MedWorm: USMLE

Aussie er docs resign over $355,000/yearphysicians / doctors salaries & incomes in usa and the world

USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track ! — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

....and unhappy because they demand $424,000 a year, if the government wants to keep them in the public sector hospitals. $355,000 a year would probably still make them the highest paid doctors in Australia (at least in the public service) - but more than half of the emergency physician consultants in Adelaide resigned after the bump from $313,000 per year to $355,000 Australian Dollars per year (Source: USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track !)

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High gas prices affect docs too ;-)physicians / doctors salaries & incomes in usa and the world

USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track ! — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Besides the likely scenario that high-gas prices might push Telemedicine and Home- care into the realms of need and practicality and that entrepreneurial physicians could possibly cash into that, gas prices do bring them the frustration factor too... Shrinking insurance payments, increased office expenses, more work hours and now....high gas prices ! aargh ..And you especially know that's true (Source: USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track !)

2008 md salaries survey figures (usa) by j & cphysicians / doctors salaries & incomes in usa and the world

USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track ! — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

This blog's been terribly missing action and decomposing in the world of Pagerank, ever since I took a temporary hiatus from posting and its only fair therefore that I make a start again with fresh 2008 salary figures for various physician specialties in the US :-)Given the economic disaster that US health care is heading towards, (US health spending is in excess of 17% of GDP and still (Source: USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track !)

Program director's guide to judge your character...residency match applications: secrets, strategies, tips-n-tricks: digitaldoc, md

USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track ! — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Recently, the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors (AFMRD) published some detailed 'Tips-and-Tricks' for Program Directors to judge and pick the best candidates before placing them on the rank order lists (ROL) - and they were not talking about your USMLE Scores, but character: "Character is the trump card. It doesn’t matter what your USMLE scores are if you lack the character to (Source: USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track !)

Usmlebuddies is back.... & so am i !residency match applications: secrets, strategies, tips-n-tricks: digitaldoc, md

USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track ! — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

I've been hibernating for more than a month now, from USMLEtoMD.com that is, without any new articles, not moderating nor responding to blog comments, emails and to forum posts either - possibly making some of u think that I might be cold-blooded - both biologically and metaphorically ;-) Well, break time is almost wrapping up for me and my desktop reminder system has begun beeping (Source: USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track !)

Egmedicine is opened now

USMLE — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:50:46 +0100

EGMEDICINE.com is now opened for public registration , get your own free medical blog in less than 5 minutes (Source: USMLE)

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Pimpnotes

USMLE blog for smart people — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:45:00 +0100

Interesting sites for Step 1 preparation.PimpNotes.org is an open-source notes project for medical students and doctors in training. The site hosts free notes, guides, books, or any other materials created by and for medical students and residents.It currently hosts a complete systems-based pathology charts ("the grids"), bugs charts, pharm charts, and pathophysiology flash cards (in progress). We are currently trying to organize a group of intellegent, progressive, and committed students to help write an open-source guide to USMLE Step 1. If interested, please contact us using the contact form in the footer below.powered by www.usmlestep.com (Source: USMLE blog for smart people)

Sesap 13

USMLE blog for smart people — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:41:00 +0100

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Division of Education presents the 13th edition of the Surgical Education and Self-Assessment Program (SESAP). SESAP has been a premier educational resource for practicing surgeons and surgical residents for over 35 years. Each program consists of 650 Multiple Choice Items (MCIs) with discussions and references to the current literature in 17 content areas of interest to general surgeons. Program materials are furnished in both print and CD-ROM formats, and may be used to obtain up to 60 hours of Category 1 credit.The content of SESAP 13 addresses the core competencies of medical knowledge and patient care and also focuses on some of the other core competencies as defined by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The content has been designed to be especially useful to surgeons enrolled in the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program of the American Board of Surgery. SESAP fulfills the Part II requirements for MOC that focus on self-assessment and lifelong learning, and will be very useful in preparing for the qualifying or MOC examinations.The goal of SESAP is to provide general surgeons with a broad-based educational experience using current evidence-based literature and practical experience, and the dual formats give users maximum flexibility. The CD now offers a resizable window with resizable and adjustable text for a customized study experience, with improved image display and zooming. In addition, items, critiques or media elements may now be printed or exported as PDFs or HTMLs. PDFs can be e-mailed, reviewed later, or printed. HTML files can be loaded onto your portable device for reading on the go.Look for SESAP 11 herepowered by www.usmlestep.com (Source: USMLE blog for smart people)

Ow do i register for the nrmp match?

