USMLE Tips,Resources,Practice Tests And More

Tips for Applying to Residency Programs

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:07:00 +0000

Here we are with the 2010 residency match season. I remember my time few years ago, when I participated in the match, and got selected into my favorite residency without "much" hassle. As many of you might be aware that I am also an IMG/FMG from a different country than United States, and I was also looking for visa. At that time scores like mine were considered very competitive (I had 230+ on both 1st and 2nd step, don't remember the exact numbers), but now-a-days scores like those are seen more commonly. This has led to decreased importance of "scoring system" in general. Many of you might not agree with me, but program directors are looking for many other aspects into your profile than merely scores. Moreover, when you are offered a residency spot, you are not going to carry your scores badge with you. It is only your capabilities as a physician/doctor that will take you ahead of the rest. Believe me, I do not remember my scores clearly as I am typing this because you get to work so much in the beginning and then later (to establish yourself because you are an IMG/FMG), you tend to forget the exact numbers. Therefore, let us discuss here what are main things that you should keep in mind in order to get a residency:

1. Be clear and honest to yourself. You should not try to get just any residency that comes across your way. You might grab one..but you won't be sticking with it in the end. A clear choice should be there, and you should choose the residency that you want, in which you are more interested to work than any other. You will realize its importance when you will be working as a resident.

2. Do not follow people's choices. Why I am stressing on this point is, because I am working as a chief resident, and sorting applications (PDs don't touch your applications until they are given the best ones). I have studied logic, statistics, and mathematics too. I see more than 70% of applicants are applying to Internal Medicine (at least in our hospital's program). May be everyone is interested in that or may be everyone is following just everyone. This decision can help you secure a spot in your favorite or most wanted residency, but if you are not loving it, you will get yourself into trouble. I wonder how many blogs/websites talk about IMGs/FMGs getting fired after some time of getting their residency. This usually happens when someone didn't make a clear choice to choose a residency, and then landed into the one that was an easier one to get into. I might be wrong at some places, but logic and statistics teach me that there cannot be so much imbalance between choices when "majority" is following one trend. Such observations are seen when "influence" and "feeling of being on the safer side" come into play. Therefore, choose carefully, and work towards it to make yourself the best candidate for your choice, and not for everyone's choice.

3. Apply with completed applications. In order to make your application outstanding, you also need to work towards completing it as per any program's applications criteria. Do not expect to get interviews with incomplete applications as you are still seen as an IMG/FMG. However, this is the only factor that puts AMGs at advantage who get accepted even after sending incomplete applications.

4. Do not think programs discriminate. They do not. They want good candidates, and good candidates can be from any country. If some program discriminates, it is because either they do not have sufficient privileges from their parent institution (like visa sponsoring etc), or they have a population that demands AMGs in majority.

5. Apply to Programs where you are eligible. I hear many notions on this, such as apply to as many program as you can afford. But this is not a practical approach. You should apply to only those programs where you are eligible. Your applications will be rejected by the rest, where you do not meet their minimum criteria. Therefore, no fun in wasting money in ERAS. You should search on each program's website or call/email them to know their minimum criteria.

I will write more tips, once I am free. Good luck to everyone!

Dr. Goljan Lectures For USMLE Step 2CK

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:11:00 +0000

Those of you who have already cleared USMLE Step 1 exam must be very well aware of the importance of learning Pathology thoroughly for it. Same applies to learning Medicine for USMLE Step 2 CK. Students who have read Dr. Goljan's notes for step 1 pathology must be very aware of the fact that Dr. Goljan is "God" for Pathology preparation. I am not exaggerating the fact, but just conveying you the real world experiences. Good news for Goljan fans preparing for USMLE Step 2 CK: Dr. Goljan has been kind enough to guide you for Step 2 CK as well! Below you will be finding links to download his audio lectures for USMLE Step 2 CK. Listening to these lectures is optional for those guys and gals who have little time left for the preparation. However, those who are still preparing for it, can utilize the material most. You don't need to learn a different style to listen, and understand Dr. Goljan's lectures, do you?;-)

The files are in "rar" format, therefore, you will first need to extract them onto your computer using "winrar" software to open them. After that you can save the extracted mp3 files on any of your device supporting mp3 formats. I used to use my iPod for that.:-)

Password for all files is the same:usmle-tips.blogspot.com

Happy preparation!

