressing the whole body, and therefore there's a lot to consider when learning about renal diseases. It's also not taught particularly well, so I'd recommend using the Rennke textbook. This was the only class I really used a textbook for. 

Aarti: GI was the most challenging course for me. After fundo 3 ended, I definitely started to feel a bit burned out and the change to organ systems was a challenge for me, but many people loved the change of pace. 

Joelle: Anatomy, but it was also my favorite class and the most rewarding one. I came into medical school with zero background in anatomy, and it was extremely overwhelming in the very beginning. The amount of time and work I put into anatomy are what made this class my biggest challenge all year.

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How have your expectations of med school compared to what it's actually like?

Drew: I thought it would be harder.  I also realized there is just not enough time in the day.

Nick: Coming into first year, it was my understanding that I would be working twice as hard as I did during my undergraduate years. However as the first exam came and went, I recognized that it is not necessarily working harder, but rather more efficiently. On another note, I had the expectation that once I was in medical school, I would have made it and that success was a given. On the contrary, I found that you have continuously work hard to stay with your coursework and continue on through first year."

Eva: Probably equal to what I expected. Everything is part of a learning curve. You eventually learn how to handle the amount of material being thrown at you. I was worried about the amount of work in the beginning, but once I got into the swing of things I don't think it was actually as bad as I had originally expected. 

Max: Having a science background, I was probably a little cocky and didn't think med school would be that much harder than undergrad. It's harder in a different way. The vast majority of the first year was technically easier than say calculus or physical chemistry. But what makes it challenging is the vast quantity of information you will cover. You will have exams that cover 100+ hours of lecture, so last minute cramming is really not an option. I also didn't anticipate the middle-school-esque nature of everyone having the same schedule all the time. Your classmates are going to become like your family.

Aarti: Entering medical school, I had this image of it being impossible and having to spend 100% of my time in the books. There is definitely a great deal of material, the phrase drinking from a waterhose is not an exaggeration, but there is definitely time to do things you enjoy. Everyone works hard, but parties just as hard! It is also nice that everyone is free at the same time because we all have the same schedule.

Joelle: Medical school has far exceeded my expectations. I was under the impression that my life would be over as soon as school started. I envisioned myself studying from the time class was over until the time I went to bed, and not having any time for friends/family/myself. My first year here was almost the exact opposite. Yes, you will study A LOT. However, you will also be able to do the things that you enjoy!

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Who is your favorite professor?

Drew: Lesse or Heffner 

Nick: I really liked pretty much all of our professors. They each have their own way of teaching and to choose one would be unfair. 

Eva: Ah, almost too many to name. Dr. Lesse has to be one of my favorites. He's enthusiastic when he teaches, he understands how to get the major points across, and he's a good sport when it comes to poking fun at himself. All around, a super great professor and we are lucky to have him at our school.

Max: Dr. Severin. He has many roles, but as an anatomy professor he is really helpful in the lab and always lets you know what details are the most important to focus on. 

Aarti: Dr. O'Brian is awesome. His material is challenging and his exam is definitely not easy, but he teaches everything very well. He is very clear in his explanations of the concepts and makes you love genetics.

Joelle: Tough question. There are many professors that I really liked, but if I had to choose one I would say Dr. O'Brian. He has a great teaching style, and challenged us in a way that helped me learn the material very well.

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Where is your favorite place to study?

Drew: Library, cafe, apartment 

Nick: I like to study in the path labs or in the library. I am a "everything needs to be quiet" type of guy so those areas that are conducive to that. As the year goes on, everyone will find their own space that works for them.

Eva: Canisius College library, tucked away in a little cubicle.  

Max: I usually study at home unless I am staying on campus for something. On campus I like the 2nd floor of HSL (the main library). It's quiet and has nice big tables. 

Aarti: This changes for me on a weekly basis, one week I like HSL, the next North Campus. I don't like to be in the same place everyday, but need a place that is open late. I can focus at home so I usually go to Canisius, HSL, or Daily Planet cafe.

Joelle: Coffee shops, my bed, Canisius library, etc. I love to change up my study spot, and I usually don't study at the same place more than a few days in a row.

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How have you had to change your habits from undergrad to adapt to med school?

Drew: You must study everyday.  It is very hard to catch up if you are behind.  In undergrad, I would procrastinate and still pull off A's.  The amount of information taught in medical school doesn't allow this procrastination.  You must not get behind.

Nick: As mentioned above, what had worked for me during undergrad did not pan out during medical school. I found that questions don't necessarily focus on direct recall, but rather a deeper understanding and an ability to connect two concepts together. With that being said, I tried to focus on the major concepts of each class and then round those out with the finer details of the material.

Eva: I definitely have to put in more time each day to prepare for an exam that might be two or three weeks down the line. In undergrad, I would take at most 4-5 days before exams to start studying. With medical school, you can't do that or you will be drowning trying to catch up by the time the exam comes. Staying on top of things makes life SO much easier.  

Max: For me the main difference is just the amount of time studying. I was involved in many different activities outside of academics in undergrad, and although you definitely don't have to ONLY study, you kind of have to be more selective about what you spend your time on. It's really important to keep a detailed schedule, and stick to it if you want to make the most of your time.

Aarti: My study habits during undergrad were basically non-existent. During undergrad, I would cram before exams, but the volume in med school doesn't let you do that. Everyone finds their own way to study during medical school, but it does take some trial and error. 

Joelle: In undergrad, I pulled all-nighters before my exams and that was pretty much the extent of my studying. Med school was a big change for me, because I went from barely studying at all in undergrad to studying around six hours a day here. The amount of studying med school requires was a big adjustment for me.

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What is your favorite restaurant in Buffalo?

Drew: Lloyd for a quick meal, Hutch's or Tempo for a nice dinner

Nick: Toutant, Providence Social

Eva: Left Bank. Expensive, but good for a treat and rated one of the top restaurants in Buffalo!

Max: For nicer places on the more expensive end I'd say Toutant or Seabar. For more casual places I'd say Sun or Cantina Loco.

Aarti: I love exploring restaurants in new cities that I move to. Buffalo has a ton of restaurants that I am still trying out, but so far I love Mulberry's and Saigon Bangkok. 

Joelle: Lloyd, Cantina Loco, Chef's, Wasabi, ABV, Lombardos .... (depends on the day!)

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How did you survive gross anatomy?

Drew: Get in the lab, A LOT, and always talk to other people in the lab.  Talking it out and discussing the vocabulary helps to lock in it your brain.  Keep moving around to different tables to switch it up and see the variations in structures.

Nick: My classmates. I think if it were not for my patient table mates and classmates, anatomy would have been that much more difficult. Of course, keeping up and studying throughout the week, etc. But when exams approached, relying and trusting your classmates is the best way to reinforce what you have studied on your own. 

Eva: I got by, "with a little help from my friends." No, but seriously, find a friend (preferably one in a different dissection group than you) who will go with you to the lab at least once a week or on the weekends. Also, utilize open lab hours early, when no one's in the lab. When it comes to the week or even two weeks before exam time the lab gets crowded. Also, look at every single body you possibly can. One of those that you see will be on the exam, and you'll get to that station and you'll be like, "YES! I've seen this before."

Max: Go into lab at night on a regular basis with a few friends, and quiz each other on identifying structures. Even if the exam is weeks away, go in! You can fill in the details outside of lab, but if you're still trying to identify structures right before the exam it can get a lot more stressful. 

Aarti: Definitely use the open lab hours and start early (easier said than done)! There are always people who are really good at certain dissections and it is best to work with other people. I found it most helpful to teach people the stuff I knew and have them teach me the things they knew.

Joelle: My friends, and open lab. Anatomy is a tough class -- get into lab as much as possible. The more you go into lab, the better you will master the material. Find a group of people to study with and go in as much as possible.

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What is your main method for studying for other classes?

Drew: Flash cards

Nick: After going to class, I like to re-watch lectures and take notes the second time around. I will then take those notes and compile them into a study guide which I review before each exam.

