“Before lockdown I was commissioned by Edinburgh University medical school to reinterpret Rembrant’s painting, ‘The anatomy lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp’. The university owns a copy painting of this that hangs by their anatomy museum just where we made this photograph. In our version the characters were replaced by all female medical students who represent the very first women students in Britain that were allowed to study medicine 150 years ago at Edinburgh University. Sad to say the women back then were not granted the honour of graduating, something the university rectified at a honorary degree ceremony for them last year.” More on Edinburgh Seven.
As residents begin a new year in their training and education, please see below a few tips and tricks for reinforcing memory retention:
+ Research indicates that content built around a narrative may contribute to both learning and retention. Read more on “See What Makes Storytelling So Effective For Learning?” via Harvard Business.
+ A few years ago I posted an article on “spaced repetition” or “microlearning” and how we are wired to quickly forget. Read more on “The New Way Doctors Learn: A simple technique dramatically improved the memory recall of Harvard Medical School students” via Time.
+ For visual learners, check out this 5-minute video on spaced repetition via Osmosis.
+ Sleep is critical for memory retention and learning. Learn more on how “Sleep enhances reconsolidation-based strengthening of visuospatial memories” via Nature.
+ The techniques you use to deliver your content and engage your audience are key. Active, inclusive participatory exercises have been found to build on learning and retention. Visit our Academic Half Day Preparation In-Class & Online for a few ideas.
Let me know in the comment section below if you have any additional tips and tricks you use to help with learning and retaining new content.
Best,
Jacqueline
UBC Family Practice Residency Program: Abbotsford-Mission Site 