USMLE blog for smart people — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:38:00 +0100

U.S. SeniorsIn the spring of your third year of medical school, you will receive apreprinted student agreement form to review and sign. Make sure that thename listed on the agreement matches the name you use on your residencyapplications. The current registration fee is $40, payable to the NRMP, andis nonrefundable. Upon registering, you will be assigned an NRMP ApplicantCode that you will use to identify yourself on residency applicationsand correspondence. The deadline for registration is in July at the start ofyour senior year. Consult the current edition of the NRMP Handbook for Studentsfor additional registration details.U.S. GraduatesIf you graduated from a U.S. medical school accredited through the LiaisonCommittee for Medical Education (LCME), you can register through yourown school or another U.S. medical school. You can also enroll directly withthe NRMP as an Independent Applicant (see below). If you are sponsoredby a U.S. medical school, the school will serve as your NRMP “home base,”from which to submit your rank-order list and where you will receive NRMPcorrespondence, including your Match results. Your Agreement for Students orSponsored Graduates must be signed by both you and the dean of student affairsat your sponsor school. Your nonrefundable registration fee is also $40.Upon registering, you will receive an NRMP Applicant Code used to identifyyourself on residency applications and in correspondence. The deadlinefor registering is in October before Match Day. See the current edition of theNRMP Handbook for Students for registration details. Also visit the NRMPwebsite at http://www.aamc.org/nrmp.Independent ApplicantsThe category of “independent applicants” includes several different groups:nonsponsored U.S. graduates, Canadian students/graduates, osteopathic students/graduates, and international medical graduates (IMGs). For information,contact the NRMP at (202) 828-0566 during the summer before theMatch to receive the NRMP Handbook for Independent Applicants. Or, youcan visit the NRMP website at http://www.aamc.org/nrmp. To enroll, submita completed Independent Applicant Agreement and $90, payable to the NRMP.The NRMP might also independently verify or request to see your credentialsin order to approve your Match eligibility status. For example, IMGsneed to pass the USMLE Step 1 and 2 as well as the English Test to participatein the Match.Following registration, you will be assigned an NRMP Applicant Code,which you will use to identify yourself on residency applications and in correspondence.You will also receive a confidential Personal IdentificationNumber (PIN). Match results will be made available to independent applicants during Match week via the web (http://www.aamc.org/nrmp) as well asthrough the NRMP Voice Response System (VRS) by calling (202) 828-0566. The registration deadline is in October before Match Day. Consult thecurrent edition of the NRMP Handbook for Independent Applicants and visitthe NRMP website (http://www.aamc.org/nrmp) for further details.powered by www.usmlestep.com (Source: USMLE blog for smart people)

We r sold

USMLE — Sun, 25 May 2008 03:44:12 +0100

it’s been 27 months since we start the USMLE Guide blog , helped some of you guys , and made some confused i admit it , nothing is perfect anyway but i pray that it did help some now i came to a point in which i can’t come online anymore cuz i got a job [...] (Source: USMLE)

Board Aid.blogspot.com — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:32:00 +0100

Q of the Day!During a pre-participation sports physical, Sara tells the Doctor that she has Mitral valve prolapse. What should the Doctor expect to hear?A) Continuous murmurB) Diastolic murmurC) Holosystolic murmurD) Early systolic murmurE) Mid systolic murmurscroll for answer...Answer: E) Mid-systolic murmur. MVP is the most frequent valvular lesion, common to young women (especially on boards). Stretching of the mitral valve causes a midsystolic click. It can lead to mitral insufficiency and predisposes patients to infective endocarditis. (Source: Board Aid.blogspot.com)

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Board Aid.blogspot.com — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:14:00 +0100

