The Best Way to Study USMLE Course - Part 1

The Best Way to Study USMLE Course - Part 1

Admission procedure for USMLE
It is the dream of every Medical Graduate, whether from the U.S., Canada or International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from different parts of the globe, to get through the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to become eligible for selection to the Residency Program and practice medicine in the U.S.A.
The first thing to do before proceeding with USMLE is to collect information regarding admission details, eligibility requirements and such other information from USMLE and Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates(ECFMG)'s websites.
Once you have collected information from organizations like USMLE and ECFMG, the next step will be to find out relevant study materials like books, coaching institutes, which are offering excellent coaching and guidance through online, class room based or home study method. You will also have to find out which are the institutes offering Residency programs as per your credentials and is there any possibility of getting externship facility and letters of recommendations.
It is not that easy to get into the Residency Program, especially for the IMGs, because of limited availability of seats for IMGs. One has to go through various hurdles like passing the Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) for Residency Match and finally the Step 3 in order to get a license to practice medicine in U.S.A.
On an average about 37000 candidates participate in the exam annually for about 25000 Residency positions, of this about 8000 are IMGs. Approximately 75% of the available seats are cornered by US Seniors and a small portion by the U.S. resident IMGs. Out of about 8000 plus IMGs appearing for the exam, only 40-42% of them get selected for the Residency.
That means there is fierce competition for available seats and only the very best and those who have excellent communication, clinical and patient management skills get through to the USMLE Residency Program.

USMLE Step 1

 

USMLE Step 2 CK Exam - FIVE Steps to Guarantee a Score Over 230

USMLE Step 2 CK Exam - FIVE Steps to Guarantee a Score Over 230

Some people will tell you to run out and grab this or that study guide, swearing that it is "the only" guide that you need. But there is a problem with this approach, and this is that the majority of study guides on the market are very superficial high-yield guides, going into little or no detail about each topic it touches. If you really want to score well above average on the CK exam, you have to dig deeper, you have to go that extra mile in order to succeed in surpassing the average and knocking this exam out of the ballpark.
Many medical students aren't really sure how they should approach an exam in order to significantly surpass the average, but the answer truly is not to simply read a review book and do a few questions. The key is to take the high-yield information that is being presented to you in books and on the wards, and take this information one-step further, learning everything you can about it, even the smallest detail you can find.
Here are FIVE steps that can help you secure a score of more than 230 on your USMLE Step 2 CK exam:
1. Figure out what is truly high-yield information
This is the first and most important step in preparing for your Step 2 CK exam. The best place to find this information is in a study guide that is written specifically for the CK exam. A word of caution here is to purchase a study guide that gives you complete information, not simply one or two supposedly high-yield quick facts. You really want to find something voluminous, because truly learning medicine requires lots of information, so don't cut yourself short here by purchasing something because it is smaller than the rest of the guides on the market. On the other hand, don't feel like you have to have full books on each individual subject, because this is not necessary for Step 2 CK preparation.
2. Take the "high-yield" information and dig deeper
This is the step that most people will unknowingly miss, and in turn it will really hurt their score. The key to "digging deeper", is to realize that each topic being presented to you is simply an introduction, and in no way a multidimensional look at that topic. In order to best prepare yourself for the CK exam (and your career in medicine), you should learn the surface information for the topic (ie. the basics), then learn some secondary, tertiary, and quaternary information. Be sure to review the histology, pharmacology, anatomy, pathology, and physiology for each topic. In doing this, you will have a well-rounded knowledge base for each topic on the test. Just a note - this sounds like a lot of work, but most of this information will come back to you from your Step 1 exam, and in the end it will go a long way in helping your score.
3. Take this "deep" high-yield information and apply it to a question bank
Using a question bank as a study supplement is absolutely essential these days, and with the highly targeted information being presented in the qbanks, it is going to go a long way in your quest for a 230 + score on the CK. The key to making the best of your qbank efforts is to go through them relatively slowly and take meticulous notes. These notes are going to be added to your study guide in order to fill in each and every piece of information you may be missing.
4. Fill in the cracks of your current knowledge with your new qbank knowledge
The second-to-last step in fully setting yourself up for a great score is to take your qbank notes and to fill them into your study guide. If your study guide is a PDF document, simply print it out and you will have plenty of room to write in the hundreds of important points you grabbed from doing your question bank.
5. Read your super high-yield preparation guide at least THREE times
Now that you have gone deeper to learn as much as you could about each superficial topic presented in your study guide, taken it a step further by filling in the cracks with all of your qbank information, you are ready to sit down and round out your test preparation by absorbing every last nugget of information in your study guide. Studies have shown that the absolute best way to commit something to your memory is by seeing it at least THREE times. The best approach to doing this can be either reading each chapter three times through, then moving onto the next, or by reading your guide all the way through three individual times. You will know what is best for you from experience. If you want to truly ensure you won't forget anything on test day, you can read each chapter three times in a row, then once you are done, read the guide once through. This will ensure you remember everything, even the first few chapters that you might have forgotten a bit about.
These are FIVE steps you must take in order to ensure you get a score well above average on your CK exam. If you are a weaker test-taker this information may be what you need to propel your scores that much higher, if you are a strong test-taker then this information will help you stay strong and possibly do even better on this test than the Step 1.

