USMLE STEP I

1
USMLE STEP I
Power Point prepared by Alpha Omega Alpha Class
of 2013

• Elizabeth Dilday and David Routman
• October 30th, 2013

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ObjectiveRealize you will be okay.

• TODAYS SESSION
• USMLE in Context
• Logistics
• Resource Overview
• Tips for Now

• NEXT SESSION (2014)
• Study Schedules
• Maximizing ICS
• Resources in Depth
• Tips for Test Day

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The Board Myth

• AOA?
• Research?
• MSPE?
• Away?
• Honors?
• Awards?
• Sports/Music?

• USMLE dictates residency choice
• A review residency application components

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Keck SOM USMLE Step I Good News! We do well.

• Keck USMLE Step I Avg. 2006-2011
• 230-232 (competitive scores are considered
  gt230)
• National USMLE Step I Avg. 2006-2011
• 218-224
• Keck system exams questions are very similar to
  USMLE Step 1 questions
• You are going to do well just by showing up!

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Keck average
National average
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The USMLE

• Three-step examination for medical licensure
• Step I (580)
• 325 multiple-choice questions
• 8-hour testing session
• 7 blocks, 60 minutes each, 46 questions/block
• 1 hour of break time 45 min of true break 15
  min for tutorial
• Scoring
• 3-digit associated w/ total of correct
  questions (consistent yearly)
• 2-digit derived from 3 digit score in passing
  terms (e.g. gt75)
• http//www.usmle.org/pd
  fs/bulletin/2013bulletin.pdf

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Logistics Youre still ahead of the game.

• Scheduling
• Apply for permit in November
• Schedule your date in December/January
• Test in May or June
• Prometric Testing Centers
• Nearby Glendale, Culver City, Anaheim
• Culver City
• quiet, bathrooms outside around the corner
• Glendale
• easy access to bathrooms/lockers (less wasted
  time)
• next to the freeway (sirens), gardeners on
  Thursday
• Anaheim

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Step I Preparation What most students do

• Start studying 10-12 h/day after Spring Break
• First Aid Review in Depth
• USMLE World Q-Bank
• NBME Practice Test(s)
• 2-3 Other Resources based on Preference
• Goljan Rapid Review Pathology, Costanzos BRS
  Physiology
• Doctors in Training
• Flashcards! (Lippincotts Microcards, Lange
  Pharmacology)
• Kaplan Q-Bank

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High Yield Resources

• Tips
• Avoid buying too many
• Dont start and stop multiple resources
• Use a few and get to know them thoroughly
• First Aid
• Most important study resource
• Comprehensive and approachable
• Required textbook for ICS
• Purchase most current version (2014)
• Check for errata
• http//firstaidteam.com/updates-and-corrections

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Q Banks

• Kaplan
• Separate user interface
• Longer questions, multiple order!
• 2400 questions
• 1 month 99, 12 months 249
• USMLE world
• Interface like the real USMLE
• Questions are similar to real exam,
  slightly more detail-orientated
• 2000 questions
• 1 month 99, 3 month 185

Note good scores are gt70 on timed, random Q
test blocks
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A Note on Review Programs
Vs.

• Kaplan (2400)
• Formal review program
• 200h videos, 10 exams, lecture notes (doesnt
  include Qbank)
• Not popular w/ Keck Students
• Doctors In Training (800, may get a deal)
• Uses First Aid, DIT study guide, active
• Keeps you on schedule
• Occasionally wastes your time
• Can be completed in 15 days (30-45 recommended)

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High Yield Resources

• Goljan Pathology
• Outline format
• Lots of pictures
• System-based
• Diseases not taught in our curriculum
• Goljan Audio
• Review of high-yield information from book
• Flexibility to listen when
• Running
• Driving
• Doing chores
• See free resources at end
• New for the Class of 2015 Pathoma videos
• Dr. Husain A. Sattar

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High Yield Resources

• BRS Physiology by Costanzo
• Helpful for explaining detailed physiology
  concepts in a concise and reliable format
• Regarded as best physiology resources as covers
  topics in appropriate depth for step 1
• Practice problems are helpful for system exams

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Other Resources

• Utah Medical Question Bankhttp//library.med.utah.
  edu/WebPath/EXAM/MULTORG/EXAMIDX.html
• Other Resources for Targeted Review
• Biochemistry Rapid Review
• Cell Biology Robbins Ch1-7
• Microbiology Rapid Review, Lippincotts FC
• Neurology High Yield Neuroanatomy
• Pharmacology Lange Flashcards
• Goljan Audio

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Tips for Now

• Start application for the scheduling permit now
• Make sure the name you use to apply for an exam
  matches your drivers license EXACTLY
• Save EVERYTHING in both paper form and somewhere
  that you can access anywhere (e.g. Cloud,
  Dropbox, Gmail)
• Do well on your systems, get familiar with review
  materials
• Take care of unfinished business before March
• Moving, breaking up, research, changing
  medications, bad habits

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Concluding Remarks
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Questions?
dilday_at_usc.edu davidroutman_at_gmail.com