Q of the Day!A 48 year-old smoker complains of a “new cough.” During her history, she also notes that she has a lost 36 pounds in the last 2 years. A chest x-ray is obtained and shows a central mass. Her labs show that she also has hypercalcemia. What is most likely responsible for her hypercalcemia?A) Small cell carcinomaB) Parathyroid HormoneC) AdenocarcinomaD) PTH-like peptideE) ACTHscroll for answeranswer: D. PTH-like peptide (Source: Board Aid.blogspot.com)

Recommended books for usmle

USMLE — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:59:07 +0100

Recommended books: It seems nowadays that majority of people study kaplan review notes which is available in Egypt also and views about the quality of it are different but some got great scores even 99% using these notes only as a review material .however some still study from books rated A (in first aid book) and [...] (Source: USMLE)

Recommended books for usmle

USMLE — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:29:00 +0100

Step 1 experiences :by ron

USMLE — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:26:00 +0100

Hi all, I just received my score today. 221/90. I’m happy Posted my experience 4 weeks ago, right after my exam. It is copied below — it answers the common questions of “what books to use” “Q-bank scores” “what types of questions on the actual USMLE.” Hope this helps you all, and I’m happy to [...] (Source: USMLE)

Medical residency in the us - how tough is it?

USMLE — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 04:42:59 +0100

Lately, some people have been asking me about postgraduate residency programs in the US. Most of them are Nizhnians, but there is one from Volgograd as well Since I’ve wrote about postgraduate studies in Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, UK etc, might as well I write about the US. Please be reminded that whatever I [...] (Source: USMLE)

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You might be in med school if…

USMLE — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:32:56 +0100

You know what microscopic disease-causing class that picture is of and can name the structure of its capsid. You see neurons in soap suds in your shower. You feel like vomiting and automatically lay in the rescue position When drinking, you and your friends think that the increase in your AST/ALT tomorrow is going to be hilarious! You still [...] (Source: USMLE)

Sample u.s. lors & mspe from img websiteresidency match applications: secrets, strategies, tips-n-tricks: digitaldoc, md

USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track ! — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

And here's a neat website put up by an IMG - Dr. William Arce from Colombia, along with copies of the US Letters of Recommendation and a very well organized MSPE (Medical Student Performance Evaluation) document, (earlier called Dean's letter), which is required for applying for residency programs through the NRMP match.Such individual websites are also sometimes made by IMGs during the (Source: USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track !)

How to create a study plan for the usmle - part 5

USMLE — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:22:14 +0100

We begin the 5th article in our series on How to Create a Study Plan for the USMLE. Today we will discuss the various aspects that make making a one size fits all study plan practically impossible. This will be just an overview and we will discuss them in more detail in subsequent posts. An important [...] (Source: USMLE)

Egmedicine medical job board : get hired now

USMLE — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:30:50 +0100

EGMEDICINE started a new service for physicians worldwide by providing you the biggest database and up to date jobs available in the medical field Looking for a job shouldn’t be a full-time job! That’s why we built the biggest, smartest medical job search engine on the web. We search thousands of job sites and companies, just [...] (Source: USMLE)

Usmle advice

USMLE — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:23:32 +0100

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Step 1 experiences :by dr mav

USMLE — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:25:00 +0100

hi folks,got my score a couple of days ago and i will try to pen down my experience with this exam which to say the least wanst pleasant, as expected.i am on an F1 and so doing a Masters in Biology. so i had to juggle b/w school and usmle preparation.i started preparing about an [...] (Source: USMLE)

Pub. health informatics fellowship @ cdc, atlantausce blog: observerships, externships, electives list for imgs

USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track ! — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Though this blog is for US clinical experience, I have decided to include research / research fellowship and other alternative, worthwhile career opportunities too, for IMGs.You got a thing for computers and informatics ? Then you could avail of this fellowship opportunity at the prestigious Center for Disease Control (CDC) at Atlanta, Georgia. Candidates with MPH, Epidemiology, MHA (with (Source: USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track !)