1. Lecture #1: Click here to download
2. Lecture #2: Click here to download
3. Lecture #3: Click here to download
4. Lecture#4: Click here to download
5. Lecture#5: Click here to download
6.Lecture#6: Click here to download
7.Lecture#7: Click here to download
8.Lecture#8: Click here to download
9.Lecture#9: Click here to download
10.Lecture#10: Click here to download
11.Lecture#11: Click here to download
12.Lecture#12: Click here to download
13.Lecture#13: Click here to download
14.Lecture#14: Click here to download
15.Lecture#15: Click here to download
16.Lecture#16: Click here to download
17.Lecture#17: Click here to download
18.Lecture#18: Click here to download
19.Lecture#19: Click here to download
20.Lecture#20: Click here to download
21.Lecture#21: Click here to download
22.Lecture#22: Click here to download
23.Lecture#23: Click here to download
24.Lecture#24: Click here to download

USMLE Step 2 CK Questions

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:24:00 +0000

This site will be updated with the newest links for USMLE step 2 CK every now and then. We have already shared the USMLE step 1 material in the previous posts. From this post onwards, we will be posting USMLE Step 2 material to help our readers who have already taken USMLE Step 1, and are planning to take the next step; or users who are appearing for the USMLE Step 2 CK in the first go. Please report any broken or non-working links. We receive a lot of emails regarding the broken links, and we try our best to replace them. If, however, some links are still not replaced, we apologize for any inconvenience. Kindly bear with us, and all fresh content will be uploaded soon. Site updation is done only in free time, therefore, certain delays are likely to happen due to lack of enough free time or due to lack of direct access to internet in the free time.:)

Let's begin with our Step 2 material step-by-step:

1. USMLE Step 2 Alert: It is a software similar to Qbank to solve questions.

Download it here: Alert Step 2 for USMLE Step 2 CK.

Password is: usmle-tips.blogspot.com

2. Kaplan Qbank for USMLE Step 2: Download it by clicking here!!

Password is: usmle-tips.blogspot.com

3. Med Review for USMLE Step 2 CK:

a) Emergency Medicine: Click here to download!!

b) Family Medicine: Click here to download!!

c) Medicine: Click here to download!!

d) Obstetrics and Gynecology: Click here to download!!

e) Pediatrics: Click here to download!!

f) Preventive Medicine and Public Health: Click here to download!!

g) Psychiatry: Click here to download!!

h) Surgery: Click here to download!!

Password for all of them is: usmle-tips.blogspot.com

More material will be added subsequently. We thank all the users who send their stuff to us, to upload here and share with everyone.

USMLE High Yield Concepts

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:59:00 +0000

Preparation for USMLE involves not only a thorough knowledge about the subject matter that is asked, but also what is the subject matter that is more commonly asked. Keeping this in mind, we are launching a newer blog to supplement this preparation that will be related to the high yield concepts in USMLE step 1, 2 CK, CS and even step 3! You can access this blog by either following this link: USMLE High-Yield Concepts or by reaching it through the friendly links sidebar on the left hand side. As of now, this blog is just opened and without much content, but we promise you to populate it with regular and updated concepts that are highly tested on the USMLE exam.

Collecting different authors books, purchasing study materials and similar things can only help you if you absorb those materials too. It is always better to follow a particular set of books rather than reading many books at once. This method saves time, gives you more grasp in any particular subject and above all, helps to build your long-term memory, which is very essential while taking various USMLE steps. All suggestions will be welcome to the USMLE high-yield concepts blog too, as it will aid in improving the content and helping fellow students.

As far as the non-working links are concerned, they will be replaced with in a week or so. So, you don't have to worry about them. We are all here to help our future colleagues any time they want. Study material related to step 2 will be provided soon. Till then, happy studying! :)

Dr. Goljan Lectures Links

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Mon, 26 May 2008 22:26:00 +0000

Hello friends, the lectures links have been replaced with the fresh ones. I have received a lot of emails regarding day 2,3,4 and 5 links that are non-working. All these files have been re-uploaded under the same post. Please check that again and download as necessary. Dr. Goljan notes for step 1 are too high yield to ignore.:) I'll be providing with other helpful material and Step 2,3 stuff too. So, please bear with me and till then all the very best for your step 1 exam. Password for all files is usmle-tips.blogspot.com. One more thing, please extract the files on your PC by using softwares like winrar or winzip and only then you will be able to get the mp3 files. Here is a little summary of the steps before you will be getting the files in mp3 format:

1. Download the files from the respective links.

2. When downloaded they will be in ".zip" or "rar" form, which is a form of compressing files to make them smaller in size in order to upload them faster for everyone.

3. Download winzip (free trial) or winrar(better option) from internet, like, you can download them from cnet.com or even download.com or softpedia whichever you find good.

4. After downloading winzip/wirar install that software on your PC/laptop. This will automatically give the Dr. Goljan's downloaded files an icon resembling the winrar/winzip's icon (which means they will be extractable by either of the two softwares).

5. Right click on the files you want to "extract" (e.g. day 2) and you will see the option "extract here" or "extract to a folder". Just click any of those options asking for "extraction" and fill the password as given under each link (usmle-tips.blogspot.com), the files will start extracting automatically. Thats it! You are done after that as you will be getting the original uploaded files in "uncompressed form". They will be in mp3 format, so, you can play them in any mp3 player after making a CD out of them.

