The Pareto Principle was introduced by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, who observed that 80% of Italy’s wealth was controlled by 20% of the population.It essentially means that in many situations, 20% of efforts lead to 80% of results.
3 Ways Medical Students Can Use the Pareto Principle
1. Focus on High-Yield Topics for Exams
Not all topics are tested equally on medical school exams. In fact, focusing on the most frequently tested subjects—high-yield topics—is a prime way to apply the 80/20 rule. By dedicating 80% of your time to the 20% of topics most likely to be tested, you’ll retain critical information and score higher on exams.
Tip: Review past exam questions or ask upperclassmen about high-yield topics to identify areas of focus.
2.Clinical Rotations
During clinical rotations, you might notice that a small percentage of cases contribute to the bulk of your learning. For example, while rare diseases are important to know, common conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and pneumonia will form the majority of your practical experience. Focus on mastering the common presentations, diagnostics, and treatments.
3. Efficient Study Techniques
Not all study methods work equally well for everyone. Rather than spreading your efforts across different techniques, identify the 20% of study strategies that work best for you and stick to them. For instance, if flashcards or active recall techniques help you retain more information, dedicate more time to these methods instead of passive reading or note-taking.