OK. Let's talk about something that will probably be of interest to most here. My entrance exam was about 17 years ago. Yes, a long long long long time ago. However, I haven't stopped learning. I love to learn but there is only a finite amount of space in my head. When something goes in, another thing has to come out. (I think that was a saying by Homer Simpson).
I discovered this technique a while back when I was finishing one of my postgrads in pharmacy. I just wish I had known about it during my pre-reg and earlier as it would have saved me a huge amount of time. The problem was that computers were not that powerful then as they are now. I use it to this day.
For those that have not used them, the technique of mindmapping can be one of the best tools that you can use to get a huge amount of material in a finite space. The mind remembers through diagrams rather than huge swathes of words and this system can be used to extort that principle.
An example of one of my maps (I have absolutely loads) can be found here. This map condensed about 15-20 pages into one page - and there is room for more information. I carry these around in my iPad to remind myself of facts especially if I am going one of my tours in a GP practice or even in the pharmacy.
The technique is simple - break down a task into smaller and smaller branches. Then go to another book or source and add to the branches!
There are some really good computer programs for this out there. There is a free version called 'FreeMind' ... just google it to find out where you can download it. I use a version called MindJet but the cost of that is significant - about £400.
Try it for yourself and see how brilliant this technique is.
I discovered this technique a while back when I was finishing one of my postgrads in pharmacy. I just wish I had known about it during my pre-reg and earlier as it would have saved me a huge amount of time. The problem was that computers were not that powerful then as they are now. I use it to this day.
For those that have not used them, the technique of mindmapping can be one of the best tools that you can use to get a huge amount of material in a finite space. The mind remembers through diagrams rather than huge swathes of words and this system can be used to extort that principle.
An example of one of my maps (I have absolutely loads) can be found here. This map condensed about 15-20 pages into one page - and there is room for more information. I carry these around in my iPad to remind myself of facts especially if I am going one of my tours in a GP practice or even in the pharmacy.
The technique is simple - break down a task into smaller and smaller branches. Then go to another book or source and add to the branches!
There are some really good computer programs for this out there. There is a free version called 'FreeMind' ... just google it to find out where you can download it. I use a version called MindJet but the cost of that is significant - about £400.
Try it for yourself and see how brilliant this technique is.
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