The Keyword Memory System

The Keyword system is the most effective memory system for learning medical terms. I've provided examples below to show you how to use this method. A good time to use this system is when you have a term for which there is no readily-available mnemonic.

The way you use the Keyword Method is by combining the use of substitute words with visualization (a two-step process). First you convert the sound of the word into smaller, simpler concepts. Then you associate those concepts with an image representing the actual meaning of the word.

Remember that when using any of the memory systems, you must make an effort to clearly visualize the images. The images are the "cues" (or clues) that help you retrieve the information from your memory, much like the label on a file folder.

Example 1 - "ginglymoid". This word means "pertaining to or shaped like a hinged joint." If you could somehow associate the phrase "hinged joint" with this term in your memory, you'd easily be able to remember the definition. The first step with the Keyword system is breaking down the word phonetically into smaller sounds you can word with.

The word ginglymoid is pronounced "jing-lei-moyd" according to Taber's medical dictionary. Thinking carefully about the sound of this word, I realize it sounds a bit like "jingly mud" (of course, you would use whatever phrase pops into your mind).

For jingly mud, a silly but memorable image could be a gigantic bell stuck in the mud. I am trying and trying to ring it, but the mud is very thick and I'm breaking my back trying to pull it out. Try to see this in your mind's eye in great detail - what color is the bell? what metal is it made of? does it have a wooden handle? And so on.

To associate that image with the definition, I modify the picture to imagine the handle of the bell is not straight, but actually has a human elbow (a hinge) in the middle! As I pull on the bell, this elbow bends, making it even more difficult to pull the bell out of the mud.

There you have it. When I read or hear the word "ginglymoid", it will automatically make me think of "jingly mud", which instantly calls to mind the bell stuck in the mud. The image I visualized will remind me that this is no ordinary bell, but it has a hinged joint on the handle. Therefore, ginglymoid => hinged joint.

Explaining this out took a lot of words, but when you perform these steps in your mind using images, it goes very quickly.

Don't forget, you need to periodically review your image to set it firmly in your mind. It only takes a second to review an image. Review images after 10 minutes, then 30 minutes, then 2 hours, then less frequently (perhaps after one day, then one week). This will really put the image and the associated medical term into long-term memory.

Example 2 - "Minimata's Disease". This disease is a neurological disorder caused by accidental ingestion of mercury, which is a poison. To remember this fact and the name of the disease, we simply need to associate Minimata (pronounced "mee-nee-mah-tah") with mercury.

Remember that the visual images are cues, which means they don't have to include every part of the word or definition to remind you of the true meaning. If you study and understand a concept, then the visual image cue simply acts like that filing cabinet label and allows you to access the part of your memory where that information is stored.

"Minimata" sounds to me a lot like "meany mat". I picture a very mean door mat with arms, legs, and an angry face. This could be like the Welcome mat that many people have by their front doors. Now, most people know that your typical thermometer contains mercury (the silver liquid inside).

I visualize this angry mat taking a huge thermometer out of his mouth (I guess he was sick, and that's why he's mad) smashing the thermometer on the front porch. This splashes the silver mercury all over and gets broken glass everywhere, which is very hazardous.

You see with that image, it is not only silly, but it also adds exaggeration (a "huge" thermometer) as well as action (smashing the thermometer). These all help make the image more memorable.

When I read or see the phrase "Minimata's Disease", I'll realize it sounds like "meany mat". This will remind me of the mean mat who smashed his thermometer and spilled mercury every where. Oh yeah! Minimata => mercury poisioning.

http://www.medicalmnemonics.com/