Felson’s 10 Axioms for a Lifetime of Learning Medicine

Felson’s 10 Axioms for a Lifetime of Learning Medicine

1. You like it, you’ll learn it; so learn to like it.
2. Principles are as important as facts. If you master the principles, you can make up the facts.
3. You learn better when you know your goals. If you don’t know where you’re going, says the Talmud, all roads will take you there. But if you do know, you’ll get there much quicker.
4. Follow your cases. I've learned and remembered more by follow up than any other way. It’s hard work, but as Confucius says, “He learneth most who worketh most.” Or was it Knute Rockne?
5. Like sex, learning is better if you are actively involved. When you read, talk back to the author. Be skeptical. Don’t follow the authorities too closely or you may become a Brown Nose Duck; he can fly as fast as the leader, but can’t stop as quick.
6. Reinforcement is essential for acquiring knowledge. But don’t reinforce by simple repetition; use some other method than the original way you learned it. See a case, look it up; read an article, find a case or ask a question.
7. Reward is important for learning. Show off what you know. Brag a little. Speak up in class. Tell your spouse or sweetheart; tell your colleagues; don’t bother to tell your friends – you won’t have any.
8. Different people learn best by different methods. Figure out your own best method and cater to it, whether it be reading, listening, observing or doing, or a combination of these. Don’t depend on great teachers. They are as rare as great students.
9. Quick retrieval of once-acquired information is crucial. The home comptuer is ideal but other good retrieval methods are available. Create your own presonal modification and keep improving it. Without a recall system you’re a “loser”, an old man with a stuck zipper.
10. Divide your study time into prime time, work time, and sleepy time. Biorhythms vary widely among students, so develop your own study schedule. Don’t watch television during prime time and don’t read medicine during sleepy time.

Taken from Felson, B. Humor in Medicine, 1989; RHA Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio.