Tips from the experts (1)
Snell is an excellent text, but I found that innumerable readings were required before any facts displayed more adhesive power than undergoing simple diffusion through my maters into the air. But it is the best textbook for anat I still think, for it is sound, pithy and traditionally The Choice (which is always dependable) as compared to Last's density, Moore's verbosity and Gray's practical impossibility. But choose Moore's if you simply must have nice pictures (in which case Netter's is the cure) and want a cushioned entry into the region of the week... and Last's if you are a genius. Gray's is for stately display upon grandpapa's shelf.
Always attend dissections, even if you are in a haze, for the tutor would point out salient structures that you must know, should know and ought to know to understand weird medjokes. Read up the relevant section before each dissection (using the tutorial objectives as a guide, perhaps, but really what's the harm in knowing a bit more about your jiggly insides) and know at least the names of structures (as opposed to attempting to phonetically spell a term while your classmates are at least getting a glimpse of it). Try to cut something, anything, once in a long while... it is almost surely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Tutorials are more than regurgitation sessions... bug your tutors about things you do not understand or get bolder classmates to do the bugging. Histology practicals are useful, but I found Wheater's essential as the glass slides do not accompany you home. Consume and chew Wheater's like cud for Spots, and try to get Mcminn's or something similar for the gross specimens (manny more in number and importance, naturally) but if you cannot then at least mug Netter's religiously.
Embryology is a fascinating subject and do not miss any lectures, not just because of the sheer interest of the subject, but because the tutors explain processes in such manner that no perusal of Langman's can possibly substitute for. In actual fact Langman's is probably not that crucial, since the notes are excellent and they would serve anyone admirably (coupled with annotations made in lectures, that is).
Tan Yong Cheng, M1 02/03
Tips from the experts (2)
Anatomy is the subject that most time is spent on simply because it's very dense and it involves learning new terminologies( akin to learning a new language). However, it is by far the easiest of the three subjects to score if all tutorials are done conscientiously. There is a danger in concentrating too much on anatomy and leaving an important subject
like physiology with less time for assimilation. So proper time management is vital.
The two textbooks that are commonly used are Snell's and Moore, of which Snell's will serve better for exams and tutorials but Moore seems better in stimulating interest. Some tutors are ardent fans of Last, but it is not recommended unless you are an aspiring surgeon. Do not hop from one textbook to another for anatomy ( unlike that done in
physiology) because getting accustomed to the style of writing takes time too. If
you intend to use Snells as a text, do take note of the clinical aspects as well as surface anatomy.
For Histology, wheaters will suffice. Pay special attention here. Emphasis on histology seems to be increasing as the years go by (so says my tutor) . Try to note unique characteristics of each slide because the aim is to be able to recognise the slide when it is given to you in the spots exam.
Anatomy should always be studied together with clinical relevance . To score well in anatomy isn't difficult. Just find out the test format and work from there. For eg, if it is MCQ test, then u may have to know anatomy in slightly more detail. So the advise is to comb through the text ( if u have time) . There is an anatomy TYS around, so just try
it. Spots exam tests us on our dissection and histology practicals. You will generally be tested on the very obvious and the 'big picture', and again do not forget the clinical relevance and embryology, for u never know when they will come out. Essays can be managed if tutorial objectives are met. Lifen's notes may help consolidate what u have learnt. Anatomy department is the kindest of the three departments and they do give some
focus for the tests. Do not skip lectures given by prof Raj!
Last of all, try to enjoy anatomy. It is interesting if u see it in relation to certain pathological conditions. It's defintely more palatable than biochemistry.
Lionel Lum, M1 02/03
Anatomy True or False: Each paper will have about 20 questions, each question having 5 parts to it, and wrong answers cost you -1 score. This means, if you answer all 100 parts, get half correct and half wrong, you will end up with a score of zero. The moral of the story is NOT to guess if you are unsure about anything (same goes if you happen to be doing surgery next time). You can prepare for such a test by going through past year questions (some are repeated) which can be obtained from seniors.
The Spots exam: This is a unique exam where there are about 50 stations, half of which there are either dissected specimens, radiographs or slides mounted on microscopes. Each student will take one station and is given about 30 seconds to identify the part of the marked specimen. The other half of the stations without specimens has questions based on the previous specimen. In addition, there are rest stations where you can stop to take a break, or ponder upon questions that you are unsure of. You can prepare for such an exam by visiting the anatomy museum often, or looking at you colour atlas often.