Hope it helps. Good day!

About Non-working links and compressed files

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 08:23:00 +0000

I have read the comments about broken links and compressed files (e.g. zipped or rar files). I will be replacing the older links with newer ones after checking them. For zipped or rar files, you will be required a software like "winzip" or "winrar" in order to extract the files, as they are very large and can not be uploaded with usual connection speeds and in lesser time, so I need to compress them. This saves time for uploading, time for downloading as well as their file size in general. For extracting files from zipped files do the following steps:

1. After downloading the compressed file, use a software like winrar or winzip (you can search it for downloading/getting). It will be opening the contents in original format.
2. Fill the password as above and hit ok.
3. The compressed archive will start decompressing and you will be getting the original files.

Password for most of the files is mentioned along with the respective files and in almost all cases it is usmle-tips.blogspot.com

You just copy this password from here and paste it while extracting when the software asks for a password. It will be extracting the files immediately. MP3 lecture files from Dr. Goljan are also compressed and you will be needing to first decompress them or in other words extract them using the softwares I mentioned above and then the original files will be getting extracted. I hope it will be helping you. Good day and good luck for your exam!

USMLE STEP 3 TIPS

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 21:39:00 +0000

Step 3 Tips:

There are so few places online that serve as a reference for Step 3. It seems that Step 3, even though it is a relatively easy test, is often not taken very seriously.
Useful resources for step 3 are as follows:
Textbooks:

* Crush Step 3: The Ultimate Usmle Step 3 Review [5 days]
* Swanson's Family Practice Review: A Problem-Oriented Approach [15-20 days]
* Ethics in Medicine (U of W site) [1 day]
* Biostatistics [2 days]
* Blueprints Obstetrics and Gynecology (Blueprints) [2 days]
* Blueprints Pediatrics (Blueprints) [2 days]
* Compass Surgery & Trauma Notes [1 day]

CCS

* USMLE 2003 CD (Software Tutorial + Sample Cases)
* Kaplan CCS TUTORIAL

MCQs

* Swanson's Family Practice
* USMLE 2003 CD – sample MCQs
* Kaplan Step3 CD – 200 sample MCQs
* NMS Review – 750 questions
* Kaplan QBank for Step3
* www.familypractice.com

Step 2 - USMLE Tips

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:41:00 +0000

Now that Step 2 was divided into Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Clinical Skills (CS), it is becoming a bit trickier.

Here are the major subject areas defined by the USMLE:

* General Principles
* Infectious and Parasitic Diseases
* Neoplasms
* Immunologic Disorders
* Diseases of the Blood and Blood-forming Organs
* Mental Disorders
* Diseases of the Nervous System and Special Senses
* Cardiovascular Disorders
* Diseases of the Respiratory System
* Nutritional and Digestive Disorders
* Gynecologic Disorders
* Renal, Urinary, and Male Reproductive Systems
* Disorders of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Puerperium
* Disorders of the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissues
* Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue
* Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
* Congenital Anomalies
* Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period
* Symptoms, Signs, and Ill-defined Conditions
* Injury and Poisoning

Most of what can be done in terms of preparation for the CK part is shared by my Step 1 guide. There are, however, a few particularities. For one, the test vignettes are longer than Step 1. This translates into relatively less time to solve each question.

So you will go through the same steps that you did for Step 1, right ? Partially. You will see that things are more general and vague. First Aid for USMLE Step 2 is not nearly as useful as it was for the first part. Why ? Because it is impossible to cover Clinical Medicine in one tiny book.

How to cover such a vast area with little time ?

1.Cover all the major diseases in each category
For example in Cardiology you would take hypertension, congestive heart failure, MI and such. Just take a look at Harrison's for a good outline of what you should know

2.For the less common diseases, cover the ones that have an established pathophysiologic mechanism
Take chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), for example. It is not very common, but you sure know about Gleevec and how it works. That is the mentality of how you should look at less common entities.
As it is for Step 1, you absolutely have to get the right materials...for example:
• Internal medicine 347 pages
• Obstetrics & Gynecology 174 pages
• Pediatrics 250 pages
• Psychiatry, Epidemiology & Ethics 188 pages
• Surgery 194 pages
• Q-Book with around 850 USMLE style questions

Suggested material:

KAPLAN VIDEO LECTURE DVDS FOR STEP 2 CK
STEP 2 VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Extremely High yield material
Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
Harrison’s Internal Medicine Book(only study for reference)
Step 2 Secrets: by Dr. Adam Brochert featuring "tips" and "secrets" based on his own experience and research on USMLE Step 2
And you can go for Blueprints too..but Kaplan covers everything.
Dr.Goljan's audio are again must for step 2 just like step 1.