Eva: Flash cards. Flash cards. Flash cards. Yes, the paper ones. No, I don't care if I have to carry them all around with me overflowing out of my backpack. They're great and effective, and only .50cents a pack at Target! 

Max: I'm an outline guy. I make my own detailed outlines that cover the material on the slides and my own notes from lecture, and then I study off the outlines. I think it really just depends on your preferences. Don't be afraid to change your habits if they're not working, but if you like a certain way you studied in undergrad, that's fine too!

Aarti: I think everyone has a different way to study and for me, study habits changed every block. I think the one thing that has been consistent for me is group studying when it gets close to the exam. I tend to need to vocalize and explain the things I know to really have them stick.

Joelle: First semester, I re-wrote all of the lecture slides by hand. Yes, this was extremely tedious, but I knew from undergrad that I learn best by writing things out, so I went with it. Second semester, I realized that I could be more efficient with my study time, and I started just reading through the slides on my computer. The end result was the same, and it gave me much more free time. Bottom line - everyone has a different method for studying, so find what's best for you and if it's not working, change it!

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What is your favorite bar in the Buffalo area?

Drew: Big Ditch

Nick: Any bar on Hertel. 

Eva: I love Mes Que on Hertel, they change up their drinks every month. Good atmosphere and close to my apartment. 

Max: Big Ditch and Riverworks are nice and have good munchies. Or really anywhere on Allen or Hertel. 

Aarti: My favorite bar used to be Blue Monk (RIP), but now I like going to Coles. It is really close to my house so I am partial to being able to walk there. 

Joelle: I live off of Hertel, so I am partial to those bars. However, Allen and Elmwood have great bars too!

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What are your favorite events or festivals in Buffalo?

Drew: Canal side

Nick: Sabres games are always a lot of fun. Also Canalside during the summer is a great time. 

Eva: Canalside is great in the late summer, early fall. Food truck Tuesday is also great. 

Max: Canalside events and concerts are great, Taste of Buffalo, the Allentown Art Festival, in the summer the Bisons games are fun too because they do fireworks at the end.

Aarti: I am not a Buffalo native so I am still getting to know the events in Buffalo, but so far I really have liked going to the concerts down at Canalside. It is a really nice area during the summer.

Joelle: Canalside. Free concerts during the summer, ice skating during the winter.

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Any other advice for the class of 2020?

Drew: Do not go into any class thinking one is harder than the other.  I feel like other people told me "oh wow THIS CLASS is the most difficult, so study really hard." In truth, they are all the same.   You need to study hard for ALL of them and if you go into a class with the preconceived notion that it's harder than others, you may do worse.  I also feel like people try to shock you with how terribly hard medical school is.  Nothing is really that hard, and at the end of the day 99% of it is just raw memorization.  Just study.  You will be fine.  It is not that bad.

Nick: Don't worry, be happy. 

Eva: Enjoy the journey and don't forget to be yourself. This is a long road and it's easy to get lost in minutia. If you work hard, and appreciate your learning experience you will be successful. Oh & don't be afraid to ask for help---second years are definitely willing to help you, we've been through it before, we know what works and what doesn't. Don't be shy! :) 

Max: Get involved in different student groups and go to interest group dinners to hear about different specialties, even if you know nothing about a field or don't think it's for you, you might be surprised by what you find. Plus free food! Also don't be afraid to ask for help from M2s, but always keep in mind that everyone learns differently and has different goals in med school. Ask for multiple opinions, and remember that only you know what will work best for you. 

Aarti: Enjoy the ride! Don't be afraid to reach out to your peers or the faculty for support or even just to vent, other than that, just take it step by step, everyone makes it through! Some people may face imposter syndrome, but don't worry it is probably too late for Dr. Severin to kick you out. 

Joelle: Keep things in perspective. School is going to get very stressful at times, just remember that YOU were selected to be here for a reason. Every single one of you is more than capable of handling med school. Don't be afraid to rely on your friends for some help. You are all going to go through this together, look out for one another! Also, please feel free to come to any M2 for help! Chances are we once felt the same way you will be feeling this year, and I guarantee that any of my classmates would be more than willing to lend a hand if you're ever in need :)

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