The Med School Tutors Podcast

How to Study for USMLE Step 3 + CCS Case Strategies

Introduction

2:13 What it's like to take Step 3 | 

5:16 How to set yourself up for success on Step 3. Don't write it off! | 

9:08 Figuring out your timeline & Step 3 study schedule | 

14:39 Tips for CCS Cases & Resources | 

20:14 Practice CCS Case: Question Breakdown & Strategies | 

26:06 Second Practice CCS Case: Question Breakdown & Testing Strategies | 

36:39 Critical CCS Case Takeaways — how the USMLE will test you, the best way to prepare, picking your exam days | 

38:50 Mistakes we often see students make for Step 3 | 

43:21 Live Q&A

• How much in depth does one need to revise Step 1 First Aid? Additional thoughts on what to prioritize in terms of studying.
• When should I take Step 3? Am I at a disadvantage if I take Step 3 without being in residency or without much clinical training yet?
• Book recommendations for Step 3?
• Is there an advantage to doing UWorld x 1 prior to residency and re-doing during residency + practice test before sitting for the exam?
• Anki cards, Sketchy Pharm & Micro -- Making your own flashcards vs using pre-made
• How many drug ads will we encounter on Step 3?
• How should I work through UWorld — study/tutor mode or exam/random-timed mode?
• How predictive are Step 3 practice tests?

Rank Lists & Preparing for SOAP

Two of our senior residency consultants walk you through Match Week, Rank Lists and how to prepare for SOAP in this episode. Below are the topics covered:

Intro

1:17 - Agenda

1:54 - Application Timeline Review

2:46 - Impact from COVID-19 on the Match

3:40 - How does ranking work?

6:13 - Preparing for SOAP, Match Week breakdown

8:00 - Match Week - What if I didn't match?

11:08 - SOAP offer rounds

15:05 - Friday of Match Week

15:37 - Your SOAP questions

19:19 - Live Q&A

Tips for the Holiday Break During Med School and Residency

Figuring out how to use your holiday break? Whether you're in med school or residency, this episode is dedicated to helping you navigate your holiday break, especially if you're trying to find a balance between relaxing and looming study deadlines. Topics and times covered below:

Intro

1:55 — Tips for pre-clinical students, especially if you're starting to think about the USMLE Step 1

5:03 — Overview of potential Step 1 resources — UWorld, First Aid, Anki flashcards, etc.

5:57 — Tips for third years, including resources for USMLE Step 2 CK, such as UWorld, Step Up to Medicine, Master the Boards, IM Essentials

9:01 — Supplementary resources for third years, e.g. Pestana's Surgery Notes, First Aid for Step 2 CK, AMBOSS, Sketchy, Anki

10:15 — Tips for fourth years

12:09 — Tips for residents, whether you just need rest or if you're feeling ambitious

14:01 — Best general practice for everyone to avoid burnout

15:55 — How Med School Tutors can assist you in achieving your best results

Live Q&A:

16:40 — I will take Step 1 in April, currently studying First Aid and Qbanks? What should I do to keep going and convince myself that it’s going to be enough?

18:30 — Should I save my Qbank for dedicated?

19:45 — How do I figure out what topics to prioritize when studying?

Peds in 10: Diagnosing Pediatric Respiratory Distress

In our first Pediatrics Masterclass episode, Dr. Eli Freiman provides a high-yield approach to diagnosing pediatric respiratory distress. We'll go through major infectious and non-infectious causes using an anatomical approach that's guaranteed to boost your diagnostic acumen!

Know Thy Shelf: Neurology

Dr. Michael Trainer walks you through how to be successful in your Neurology clerkship, on your Shelf exam and on Step 2 CK. He covers neurologic exam pearls, diseases to know, some additional resources you might not know about, and more! You can also see the original webinar recording on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/6nl_QQXpRV0

Microlearning: Multiple Myeloma & "M-Spike" Proteins

Studying Multiple Myeloma? Here’s a clinical tip from our recent webinar regarding proteins, immunoglobulins and the “M-spike.”

Know Thy Shelf: Pediatrics

Dr. Eli Freiman — a Fellow in Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital and Senior USMLE Tutor with Med School Tutors — is here to help set you up to excel in your Pediatrics clerkship and on your Shelf exam. He covers interacting with children during COVID, apps and other tools the pros use, tips for what NOT to do, and more. 

Taking the USMLE Step 1 After Clerkships

If you find yourself suddenly looking at taking the USMLE Step 1 in third year rather than at the end of second year, this brief episode is for you. You'll hear from one of our senior USMLE tutors who took his Step 1 after his clerkships, and has worked with many students who have successfully done the same. He shares his perspective and a few tips for how to set yourself up for success.

Optimizing Gap Years

Considering taking a gap year prior to beginning medical school? You're in good company. In this episode, one of our medical school admissions advisors takes you through the different types of gap years, how to decide what kind of work is the best fit for you, and how to optimize your experiences on your medical school application and in your interviews.

Step 2 CK: Creating Your Plan & Mistakes to Avoid

One of our senior USMLE tutors, Dr. Michael Stephens, breaks down how best to set yourself up for success when studying for Step 2 CK. He reviews recommended resource, tips for creating your plan of attack, and common mistakes to avoid.