The Science of Spaced Repetition
How to flatten the forgetting curve and master the 19-subject MBBS curriculum
The Forgetting Curve Visualized
When you study a complex medical topic (like Renal tubular acidosis or Epilepsy drugs), your recall percentage declines rapidly within 48 hours. Reviewing the topic at the exact point of forgetting resets your recall back to 100%, and significantly slows the rate of future decay.
Next-Gen Scheduling: FSRS vs. SM-2
Traditional flashcard apps (like Anki on older defaults) run on the SM-2 algorithm, created in the late 1980s. Floww is native-built using the state-of-the-art Free Spaced Repetition Scheduler (FSRS), which uses machine learning to map your personal memory biology.
| Feature | Modern FSRS (Floww Default) | Legacy SM-2 (Anki Default) |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Personalization | Yes, fits model parameters to your reviews. | No, relies on fixed static interval multipliers. |
| Efficiency Boost | 30%+ fewer reviews needed for same retention. | Baseline review load. |
| Ease Factor "Hell" Prevention | Yes, eliminates repetitive card loops. | No, users easily get stuck in review loops. |
| Custom Target Retention | Yes, adjust between 80% and 95%. | No, hardcoded to target ~90% only. |
The Daily Review Protocol
The biggest threat to spaced repetition is the "backlog panic." If you skip reviewing your due cards for 3 days, they will pile up, leading to frustration. Follow this checklist to stay consistent.
Morning Review Priority
Make card reviews your first intellectual task of the day. Do them before reading new chapters or solving QBanks. Your brain is rested, and clearing the queue sets a positive tone.
The 15-Second Limit Rule
Don't spend 1 minute trying to recall a card. If you cannot pull it out of your memory in 15 seconds, reveal the answer, review the mechanism, rate it honestly, and move on.
Spaced Repetition Dos & Don'ts
✅DO
- •Review cards daily without gaps.
- •Trust the scheduler — even if a card feels "too easy" right now.
- •Use the "Again" button immediately if you missed the clinical trigger.
- •Adjust target retention based on your current preparation phase.
❌DON'T
- •Overwhelm your deck by adding 300 new cards in a single day.
- •Postpone reviews because you want to finish reading first.
- •Hit "Easy" for every card just to get it out of your queue.
- •Panic if your due cards pile up — use the filter tags to focus on high-yield subjects.
Ready to Beat the Forgetting Curve?
Floww combines FSRS defaults with high-yield MBBS cards to help you lock in medical facts. Learn how to combine spaced repetition with an overall exam preparation strategy.