Step 2 CS Material:

First Aid for USMLE Step 2 CS
KAPLAN CSA 5 Day Course Audio Lectures in mp3 format.
USMLE WORLD (Specially Physical Examination Videos from UW covering everything on physical Examination)
Supplementary material is again endless and you can choose what you consider good for your preparation.

And yes, hope you all know the newer requirements for step 2 from ECFMG:
Current Requirement 1: To take Step 2 CK or Step 2 CS, medical school students must be within twelve months of completing the full didactic curriculum at their medical school.
Current Requirement 2:There is no examination prerequisite for Step 2 CS. This means that applicants are no longer required to have passed Step 1 before applying for Step 2 CS. Applicants for ECFMG Certification may take Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS in any sequence, provided that they meet all other eligibility requirements.
Current Requirement 3:To take Step 2 CK or Step 2 CS, medical school students must have completed at least two years of medical school. This eligibility requirement means that students must have completed the basic medical science component of the medical school curriculum.
Current Requirement 4:To apply for Step 2 CS, all applicants (students and graduates) must have passed Step 1.

Preparation Materials for Step 1

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:17:00 +0000

Here I've compiled only the books that I had used.

Kaplan Notes On All Subjects--more than enough for a fair insight into the subject matter...But they are not good for long term retention as they are review notes and not conceptual ones..But best for those who have lesser time to prepare..!!Video lectures complement them interactivity wise and to a great extent understanding wise..so if possible combine both of them than reading the notes alone as they are not sufficient..!

Other books which are good concept building and understanding wise are as follows:
Comprehensive:
>Blackwell's Step 1 Underground Clinical Vignettes (Blackwell's Underground Clinical Vignettes)
>Usmle Step 1 (Edward F. Goljan)
Anatomy / Embriology
>High-Yield Embryology
>High-Yield Gross Anatomy
>High-Yield Neuroanatomy
Behavioral Sciences
>Underground Clinical Vignettes
>BRS Behavioral Sciences
>High-Yield Behavioral Sciences
High-Yield Biostatistics
Biochemistry
>Underground Clinical Vignettes
>High-Yield Biochemistry
>Biochemistry: Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews
>Biochemistry Illustrated
Microbiology
>Underground Clinical Vignettes
>Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple
>Cases in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Pathology
>BRS Pathology
>Underground Clinical Vignettes
>BrainChip for Pathology
>Robbins Review of Pathology
Pharmacology
>Pharmacology: Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews
>Pharmacology Recall
Physiology
>BRS Physiology

And again it depends upon your preparation,understanding and time you have for preparation which would be the determining factor for your choice of books..

FOREIGN (INTERNATIONAL) MEDICAL GRADUATES

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 21:05:00 +0000

For those students or graduates who went to Medical School outside the US, there is a steady number of people who come to the US for medical residency.

As of 2004, the aftermath of 9/11 is still having an impact on the number of IMGs who are able to come. Visas are sometimes difficult to obtain, even to come to the US for the (now extinct) Clinical Skills Assessment. This test is being replaced by USMLE Step 2 CS, so IMGs will continue to have to come to the US in order to complete the requirements for ECFMG certification.

To be able to secure a decent medical residency position, below are factors that program directors (PD) are looking for:

Scores: No matter how good you are, bad USMLE scores will hurt your application and ruin your chances of having good interview offers. This is definitely the strongest factor that PDs consider. It is also a way of filtering out applications. But if you are stuck with low scores, focus on things that can be changed (below).
Research: For stronger university-based programs, this is a plus. It will be particularly helpful if your research was done in the United States and if you have publications. If you have a PhD it is also a plus in some places.
Clinical experience in the US: Having at least one month of clinical experience in a US hospital is also a big factor. Make sure you get recommendation letters from the people you worked with, and remember their names. So you can have PDs talk to them (they do that very frequently).
Resident status: If you are an US-citizen or have a green card makes a big difference. It is a burden for programs to sponsor your visa, and there is a chance you can have problems related to that. So having resident-alien status makes a difference.
Recommendation letters: Try to get letters from American doctors who worked with you. Even during research, American letters have a huge advantage when compared to letters from your home country.
Specialty choice: For IMGs the easiest residency positions to get are in non-surgical areas. Specifically Family Medicine, Psychiatry and Internal Medicine. The most sought-after positions currently are: Dermatology, Radiology, Radiation Oncology, Neurosurgery, ENT, Opthalmology. Do not waste your time and money applying to these specialties if you do not have stellar scores, stellar research, stellar research letters.

Step 3 scores do not matter much, as long as you pass. The factors I've listed above are the most important ones, and if you have good scores in 2 steps you can have your interviews secured too.

