Purpose
The transition into medical school is a challenging experience, marked by the demands of a rigorous academic curriculum and the pressures of adapting to a new environment. To navigate this successfully, medical students must adopt effective study strategies and self-care practices that promote both academic success and personal well-being. This guide introduces a framework “STUDY SMART” an acronym designed to help new medical students optimize their learning, manage their workload, and maintain overall health. Additionally, it offers valuable insights and practical recommendations for academic advisors and faculty to better support students throughout their medical education journey.

Methods
The “STUDY SMART” framework was developed through an extensive review of current peer-reviewed literature, best practices in medical education, and relevant educational resources. The framework integrates evidence-based strategies to address the academic demands of medical school while prioritizing student well-being. The ten core principles of the STUDY SMART framework were identified and structured into a cohesive model.

Results
The “STUDY SMART” framework consists of ten core principles, each represented by a letter in the acronym: Schedule wisely, Take classes or lectures seriously, Utilize group study, Do practice questions, Yield to health, Seek help, Make connections, Assess progress, Review and recall, and Take breaks. These principles are grounded in evidence-based practices that have been shown to enhance both academic performance and personal well-being in medical students.

Conclusion
The “STUDY SMART” framework provides a comprehensive, holistic approach to medical education by combining effective study strategies. It serves as a valuable resource for new medical students, offering practical strategies to succeed academically while safeguarding their well-being. Additionally, it provides academic advisors and faculty with a structured tool to better support student success both inside and outside the classroom.