The aspirants worldwide appear for the United States Medical Licensing Examination to get a medical practitioner license in the US. There are three steps in USMLE – step 1 tutor examination assesses the comprehension and application of basic medical science, and the step 2 examination evaluates the ability of examinees to apply knowledge, skills, and understanding of clinical science. Whereas USMLE step 3 is for independent physicians to assume responsibility for patient management in ambulatory settings.
Structure of USMLE Step 1
USMLE Step 1 tests the medical science and the principles and mechanisms underlying health, disease, and modes of therapy. It classifies medical science material into two parts: system and process. It is a one-day examination segregated into seven 60-minute blocks and administered in one 8-hour testing session (with 45 minutes of break-time and 15 minutes of the optional tutorial). Each block contains a maximum of 40 MCQs, and the maximum number of questions is 280.
Structure of USMLE Step 2
USMLE Step 2 assesses knowledge of clinical science principles and basic patient-centered skills to ensure competency in medical practice. It is also a one-day examination with eight 60-minute blocks administered in nine hours (with 45 minutes break and a 15-minute optional tutorial). The maximum number of multiple choice questions is 318, and each block has not more than 40 questions.
Structure of USMLE Step 3
The content of this exam is a data-based model of generalist medical practice, reflecting clinical situation cases. It contains 232 MCQs divided into 60-minute 6 blocks of 38-39 questions and computer-based case simulations (with 45 minutes break and a 15-minute optional tutorial).
An Ideal Study Plan for USMLE
Preparation for USMLE is a daunting task due to the extensive information coverage. However, the followings help in making excellent studies,
Active Learning
Engaging in the repetition of study material enhances retention and helps recall information during exams. Flashcards can be of great help in specific subjects. The students should connect a piece of information to several concepts or experiences with each recall. They should focus on the material most likely covered in the exam. The USMLE aspirants can study the material through active application for better understanding and retention.
Selective Study
The exam aspirants must know what is likely to be on the exam. For that, they can talk to medical school faculty that have seen past exams or have reviewed MCQs. They should download test materials from the USMLE website, which allows content structure and the new sections covered. For more unique sections added yearly, they should download material from other sources.
For study purposes, candidates should cover some standard topics before two years and avoid studying for the last exam. They can have discussions with students and colleagues who have undergone USMLE for hard-hit topics.
Way to Study
A USMLE candidate must begin the study by learning core terms or definitions in the tested content. He can learn it by simple recognition and memorization or with association. The second stage is to learn central concepts in each of the seven/eight areas of USMLE. Understanding cross-linkages within subjects and across subjects helps students in clearing exams. The primary mental task is to reconstruct memory, recall fitting concepts, and develop patterns. The learners can use diagrams, tables, and pictures to do the same.
Then they must use the concepts in the clinical settings and recognize the critical concepts in mini-case presentations as conceptual and practical knowledge is essential for clearing USMLE. The primary task is reasoning, understanding the implications of the presented information, and choosing the right action from the available options. Study groups and practice questions are helpful.
Sometimes, the aspirants are not confident enough to take up USMLE without coaching due to a lack of knowledge or time. In such situations, they can go for personalized or group tutoring or opt for medical study Anki cards.
Tutoring and Anki Cards For USMLE Preparation
Group or one-on-one online or offline tutoring and mentorship programs for medical students facilitate the preparation of the USMLEs. The tutors or mentors answer all questions and make medical exam aspirants learn effectively with time management. They also teach them how to approach research involving questions. The student or tutor for medical field exams also uses Anki cards for adequate preparation.
USMLE step 1 has a flexible structure that accommodates new topics, emerging content domains, and shifts in emphasis. Some questions in USMLE check the fund of information per se. In contrast, others call for graphic and tabular material interpretation, identifying gross and microscopic pathological and standard specimens, and solving problems by applying basic science principles. Broad-based learning of basic concepts and principles of basic medical science is the key to preparing for USMLE step 1.
Why to Use Anki Cards?
Anki deck/card software is a cognitive science technique using flash cards with spaced repetition. It helps in fast and long-lasting memorization. The user generates cards with informative notes analogous to the database entries for any number of fields in the software. They can also prepare cards with questions and answers to help memorize critical information. Anki ensures flashing or repetition of cards at moderate spacing and synchronizes them with free online services called AnkiWeb, AnkiMobile, or Android, allowing users to keep decks synchronized across multiple devices. Anki decks seamlessly integrate with USMLE study plans.
Self-Designed, Tutor-Guided (customized), and Readymade Anki Cards
The medical experts and tutors have developed many Anki Card decks that are worthwhile for USMLE preparation. The cards help practice spaced repetitions, active recall, and test-enhanced learning and improve retention rate to 80-90%. Man of Heal offers customized cards prepared by a tutor for medical field exams to the aspirants for USMLE. The cards are based on the preference of the individual aspirant as per the subject. Many students do not feel comfortable intuitively designing decks, but the tutors make their tasks easy by guiding them in the process. Additionally, the tutors are available at zoom meetings for convenience and offer custom-made slides and easy-to-follow study calendars. The students can text them the questions for Anki deck management.
The Anki decks can have thousands of cards, but the tutor for medical field exams recommends studying a maximum of 100 new cards to avoid overwhelming study. The students should allot 30-60 minutes daily for study through the cards. The Anki decks can prove fruitful companions during the medical study journey. Some excellent anatomy decks are available, which help master anatomy lab covering basics and advanced. They cover significant structures, muscles, origins, insertions, actions, and innervations. The Anki decks focus on clinical anatomy, particularly pathologies and anatomical dysfunction causes.
The Bottom Line
The USMLE aspirants must practice self-learning with or without tutoring. Giving attention to every area and being organized and disciplined helps them prepare well. The learners must recognize their weaker areas and enhance their knowledge with pretests, diagnostic exams, using information from the coursework, and revising questions in each book. During preparation, they should emphasize integration by reviewing the organ system or subjects together. A group discussion can help expand perspective and understanding. The learners must review the material in clusters to anticipate correct answers, avoid rereading textbooks and limit the number of information sources to avoid confusion.