Study Resources

Overview

Most doctors don’t struggle because they are incapable of studying.
They struggle because they waste time on poor resources, unrealistic plans, and ineffective strategies.

This page helps you study smarter, not harder.

The Problem with Medical Studying

Many doctors:

  • Buy too many books
  • Jump between resources
  • Start plans they can’t sustain
  • Study inconsistently
  • Compare themselves to others

This leads to burnout, not progress.

A smaller number of high-quality resources used consistently is far more effective.

Principles of Choosing Good Resources

Strong study resources usually:

  • Match your exam or goal
  • Offer active learning (questions, not just reading)
  • Give explanations, not just answers
  • Are realistic for your available time
  • Help you identify weaknesses

Weak resources are often:

  • Overly detailed
  • Not exam-relevant
  • Passive (just videos, no practice)
  • Too advanced for your level

Different Goals Need Different Resources

For MRCP Exams

Effective resources usually include:

  • Question banks (the backbone of preparation)
  • Targeted textbooks for weak areas
  • Past paper-style questions
  • Short notes for consolidation

Too many books = slower progress.

For Clinical Confidence in the NHS

Useful learning comes from:

  • Real cases on the ward
  • Asking seniors “why”
  • Reflecting on mistakes
  • Short focused reading on patients you saw
  • National guidelines (NICE, BTS, RCP, etc.)

Clinical learning sticks better when linked to real patients.

For Portfolio & Career Development

You can learn from:

  • Leadership books
  • Teaching skills resources
  • Quality improvement guides
  • Communication training
  • Reflective practice resources

Not all learning has to be exam-focused.

How to Build a Sustainable Study Habit

Better than intense bursts:

  • 30–60 minutes most days
  • One main resource
  • One backup resource
  • Regular question practice
  • Honest review of mistakes

Consistency beats perfection.

How to Avoid Wasting Time

These habits slow you down:

  • Watching endless videos passively
  • Highlighting textbooks without applying knowledge
  • Re-reading notes without testing yourself
  • Studying topics you already know well
  • Avoiding weak areas because they feel uncomfortable

Discomfort is often where the growth is.

Common Study Traps

  • “I need to read everything before starting questions”
  • “Everyone else is ahead of me”
  • “I failed once, so I’m bad at exams”
  • “I’ll start properly next month”

These thoughts are normal — but they delay progress.

Reality Check

There is no perfect resource.
There is no perfect plan.
There is only a plan you can realistically sustain.

Doctors who pass exams are rarely the most intelligent.
They are usually the most consistent.

Reassurance

You do not need to study like a student again.
You need a method that fits your work, your energy, and your life.

That is achievable for anyone.