Tag Archives: USMLE

Writing a Personal Statement to Match

Personal Statement Success

One of the great challenges of the residency application process is writing a personal statement. It sounds simple enough on the surface: a 1-page essay that sets you apart from the other applicants and makes the program director eager to meet you. But it seems that nothing induces writer’s block faster than asking a medical student to write about him- or herself. Continue reading →


finger print for biometric check in procedure while taking USMLE

Biometric Check In Process

Biometric check-in is an in-depth process that will include taking a series of measurements of a student’s fingertips and creating a unique identity for the student’s finger. In addition to the fingerprint measurements, the student will be required to have their I.D. digitally scanned in order to expedite the check-in and check-out process while taking breaks throughout the day. Continue reading →


Ho to plan for your Step 1 preparations

How to Plan Your Step 1 Preparations (2012 Course)

While you are still concentrating on your medical school curriculum, annotate your comprehensive review book, such as First Aid, as you go through your course. Take an NBME practice exam 2-3 months prior to your intensive study period to establish a baseline and determine your weak areas. There are several ways to use the DIT Part 1 Questions and Video Answers that begin arriving to your dashboard in January and continue through May. These questions are open-ended questions that are focus on high yield topics for Step 1.
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Pharm Ad and Research Abstract Questions on Step 2 CK

Pharm Ad and Research Abstract Questions on Step 2 CK

The United States Medical Licensing Board has announced that there will be new items added to the Step 2 CK examination as early as August 3, 2011. These new items’ formats will assess an examinee's ability to appropriately interpret information presented both in the form of a research abstract and a pharmaceutical advertisement.
Students should be prepared to be able to analyze a pharmaceutical advertisement and answer multiple choice questions about the following areas as related to the pharmaceutical covered in the ad:
a) Biostastistics/epidemiology
b) Pharmacology/therapeutics
c) Development and approval of drugs and dietary supplements
d) Medical ethics
e) Decisions about individual patient care
In addition, students will be asked to interpret a clinical or experimental research abstract and answer questions related to:
a) Biostatistics/epidemiology
b) Use of diagnostic studies
c) Pharmacology/therapeutics
d) Decisions about patient care
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Positive Thinking

Changing to Positive Thinking for USMLE Board Preparations

It is so easy to slip into making negative statements when preparing for boards. As our earlier article discussed, this type of thinking and talking can actually result in poorer self-esteem and reduce performance. Affirmations, and generally turning negative thinking into positive thoughts, can become self-fulfilling prophecies and motivate you to greater heights. Here are some examples of negative things we think and say to and about ourselves during board preparation, as well as some suggestions for turning those thoughts around to work for you instead of against you.
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