Usmle statement on the fifth pathway program and step 3 eligibility

USMLE — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:21:04 +0100

Currently, for international medical graduates who wish to take USMLE Step 3, the USMLE program accepts either a valid Standard ECFMG Certificate or a valid Fifth Pathway certificate for purposes of meeting Step 3 eligibility requirements. In November 2007, the American Medical Association (AMA) determined that it would withdraw its support of the Fifth Pathway [...] (Source: USMLE)

Prog. director's ethical img-hiring dilemmathe img digest

USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track ! — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

On a case article published on the American Medical Association Journal of Ethics, Dr. Peter Bundred writes a very interesting commentary about the ethical concerns that prevailed in Dr. Wilson's decision to hire an IMG from Ghana to fill her Family Medicine residency programs, after positions were unfilled in the Match.What's carries a higher moral weight ?- The program directors role & duty (Source: USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track !)

Board Aid.blogspot.com — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:53:00 +0100

Q of the Day!You have a 46 year-old patient come into the office. He complains that he has noticed that his breasts are getting bigger. He currently is being treated for high blood pressure and GERD. Which of the patients’ medications could have caused his gynecomastia?A) MinoxidilB) PropranololC) SucralfateD) ChlorothiazideE) Cimetidinescroll for answer.....Answer: E) Cimetidine. Cimetidine is an H2 Blocker used to treat GERD and peptic ulcers. Side effects of Cimetidine include gynecomastia (most common), headaches, vertigo, fatigue, and reduced sperm count. The other choices do not cause gynecomastia. Sucralfate is an anti-ulcer agent. Minoxidil, Propranolol, and Chlorothiazide are all drugs used to treat hypertension. (Source: Board Aid.blogspot.com)

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House republicans move to increase h1b visa quota

USMLE — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:35:25 +0100

Last Friday the House Republican Study Committee sent a letter to Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer, the Speaker of the House and Majority Leader, respectively, requesting an increase in the current H1B visa quota of 65,000 per year to 115,000. They also request a 20% yearly increase in the cap every year, assuming the previous [...] (Source: USMLE)

There will be changes in the usmle structure

USMLE — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:19:16 +0100

The USMLE is currently undergoing a periodic review to ensure that it is doing what it was meant to do. * The following have been tentatively proposed: o Combine the USMLE Steps 1 and 2 into a single exam that would test BOTH basic science and clinical science competency. o Pass/fail could replace the current numerical score. This is separate issue [...] (Source: USMLE)

Is kaplan enough for step 1 review?

USMLE — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 05:11:49 +0100

This is the question often asked by newbies in various USMLE forums. The usual answer is either a yes or no, but the honest answer is another question. Enough for what? For acing the exam? Probably not. For getting above average scores? Maybe depending on whether you are a fresh grad or not. For passing? Probably yes. It also [...] (Source: USMLE)

Doctor incomes in japanphysicians / doctors salaries & incomes in usa and the world

USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track ! — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

It is not the bonsais, sushis, Toyotas or robots that the word "Japan" first reminds me of - rather it's the unique Japanese boyfriend pillow that I recently read about..lol...Keeping pillows aside, with a country of its size and yet being the second largest economy in the world, I wonder what Japan's economy would look like, had it been as bountiful as the United States, given the masters of (Source: USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track !)

Board Aid.blogspot.com — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 18:29:00 +0100

Q of the Day!An old man is found in the basement of his house. He was on the floor with rigor mortis setting in. What is the mechanism responsible for rigor mortis?A) He overdosed on BaclofenB) Increase in ATP production before he diedC) Myocyte deathD) Depletion of ATPE) Myosin cross-bridge detachmentscroll for answerD) depletion of ATP. ATP is required for Myocyte contraction. However, ATP is also required for the myosin cross-bridge to detach. During the moments of dying the muscles contract using the remaining ATP in the body. After some time there is no ATP in the body to detach the myosin cross-bridge. (Source: Board Aid.blogspot.com)

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How we recall information and its impact in reviewing for usmle

USMLE — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 05:10:13 +0100

The USMLE is the type of exam that tests not only your knowledge and mastery of medicine but also your ability to recall those facts. What you cannot recall, usually in the space of a minute or less, you do not know as far as the USMLE is concerned. There are actually 4 types [...] (Source: USMLE)

Rural v/s urban primary care doc incomes in usaphysicians / doctors salaries & incomes in usa and the world

USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track ! — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

A recent article (April 2008) by William B. Weeks, MD, MBA and Amy E. Wallace, MD, MPH, that appeared in the Journal Of Rural Health compares the practice patterns and incomes of primary care physicians in rural versus urban areas and these were the findings:"Rural primary care physicians' unadjusted annual incomes were similar to their urban counterparts, but they tended to work longer hours, (Source: USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track !)

