Wellness and Work: Anki, Study Habits, and Exam Outcomes in First-Year Medical Students

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Cognitive Science
• Student Wellness

Background:

• Medical students face increasing content demands and curriculum changes.
• Effective study strategies are crucial for academic success.
• The impact of popular tools like Anki on performance and wellness is not well-understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between Anki use, study habits, and academic performance in first-year medical students.
• To explore the relationship between self-reported wellness and academic outcomes.
• To identify factors contributing to success in preclinical medical education.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey of 176 first-year medical students assessed study methods, Anki usage, and wellness.
• Survey data were linked to in-house assessment scores (written exams, anatomy practicals).
• Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U tests, and regression modeling.

Main Results:

• Anki was used by 82% of students, with 51% identifying it as their primary method; however, Anki use showed no association with improved exam performance.
• Students using three or more study methods scored significantly lower on written exams (p=0.02).
• Higher self-reported wellness and adequate sleep (≥7 hours) correlated with better written exam performance (p=0.01).

Conclusions:

• Academic success in early medical education is linked more to wellness and focused study habits than specific tools.
• Consistency and self-care appear more beneficial than sheer time investment.
• Wellness and focused learning strategies are critical for medical student achievement.