USMLE WORLD

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 01:16:00 +0000

The standard of questions given and presented in USMLE world question bank is far better than its competitor Kaplan Q bank.Why i am saying so because you will notice this thing that Kaplan Q bank has certain flaws as far as the "quality of questions is concerned"..!They may be offering more questions to solve on but USMLE world will offer you the same in half questions.Again i am not criticizing Kaplan Q bank and its just a matter of experience and comparing both of the famous banks of questions.What suits you will depend upon your preparation though.Like its wise to start off with the questions given at the end of your Kaplan notes as the first step towards starting your "problem solving" practice as they are easier for a beginner to start with and give you an initial insight to the subject matter.
Then,you can opt for either Kaplan Q bank or USMLE world questions(online versions of both) for practicing your "learned material" the way it is going to appear in the real exam & its the second step towards your learning and skill acquiring in solving questions.Needless to say,you should do the kaplan Q book before taking the online part of questions.
Now,here comes the second thing after starting off with solving questions,and that is to choose between the two main online Q banks.Well,again i'll say choose USMLE world as it has "two major advantages":

1.Its "cheaper" than Kaplan Q bank and saving money is never bad when you will be getting the same thing in lesser price.
2.Questions offered in UWorld are "more closer" to what you see in the real exams.Why?because many times Kaplan questions seem to be of clinical oriented material and with both long and short cases but most of the times they are not presented in a good form so as to co-relate them with the case..!!Yes,it does happen with Kaplan Q bank many times when questions become misleading in the sense that the real question comes in the closing line of question's stem and your time gets wasted.Now,similar pattern can be used in the real exams too,but chances are always slim as its not considered a "professional approach" towards question/case presentation.

So,whether you are going for a step 1 or step 2 exam you should keep all these things in mind.The ultimate decision will be yours only,so choose as required..!

Below is (are) the link(s) related to the file for USMLE World question bank to download.You can check the standard of questions through it and if possible try your best to go for the online exams at least for a month just to make yourself adapted to the "real exam scenario".Good luck..!!

1.USMLE World (2005 Questions): click here to get

its a passworded archive and the password is usmle-tips.blogspot.com

2.USMLE World (2006 questions) : click here to get

The Official/Unofficial war between Kaplan and UWorld might be proving beneficial for students as now Kaplan has launched its "free trial version" of Q bank.Check it by clicking here
Now lets wait for UWorld Rx(n) for the same..;-)..Students would be benefitted both ways..So pray that they become more "student friendly" than "business friendly"..!!

TAKE A BREAK..!!

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 20:19:00 +0000

Well after all we all are humans and need rest..so lets take a short break..!!but even break time would be including our "branded stuff"..!!

1.Excess Of Everything is Bad:

2.Not Every Case Can Be Solved After All:

3.Lab Tests Should always be there:

4.Patience Test Of Patients:

5.Finally Too Much Time Online Can Result In:

USMLE PRACTICE TESTS AND RELATED STUFF

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 16:37:00 +0000

Below are listed the practice tests for USMLE preparation and related stuff.As you can see i am posting first about step 1 here which I'll be updating from time to time to add more things in every post.So keep visiting back and also keep checking even the older posts to download and read the newer things added as additions would be done subject wise here and everywhere.Links which have not be added right now would be added as soon as their upload is completed.So all of the listed links are being uploaded and blank links have been replaced with working links.

2008 USMLE Orientation & Practice Material(by usmle.org for all steps): click here to go to the site

1.USMLE First Aid For Step 1(2006)(better because lesser mistakes):click here to get

2.USMLE First Aid For Step 1(2007)(not edited fully): click here to get

3.First Aid For Step 2 CK: click here to get

4.First Aid For Step 2 CS : click here to get

5.First Aid For Step 3 : click here to get

6.First Aid For Match: click here to get

7.USMLE Step 1 Recall Buzzwords: click here to get

8.Kaplan Q Bank: click here to get
(password is usmle-tips.blogspot.com ) (the test would be opening in your browser.. for best results use firefox or internet explorer as other browsers may not work properly)

9.USMLE World Questions And Answers(2006) :click here to get

10.NBME SELF ASSESSMENT TESTS :click here to get
(password is usmle-tips.blogspot.com )
11.Students Remembered Questions And Answers: click here to get
(password is usmle-tips.blogspot.com )

12.5000 USMLE Board Questions:(They are mostly those MCQs that have been collected from a wide variety of sources include clinical diagnosis, disease pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, clinical management, internal medicine, surgery, epidemiology, public health, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, and psychiatry. The questions are mostly clinical medicine.Pure biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology questions are not included & program does not include graphics.But its good for the early starters as a review program): click here to get

13.USMLE Rx Series: The questions have been given subject wise.
a)Anatomy : click here to get
b)Biochemistry :click here to get
c)Pathology: click here to get
d)Pathophysiology : click here to get
e)Physiology: click here to get
f)Behavioral Science: click here to get
g)Microbiology: click here to get
h)Pharmacology: click here to get

IMAGING STUDIES STUFF

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 17:24:00 +0000

Below you will be finding links and sites related to USMLE's hot favorite "Imaging Studies Related Stuff" like Radiology,MRI,CT scans and so on and so forth.Click on the relevant links to download what you require.Things not mentioned can always be asked without delay by "contacting us" through the mail id provided on the upper right hand side corner.Imaging studies are given more importance in these days USMLE exams..but they require only the basic knowledge in step 1 and related pathology in step 2.How these studies are done is never asked over the exam.If any addition is done;readers would be notified without delay.

