Medical schools across the globe have closed in the wake of COVID-19. An unintended consequence for medical students is missing out on important lectures, medical concepts and clinical training. It could have devasting impact on their goal of becoming a licensed MD. Looking for daily activities that are educational, and creative is a great idea to keep you busy during this uncertain period of self-isolation and quarantine.

In this post, I have compiled a list of activities for medical students that facilitate active, engaged learning from the comfort of your home. These activities will also help those students who are planning to apply to medical school while developing the key skills required to work in a healthcare setting.

Let’s check out.

Read Medical Journals

It’s no wonder that research is vital for the progress of modern medicine. This is why medical schools are always looking for students who have strong research skills and have the desire to make groundbreaking revolution in the field of medicine. Research opportunities are one of the best activities for medical students as it gives them a competitive edge over their fellow students. It will also develop time management skills, understanding of statistics, and critical thinking skills that will help you throughout your medical career. During COVID-19 quarantine, you can spend your time by reading research papers to increase your knowledge about the medical field.

Read Medical Books

Here is a list of five best books that you can read while self-isolating.

Do No Harm – Henry Marsh

It is one of the best books for aspiring medical students that motivates you to pursue a career of medicine. Henry Marsh is a world-renowned brain surgeon, he writes about his life and career in this book. The author honestly highlights the realities and challenges of medicine and mentions his worst mistakes as well. If you want to become a physician, neurosurgeon or cardiologist, this book will surely inspire you to fulfill your dream.

When Breath Becomes Air – Paul Kalanithi

It is a great read for medical students that is written by a neurosurgeon who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. In this memoir, Paul Kalanithi attempts to explain his heartbreaking journey and his struggle to fight with the terminal illness. This book tells about how to live a meaningful life and takes the reader into the heart of life and death.

Write a Stellar Personal Statement

If you are a future medical student, then it is a great time to put your efforts into writing an impressive personal statement. Your personal statement is the most important parts of your medical school application that can play a vital role in your acceptance. You can make the most of your time of quarantine by reading some books before writing your personal statement.

  “Life at the Extremes” – Frances Ashcroft

This book will make you feel humbled and inspired as it mainly focuses on what happens to your body when it is pushed to the very limits of what it is capable of. Aspiring medical students can mention this book in their personal statement as an example of your desire and enthusiasm to pursue a career in medicine.

Get into Medical School – Write the perfect personal Statement by Olivier Picard

This book helps aspiring students understand what admission committees are actually looking for in applicants so that they can come up with a stellar personal statement. It includes real-life personal statement examples that will guide students how to write a powerful personal statement. You will learn effective writing techniques, how to plan, and develop a structure of the statement. The beauty of this book is that it is written in clear and easy to understand language, allowing students to learn the trick to impress the admission committee and show their desire for a career in medicine.

The Ultimate Medical Personal Statement Guide by Rohan Agarwal and David Salt

This book helps aspiring medics to write a killer personal statement. It includes contributions and advice from more than 25 medical teachers and many impressive examples of successful personal statement.  It is an excellent read for medical school applicants that guide them through every stage of the writing process.

Use Social Media for Educational Purposes

It’s no denying the fact that social media is a powerful medium to stay informed about what is happening in the world. Medical students can utilize social media to enhance their learning and communicate with their fellow students. You can improve your medical knowledge and clinical skills by using social media channels. Many healthcare organizations are harnessing the power of social media for training purposes. Some hospitals and healthcare centers are providing live update during medical procedures. Medical students can use social media channels to get up-to-date information on the current coronavirus outbreak situation, healthcare advancements and latest research processes.

So, here you go. Hopefully, these activities will keep you busy and learning during the coronavirus quarantine while preparing you for your medical school journey.