How to Balance Studying for Exams While Gaining Clinical Experience

Balancing academic revision with the demands of clinical placements is one of the most significant challenges for medical students. With exams such as the UKMLA, PLAB, OSCEs and postgraduate exams like MRCP and PACES requiring structured preparation, it can be challenging to find time to revise while actively engaging in patient care and hands-on learning.

This blog explores practical strategies to manage both responsibilities effectively, without sacrificing performance in either area.

The Dual Demands of Medical Training

Clinical experience is vital for developing real-world medical skills, communication techniques, and confidence in practice. Medical exams test core knowledge, guidelines, and diagnostic reasoning skills that require focused revision and review.

To succeed as a medical student or resident doctor, it’s essential to master the balance between these two components.

1. Use Your Clinical Experience as a Study Tool

Your day-to-day interactions during placement are rich learning opportunities. Link your clinical encounters with your revision schedule:

After seeing a patient with COPD, review respiratory physiology or inhaler management protocols that evening.
Reflect on common presentations you’ve observed and use Quesmed's question bank to reinforce understanding.
Take note of senior clinicians’ explanations — these often reflect exam content (particularly for undergraduate exams - listen to your lecturers!) and real-world applications.

2. Follow a Structured Revision Plan

A flexible but consistent study timetable is essential. Allocate dedicated time blocks for revision around your clinical shifts.

Utilise tools like Quesmed to study in shorter, focused sessions, using question banks, flashcards, or video reviews.
Break down your study plan by speciality (e.g. cardiology, renal, neurology) and integrate them with your placement focus.

3. Leverage Digital Platforms for On-the-Go Learning

Medical placements can be unpredictable, making it hard to stick to fixed revision hours. Quesmed offline app (particularly when NHS Wifi isn't working!) enables you to revise on the move.

Use flashcards or quizzes during commute times, coffee breaks, or between patients.
Make the most of short windows of time to review high-yield topics and maintain momentum.

4. Prioritise High-Yield Topics

Not every topic is equally tested. Focus your revision on common presentations, red-flag symptoms, and clinical guidelines that frequently appear in exams.

Utilise Quesmed's analytics to pinpoint your weak areas and concentrate on improving them.
Allocate more time to frequently assessed systems, such as cardiology, respiratory, and gastroenterology.

5. Reflect and Consolidate Weekly

Set aside time at the end of each week to review what you’ve learned both clinically and academically.

Use this reflection time to identify any knowledge gaps.
Reinforce key learning points through Quesmed's integrated flashcards and spaced repetition tools.

Conclusion

Balancing clinical experience and exam preparation can be challenging, but it is achievable with the right strategy. Utilise clinical learning as part of your revision, create a realistic study schedule, and leverage digital tools like Quesmed for flexible learning.

With consistent effort and thoughtful planning, you can thrive in both clinical placements and medical exams.

Share this article