1.McGraw Hill's USMLE Pretest-Chest Radiology(pdf): click here to get

2.MRI From A To Z(pdf) : click here to get

THE IMAGING STUFF FOR PRACTICE & PREPARATION:

1.Master Frame:click here to visit the site

2.Visible Human Server(will be needing to register-very good source of images):click here to visit

Lets take a look at "how to differentiate between CT and MRI images(to avoid confusion in the exam):
These are features of CT scan(must be known)

And these are features of an MRI scan(must be known to differentiate between CT & MRI):

Miscellaneous but Essential stuff

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:52:00 +0000

Below are the links of the uploaded files which contain and cover miscellaneous but "essential tools" for USMLE preparation help..Many of them have been produced by the medical graduates of various times and have been compiled under single individual file.The files contain links to medical mnemonics,various charts for USMLE preparation,syndromes collection,USMLE most common stuff and so on and so forth..have a look and click on the relevant links to download as required.

1.Medial Students Amnesia(pdf): click here to download

2.Syndromes (pdf): click here to download

3.USMLE Complex Most Common (pdf): click here to download

4.USMLE mnemonics (rar file): click here to download

PATHOLOGY-2(With Dr.Goljan Stuff)

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 06:33:00 +0000

Dr.Goljan stuff:

1. Goljan text notes-General Pathology Click here to get
2. Golajn text notes-Systemic Pathology Notes Click here to get
(Password is usmle-tips.blogspot.com)
3. Goljan High Yield Click here to get

4.Goljan High Yield 100 Pages : Click here to get
5.Goljan High yield Questions: Click here to get

Dr. Goljan Audio Lectures:

1.lectures Day 1 -->containing:

1Cell injury1.mp3

2Cell injury2.mp3
3Inflammation1.mp3
4Inflammation2.mp3
5Fluid and Hemody1.mp3
6Fluid and Haemody2.mp3
7 Fluid and Haemody3.mp3

click here to get:
{password is usmle-tips.blogspot.com }

2.lectures Day 2--> containing:

1Nutrition1.mp3
2Nutrition-2-Neoplasia1.mp3
3Neoplasia2.mp3
4Neoplasia3-1Haematology1.mp3
5Haematology2.mp3
6Haematology3.mp3
7Haematology4.mp3
8Haematology5.mp3

click here to get
{password is usmle-tips.blogspot.com }
3.lectures Day 3 -->containing:

1 Hematology6 1.mp3
2 Hematology7.mp3
3 Hematology8.mp3
4 Cardiovascular1.mp3
5 Cardiovascular2.mp3
6Cardiovascular3.mp3
7Cardiovascular4.mp3
8Respiratory1.mp3

click here to get
{password is usmle-tips.blogspot.com }
4.lectures Day 4 -->containing:

1Respiratory2.mp3
2Respiratory3.mp3
3GIT1.mp3
4GIT21.mp3
5Hepatobiliary1.mp3
6Hepatobiliary2
7Renal1.mp3
8Renal2.mp3

click here to get
{password is usmle-tips.blogspot.com }
5.lectures Day 5 -->containing:

1 Gynae1.mp3
2 Gynae2.mp3
3 Endocrine.mp3
4 Muskuloskeletal.mp3
5 Skin.mp3
6CNS & Special Senses

click here to get
{password is usmle-tips.blogspot.com }

Goljan Pathology Slides(password is usmle-tips.blogspot.com): Click here to get

Goljan Add-Ons For Pathology review (password is usmle-tips.blogspot.com): Click here to get

Goljan Slides Show: (slides taken from the slide folder linked above)

View Album

Get your own

PATHOLOGY-1(without Dr. Goljan stuff)

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 06:19:00 +0000

1.Kaplan Pathology(2004 edition): click here OR click here

2.Rapid Review Pathology: click here to get

3.High Yield Pathology: click here to get

4.Free Pathology Images/Slides(Online):click here to go

5.Great Resource Of Pathology Slides Study With Hundreds of free slides to chose from: click here to go

6.Color Atlas of Pathophysiology: click here to get
DR.GOLJAN STUFF CAN BE SEEN ON THE OTHER POST @ Dr.Goljan Stuff

MICROBIOLOGY-IMMUNOLOGY

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 06:07:00 +0000

1.Kaplan Microbiology-immunology notes:

click here to go to the download site

2.Kaplan WebPrep Lessons:copy and paste the following links in your browser address bar to start listening to the lectures..

rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S040_01c.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S040_01a.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S040_03c.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S040_01b.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S040_02a.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S040_01d.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S040_03a.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S040_03b.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S040_03d.rm

3.Rapid Review Microbiology-Immunology: click here to go to the download site

4.Interactive Animations: click here to go to the site

5.Microbiology Video Library: click here to go to the site

6.USMLE pretest microbiology: click here to get

7.Color Atlas Of Medical Microbiology(Thieme): click here to get

8.Color Atlas Of Immunology(Thieme): click here to get

PHARMACOLOGY

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 05:55:00 +0000

1.Kaplan Pharmacology:
link 1-->@ Megaupload

link 2-->@ Mihd

2.Rapid Review Pharmacology

3.Kaplan WebPrep Pharmacology:copy and paste the following links in your web browser's address bar to start listening to the lectures:

rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_01.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_02a.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_02b.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_02c.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_02d.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_02e.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_02f.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_02g.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_02h.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_02i.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_03a.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_03b.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_03c.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_03d.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_03e.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_03f.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_03g.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_04a.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_04b.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_04c.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_04d.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_05a.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_05b.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_05c.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_06a.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_06b.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S060_07a.rm

4.Pharma Charts: click here to get

BIOCHEMISTRY

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 05:45:00 +0000

1.Kaplan Biochemistry:{2004 edition}

link 1-->@ Rapidshare

link 2-->@ Mihd

2.Kaplan WebPrep lessons On Biochemostry: copy and paste the following links in your address bar and listen to the lectures:

rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_02a.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_02b.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_02c.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_02d.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_02e.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_02f.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_02g.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_02h.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_02i.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_01a.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_01b.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_01c.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_01d.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_01e.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_01f.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_01g.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_01h.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S020_01i.rm

3.Rapid Review Biochemistry: click here to go to the download site

4.Interactive Animations in Biochemistry: click here to see

5.Color Atlas Of Biochemistry(pdf): click here to get

PHYSIOLOGY

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 05:28:00 +0000

1.KAPLAN webprep lessons on physiology: you will be needing "real player" to download upon prompt to listen to the lectures.Copy and paste the following links in your web browser to start listening to the lectures:-

rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_01a.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_01b.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_01c.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_01d.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_01e.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_02a.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_02b.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_02c.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_02d.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_02e.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_02f.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_02g.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_02h.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_02i.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_02j.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_02k.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_02l.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_02m.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_02n.rm
rtsp://streaming.kaplan.com:7070/usmlestep1/L103S070_02o.rm

2.Kaplan physiology 2004 edition:click here to go to the download site

3.A great online resource(free) for both anatomy and physiology concepts understanding

4.Human Physiology Animations:

Histology+Dermatology

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 05:09:00 +0000

1.USMLE rapid review Histology:a)click here to go to download site

b)download link 2

2.High Yield Histology

3.The Online Histology Tutor(free of cost)

4.Histology world

5.Dermatology study with slides and basic concepts

Neuroanatomy

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:58:00 +0000

some of the best resources to study neuroanatomy online :

1.http://thalamus.wustl.edu/course/links.html

2.http://www.neuroanatomy.wisc.edu/index.html

3.Netter's Atlas Of Neurology: click here to get

Neuroanatomy videos:
1.Tutorial I-Spinal Cord:

2.Neuroanatomy Tutorial 2 (Spinal Cord-contnd):

3.Neuroanatomy Tutorial 3 (Spinal Cord):

4.Neuroanatomy Tutorial 4 (Spinal Cord):

5.Similar great videos on youtube(thanks to hyperhighs for uploading them)

6.Neuroanatomy & Neuropathology on the Internet: a great resource for online studying.

7.Color Atlas Of Neuroanatomy,Neurosciences And Neuropathology(Thieme): click here to get

8.Color Atlas Of Neurology(pdf): click here to get

9.Neuro Tests(pdf): click here to get

Basic Sciences--Part I (ANATOMY)

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:03:00 +0000

To start off with your anatomy preparation following things are needed:(remember you are not only gonna study but do it "in a smarter way" so as not only to "pass" step one but to "conquer" it..so will be needing more than one resources so as to absorb the material and store it in your hippocampus with all your "mindedness"..like whether you are "motor minded","eye minded" or "both"..you will be needing "more than just books" to convert your "passive studying" into "active learning")..follow the required tools..!!