Voodoo spells after visa rejections..lolh1b, j1 visa, waiver, green card tips for imgs , fmgs & residency seeking foreign doctors

USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track ! — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

When Dreams to the Land of dreams are crushed by US visa rejections, it can be understandably upsetting... upsetting enough to cast magic spells and throw magic powders at the visa officers ..This is what a visa officer shares in a article about how the real threat of huge illegal immigration numbers to the United states comes from people with temporary visas from around the world, rather than (Source: USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track !)

Below-market pays for temp. imgs in australia ?the img digest

USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track ! — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Like the US has H1b visas for employers to hire temporary skilled foreign workers, the "457 visa" allows employers to hire temporary skilled foreign workers in Australia.This news report talks about income figures released by the Australian Medical Association"The Australian show the average salary of general medical practitioners on 457 visas was $82,100 in 2006-07, an "extremely low" (Source: USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track !)

How to create a study plan for the usmle - part 4

USMLE — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 05:08:32 +0100

We now come to part 4 of our series on “How to create a study plan for the USMLE”. You can refer to Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 if you want. On part 4, we discuss the different phases of a complete study plan. The three phases are as follows 1. Learning Phase: This is [...] (Source: USMLE)

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How to create a study plan for the usmle - part 3

USMLE — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:07:16 +0100

This is the third part in our series on how to create a study plan for the USMLE. For those just joining us please refer to Part I and Part II. Now we have our objective and we know what the USMLE wants us to know and in what form it will test us for [...] (Source: USMLE)

How to create a study plan for the usmle - part 2

USMLE — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 05:05:49 +0100

We continue our discussion on how to create a study plan for the USMLE. For those of you who are just joining us, please refer to the previous post here. Now like all good Generals, we have decided on our main objective for the USMLE. The next step is to study the nature of the [...] (Source: USMLE)

$155,000 / month : canadian mds in afghanistanphysicians / doctors salaries & incomes in usa and the world

USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track ! — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

These are the salaries and cash incentives that Canadian military and civilian docs receive to serve in the war-torn lands of Afghanistan - to not only care for the friendly forces, but also for captured POWs.- A Signing bonus of $225,000 plus an annual salary of up to $165,000 / year for a 4-year enlistment in the Canadian Forces for experienced physicians- $180,000 (Source: USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track !)

2008 match performance - number of imgs matching increases

USMLE — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:29:55 +0100

The ECFMG(r) Reporter An E-Newsletter for International Medical Graduates Pursuing Graduate Medical Education in the United States Issue 128 - March 24, 2008 For the sixth consecutive year, the number of first-year (PGY-1) residency positions offered through the Match increased. A total of 22,240 first-year positions were offered in the 2008 Match, held earlier this month. This represents an increase of 395 [...] (Source: USMLE)

A new state license?! where do i start?

USMLE — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:17:22 +0100

Your first step is understanding your eligibility, which varies by state, and is based on: • Whether you are an American or international medical school graduate and, in some states whether your medical school is approved by the state. VISTA’s team will research a state medical board’s website or utilize the WHO Directory of Medical Schools [...] (Source: USMLE)

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Usmle advice

USMLE STUFF Blog — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:58:55 +0100

How to create a study plan for the usmle - part 1

USMLE — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 05:02:45 +0100

This is probably the question foremost in the mind of anyone who ever thought of tackling the USMLE. I remember when I was starting out, how this pre-occupied me a lot. Although studying for the USMLE is a big endeavor, studying how to study for the USMLE is no mean feat either. Just like an [...] (Source: USMLE)

Opthalmology observership at nyeeusce blog: observerships, externships, electives list for imgs

USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track ! — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary Residency Program does have some IMGs in its Opthalmology residency program.A well paid specialty, Opthalmology remains an AMG domain - even though salaries have dropped from the previous years, a clean surgery environment and a controllable lifestyle with not as many emergency sleepless nights, it is still a very desirable specialty for AMGs. And yes, (Source: USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track !)

