Impact of NIH Funding Cuts on Medical Education in the U.S.
NIH Funding Trends and Recent Cuts For decades, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been the major source of funding of medical research and education in the U.S. Its budget steadily climbed over the past ten years, hitting $47.3 billion in 2023. But in 2024, funding dropped by...
How AI is Revolutionizing Medical Education
The Future of AI in Medical Education Imagine practicing your diagnostic skills with a virtual patient in ‘critical condition’ whose symptoms evolve in real time. Picture being guided through your physical exam of a real patient by an AI that adapts to your learning curve. Imagine a virtual tutor...
Navigating Step 2 As a Non-traditional Medical Student
You’ve made it through Step 1 (hooray!), and you find yourself preparing for Step 2. Step 2 is another mountain to conquer on your journey to becoming a physician. It is a tough road, but it doesn’t have to be terrible! Whether you took a few years off prior to...
Burnout and How to Overcome It
Everyone knows that studying is critical to passing your medical school examinations, whether that be on your own, in a group, with your tutor, and more. This type of preparation is highly personal and totally dependent on what the individual needs, especially in the week leading to these important examinations....
The Best Way to Study Anatomy in Medical School: Tips from an Anatomy TA
Clinical Anatomy is a cardinal experience of medical education. For many, the cadaver dissected during the first year of medical school will come to be remembered as their “first patient,” inviting a novel reckoning with both the resilience and inevitable mortality of the human body. In addition to its rather...
Insights from Volunteering in Healthcare: How Giving Back Can Shape Your Medical Career
If you’re reading this, you’re likely a medical student or aspiring to become one, exploring ways to gain experience that aligns with your educational and career aspirations. As current and future physicians, we find immense fulfillment in the act of giving. Our passion for medicine is fueled by the profound...
Saving Money as a Caribbean Medical School Student
Pursuing a medical degree in the Caribbean medical school has unique challenges, especially in managing finances. Whether you’re just starting your first year or transitioning back to the States for clinical rotations, being mindful of your spending can significantly impact your overall experience. Below, I’ll share some tips and personal...
The Difference Between Applying MD/PhD and MD: MCAT Scores and More
Choosing between an MD and MD/PhD program is a significant decision for any aspiring physician or physician-scientist. A common misconception is that the MD/PhD application path is more challenging than MD. The truth is, they serve different purposes, require different levels of preparation, and have distinct admissions criteria. Seeing the...
Guide to Surviving Your First Year at SGU
The journey through the first year at St. George’s University (SGU) is uniquely demanding yet immensely rewarding. As an SGU student, I’ve experienced the highs and challenges firsthand. While I’ve chosen to remain anonymous to speak candidly, my aim is to provide you with practical insights and strategies that worked...
The Reality of Caribbean Med School Attrition: Why It Happens and How to Succeed
Attending a Caribbean medical school is both rewarding and challenging. Oftentimes, the dream of becoming a physician drives many students to turn to these institutions as an alternative pathway to achieving their goals. However, it is important for students to consider all aspects of their choice to attend a Caribbean...