USMLE Medical Books

 

USMLE Step 1 Exam - 7 Tips For A Top USMLE Score

Studying for the USMLE Step 1 exam is serious business, and we are now in a time where there are more applicants than there are available residency positions, so there is absolutely no room for error in preparing for it thoroughly. It's true, there are almost twice as many people applying for residency today than there are available positions, so students should no longer be striving to simply "pass" the exam and go into a primary care field, because even the simplest residency programs to get into are now extremely competitive.
Because of the increasing difficulty in attaining a residency and the direct relationship between getting interviews and a good Step 1 score, I am going to share seven tips that I believe can help anybody do well on the USMLE exam, even if you are not a strong test-taker.
My seven tips for an outstanding Step 1 score are:
#1 - Start thinking USMLE from day 1 of med school
Get into the mindset from day 1 that you are preparing for the boards, because the sooner you set your mind for it's preparation the sooner you will start to absorb the appropriate material.
#2 - Class time = USMLE prep time
Pay close attention throughout your courses and pay extra attention to anything that your professors say is "high-yield", because they have been there already and they know what is likely to be on the exam. Take notes and develop your own process for marking the high-yield stuff that comes up in your classes.
#3 - Give the USMLE 1 hour every week from the start
If you are taking the right steps and making notes consistently for the Step 1 then you should have an ever-growing set of USMLE notes. Every week, take only 1 hour and sit and study your USMLE-specific notes, which will help you to absorb the high-yield information over time and this will ultimately help you best prepare.
#4 - Combine your class notes with your study guide notes
Something I didn't do but I wish I had done was get a USMLE Step 1 study guide from day 1 and bring it to all my classes. I had friends who did this and it helped them tremendously, and the only thing you need to do is jot down class information that comes up that is discussed in your study guide. This helps you to add more depth to the high-yield topics mentioned in the study guide and this ultimately gives you an even better study guide in the long-run.
#5 - Do a question bank from day 1
Starting a question bank from the beginning of your med school days is a great way to learn how to take standardized exam questions as well as a great way to help you prepare for your classes. Be sure to work through the qbanks slowly and take great notes along the way, as these will come in handy closer to your Step 1 exam date.
#6 - Create 3 sets of notes for the USMLE
Studying simply from a pre-written study guide is a fast way to a mediocre score, so instead of that you want to create 3 sets of study notes for your USMLE prep. First, you need to create notes straight from your classes which are your most in-depth set of study notes, secondly you need a set of notes mentioned in #4 which is more high-yield in nature, and third you need a thorough set of notes taken from your question bank. These three are a killer combination and will help you do very well on your exam.
#7 - Treat your USMLE preparation like a job
This test is tough, so approach it as if it was a job, giving it plenty of dedicated attention. When you are done with your 1st and 2nd year courses, create a schedule for studying and stick to it firmly, as you need to study intensely and consistently for a few weeks in order to get a top score.

USMLE Step 123

United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) 2012

United States Medical Licensing Examination targets on attaining medical license in United States. The faculty concerned with this exam is Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).This examination conducted through three stages. On each stage, it will testify the physician’s knowledge and skill in medical field. As different medical licensing authorities possess their own rules, this exam will provide a common criteria for giving license for practicing medicine. This examination program will reviewed frequently. Recent updates can be found on USMLE website.

Structure of USMLE
Three stages will accompany this examination that will be in computer-based manner. Step 1 is concerned with the basic knowledge of Medical Science has 322 questions with many choices separated in seven sixty minute blocks should terminate in eight hours. Clinical Skills and Clinical Knowledge are the two phases of Step 2. Clinical Skill will evaluate separately while Clinical Knowledge is multiple-choice pattern.
Twelve patient’s cases patient will give in Clinical Skills test. 25 minutes is allotted for each patient. For diagnosis, minimum 15 minutes is permitted. Step 3 has 480 questions with multiple choices separated in 30 to 15 items having blocks. It should terminate in 45 to 60 minutes. The two stages conducted in one of the Prometric Test Centers (PTC) in the world, while last stage can conduct only in United States and its territories. The properties used while examination will come under copyrighted materials. Any replication will come under the violation of copyright law.
Syllabus of USMLE
Step 1

• Anatomy
• Behavioral Science
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Physiology
• Interdisciplinary topics such as nutrition, genetics, and aging

Step 2 Clinical Knowledge

• Internal medicine
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Pediatrics
• Preventive medicine
• Psychiatry
• Surgery

Other areas relevant to provision of care under supervision
Step 2 Clinical Skills