1.Study books---Kaplan Anatomy is more than enough as little is asked over there in the exam about anatomy in detail.But you can go with your own options or suggestions given by some close friend.Download the books below..The links below show all the Anatomy Books which are found useful for review as well as extensive study.

link no. 1--> Kaplan anatomy (mihd.net link) OR Kaplan Anatomy (Megaupload link) {2004 edition in both}

link no. 2-->Kaplan Anatomy Coloring Book

link no. 3-->Elsevier - Netter - Interactive Atlas of Human Anatomy v3.0

link no. 4-->Pocket Atlas Of Human Anatomy By Thieme

link no. 5-->High Yield Human Anatomy

link no. 6-->Radiographic Anatomy

link no. 7-->USMLE Road Map: Gross Anatomy

2.Interactive tools for motor minded people and for active learning:

link no. 1-->Kaplan MedEssentials

link no. 2-->Netter's interactive Atlas (CD ROM)

link no. 3-->Rapid Review Gross and Developmental Anatomy-CD ROM

IMPORTANT NOTE:Links which have been disabled can be got by mailing us @ usmle.tips(at)gmail(dot)com with the mail subject containing the software you need.All of them are shared free of cost with no terms or conditions attached..so feel free to ask and get them.

USMLE STEP 1 Preparation

noreply@blogger.com (admin) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:15:00 +0000

BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE TEST :

If you have not already done so, become familiar with the information in the USMLE Bulletin of Information found at www.usmle.org . The Content Description and Sample Test Materials may also be downloaded from that site. The Content Description provides a detailed breakdown of content.

Plan ahead. Testing sites and seats are limited.

If you need special testing accommodations, you should also plan ahead as securing accommodations takes more time.

For a fee, you can schedule a 3 1/2 hour time block at your Prometric center to take a practice exam in the same environment as your actual test. The questions on the Practice exam at Prometric are the same questions found on the USMLE website. You may schedule the practice exam as soon as you have your Scheduling Permit. If you are planning on taking a practice exam at the Prometric center, schedule it as soon as you have your exam date, since the centers do get booked. Plan to take the practice exam approximately a week before your scheduled exam date. Do not take the practice exam too close to your actual exam. If you choose not to do a practice exam, at least visit your site to become familiar with the set-up (parking, traffic, restrooms, etc).

Re-confirm your appointment with your Prometric center a week before the exam, and again a few days before the exam.

Practice questions daily. Use resources that have questions close to the USMLE format. Practice timing for 1 minute per question. A primary strategy is to KEEP MOVING. There is no penalty for wrong answers and no hierarchy of difficulty of the questions. You benefit most from doing questions in the tutorial mode . Read the question, answer it, immediately read the explanation of all the answers. Use the explanation to lead you to topics to review at that point. This immediate feedback and reinforcement helps retention.

TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR HEALTH AND DIET :

Nutrition (remember your course?) is important to help keep you healthy during the study period and to maintain energy on the exam day. While many of you rely on caffeine and sugar to sustain your energy level, protein is a better choice to help you through the Step I "marathon." Think about snacks (cheese sticks, peanut butter with whole grain crackers or an apple, etc.) that you can eat mid morning and mid afternoon to keep energy level even. This is particularly important on the exam day.

You do not have to join a gym or begin Olympic training during Step I study, but exercise should be a part of your daily schedule. Simply walking outside or dancing to your favorite songs for half an hour can provide a break, clear your head, and offer an opportunity to re-connect with the world. The time it takes to exercise can provide the ?down time? your brain needs for memory and learning.

Making a Schedule :

Take time to determine your review sources and make a schedule.

To prevent burnout, schedule in leisure activities, exercise and other activities or responsibilities you will have during this time.
Set reasonable study goals. A 20-hour study day is not productive. Your brain needs time to process information.
When to start your study? Some will want to start the day after Pathophys ends; most will take 3 or 4 days off before beginning to study.

SET UP A DAILY ROUTINE THAT YOU WILL STICK TO THROUGHOUT THE REVIEW WEEKS :

Try scheduling your most intense study time during "regular work hours," from about 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. This coincides with most scheduled USMLE Step I exam times and helps promote a pattern for working intensely with subject content within this time. Evening hours may be best for doing practice questions. Sometimes doing a block of questions during the day can act as a break. Remember to do the majority of your questions in the tutorial mode. Practice for timing, particularly if it is an issue for you. Your study time is finite; you cannot skip studying Biochem because you are anxious about Pharm. As you complete areas, acknowledge this accomplishment; this will aid in motivation.

Suggested Daily Schedule:

8:30 to 12:00 - Study Session

12:00 to 1:00 - Lunch Break

1:00 to 4:00 - Study Session

4:00 to 7:00ish Break (be human, get some exercise or have some fun)

7:00 to 9:00ish Do Questions-Go over High Yield Facts

Relax and go to bed at a reasonable time

In summary, honestly assess your academic record and study style, consider your needs, plan a schedule, stick to the schedule (your schedule is the best one for you!), be active in studying, think linkages of information, build in break time, and take care of your physical and mental needs.

Link for Step I Study Schedule(6 week study schedule):
click here to download the study schedule