• Integrated Clinical Encounter (ICE)
• Data gathering: Obtaining patient’s information by diagnosis and history
• Documentation: From the findings from diagnosis and history finishing the patient’s record
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills (CIS)
• Questioning
• Sharing information
• Professional manner
• Spoken English Proficiency (SEP)
• Communication skills to interact with patients

Step 3

• Clinical Encounter Frame
• Initial care
• Continued care
• Emergency care
• Physician Task
• Thorough diagnosis of patients and making record
• Managing patients

Eligibility Criteria
For Step 1, Step 2

• Candidates currently doing medicine or graduation in MD degree from whichever US or
• Canadian medical school approved by Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)
• Candidates currently doing medicine or graduation in DO degree from US medical school approved by American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
• Candidates currently doing medicine or graduate from other medical school exterior to US and Canada eligible only meeting the norms of ECFMG

For Step 3

• Candidates should acquire MD (or equivalent) or DO degree
• Candidates should qualify Step 1 and Step 2
• Graduates exterior to US and Canada should qualify certification by ECFMG or attain successfully Fifth Pathway program
• Candidates should eligible to the specifications in Step 3 set by preferred Medical Licensing Authority

How to Apply?
For Step 1 and Step 2

• Candidates from US and Canada should apply all the way through the website http://www.nbme.org
• Candidates outside US and Canada should apply all the way through the website

http://www.ecfmg.org
For Step 3

• Candidates can forward their application through http://www.fsmb.org

Note: They have to login the website with USMLE or ECFMG ID. While registering in the site, an eight digit ID will be obtained.
While giving the name make sure it is exactly as in passport or degree certificate. In case of specifying clinical clerkships, give the details. If payment is through credit card fill with the sixteen digit number. Also confirm the name entered is same as in the card. Photograph submitted should have an expiry of six months and should seal by Dean or Medical college office. While sealing make sure not covering the entire photograph.
Important Dates
Exam is scheduled according to date on which the candidate is applying. The concerned authorities will sent the dates through email.
List of USMLE centers

• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Ahmedabad
• New Delhi
• Bangalore
• Kolkata
• Allahabad
• Mumbai

Contact Address for the USMLE
For Step 1 or Step 2(Candidates from US and Canada)

• NBME, Examinee Support Services, 3750 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3190
• Website: http://www.nbme.org
• Telephone: (215)590-9700
• E-mail: webmail@nbme.org

For Step 1 or Step 2(Candidates outside US and Canada)

• ECFMG, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2685
• Website: http://www.ecfmg.org
• Telephone: (215)386-5900
• E-mail: info@ecfmg.org

For Step 3

• FSMB, Assessment Services, 400 Fuller Wiser Road, Suite 300, Euless, TX 76039-3856
• Website: http://www.fsmb.org
• Telephone: (817) 868-4041
• E-mail: usmle@fsmb.org

OR

• Medical licensing authority
• E-mail Address: http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_eliinitial.html

Reference Books for USMLE

• First Aid for the USMLE Step 1by Vikas Bhushan
• Pathology: Board Review Series by Arthur S. Schneider
• Physiology (Board Review Series) (3rd Edition) by Linda S. Costanzo
• Pathophysiology for the Boards and Wards (Boards and Wards Seies) by Brad Spellberg
• High-Yield™ Biochemistry (High-Yield Series) by R. Bruce Wilcox
• Lippincott’s Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry by Pamela C. Champe
• High-Yield Cell and Molecular Biology by Ronald W. Dudek
• High-Yield Histology by Ronald W. Dudek
• High Yield Gross Anatomy (Science of Review) by Ronald W. Dudek
• Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple, Edition 3 by Mark Gladwin
• High-Yield Embryology by Ronald W. Dudek
• High-Yield Immunology by Arthur G. Johnson
• High-Yield™ Neuroanatomy (High-Yield Series) by James D. Fix
• High-Yield Behavioral Science by Barbara Fadem
• High-Yield™ Biostatistics (High-Yield Series) by Anthony N. Glaser

Coaching Centers for USMLE

• Global Institute of Medical Sciences
• Dr.Bhatia Medical Institute
• Achievers Point Knowledge Systems Pvt. Ltd
• Jamboree Education Center
• Career Forum

Study Plan
It is vey useful to review question banks and leaf through graphics to attain better knowledge to approach the exam. It is better to concern about time taking to attend each question. Reviewing test materials will help for that. It is better to take diagnostic pretest. Most important thing is to practice questions, at least solving hundred each day. Some time should give for relax from studying so as to refresh mind.
How and where to get the results
If the exam is held on Wednesday or Thursday or Friday the result will be on third Wednesday. If it is on other days except Sunday, the score will come on forth Wednesday. Result will get by email given by ECFMG or NBME.
Score Validity
Score obtained by this examination is valid for only seven years. After that even though the candidates have qualified the exam, it may not serve the purpose of this exam.

USMLE Step 1