Board Aid.blogspot.com — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:34:00 +0100

USMLE Step 1 Question of the Day!There is a minor alteration of MHC-I antigens when a cell is invaded by a virus. The immune system will not recognize the infected cell without the help of alpha and beta interferon inducing increased class I antigen expression on the cell’s surface. Which of the following is the source of interferon-beta?A) fibroblastsB) T cellsC) B CellsD) MacrophagesE) Natural killer cellsscroll for answer... A) fibroblasts. Fibroblasts release interferon-beta and interleukin-6 in response to viral infection. IL-6 stimulates B cells to release interferon-alpha which also has antiviral activity. The increased expression of MHC-I antigens on infected cells surfaces helps the immune system recognize viral infected cells from healthy ones. (Source: Board Aid.blogspot.com)

Usmle advice

USMLE STUFF Blog — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:05:20 +0100

Hi , I finished Step 1 a few months ago. My score was–99– (I could not believe it when I was holding the card and I almost fainted). I used so many resources for my study, but I have to say that KAPLAN IS THE BEST. I was working as a salesman, for a few months before I decided finally to stay home and study (of course I had some money saved aside at the time). When I started to study, I though that getting over 85 is just a dream but I made it all the way to 99. It’s all about the resources that you use and the amount of concentration that you have when you sit down on your desk and study. If you want to score over 90 you will do it, but if you just want to pass, your score will be around the passing limit. As much adrenaline as you have in your body when you sit down to study, as much added points to your score you will get. Here is the list of my study materials: 1–Kaplan preparation center video lectures (about 194 hours) and it’s the latest edition in the center as of May 2005. I have to tell you that I would never have gotten this score without these video lectures. 2–Kaplan notes scanned on the external hard disc (2002 Edition and it has no markings). These notes helped my so much especially the few days before the test when I needed to review each subject in just one day. 3–A complete set of underground clinical vignettes. Understanding the clinical applications of Step 1 has helped me to read the questions on the test so quickly and even expect what they are asking me before reading the final part. 4–Dr. Goljan Notes and high yields facts and Pathology slides (all scanned on the hard disc). Dr. Goljan is the father of Pathology preparation for step 1 and his stuff is a must if you want to score high. 5-Kaplan Pathology library organized in body systems (I saw a lot of slides and picture on my test). 6–Kaplan Webpreparation (missing Anatomy) with their own notes. 7–Pharmacology, Pathology and genetics live audio lecture recorded from Kaplan live lectures. I had these tapes from one of my friends who finished his step 1 and scored 94 and he encouraged me to use them if I want to ace these topics on the test and he was absolutely right. 8–One CD with more than 3500 questions in Pathology. It made Pathology for me like the air I breath. 9–My own tips and remembered high yield facts and topics that I personally saw on the test. I wrote down more than 2500 topics and tips the week right after the test. 10–Kaplan Qbank in Microsoft word format. ( AGAIN KAPLAN IS THE BEST) 11-NMS software for step 1 (6th Edition). 12—A Complete set of Rapid review CD’s (more than 3500 questions arranged by the subject). 13—Kaplan IV bank. 14—Pre-test books (only Biochemistry, genetics, Pathology and neuroscience). 15—More than 10,000 questions and tips remembered by other students that I used to concentrate on what to study. 16—Board simulator software for step 1. 17—Mnemonics that help you remember the hard to remember facts. 18—Some diagrams, charts and flash cards, I personally made during my 9 months study. 19_Gold standard audio review CD’s (55 CD’s) for step 1 (complete). I have used these CD’s during my exercise in the Gym and in other times when I was so saturated and bored from studying and needed a different format of studying. 20—Pass program notes (over 200 pages of tips, high yields, and high lights) it took me just 4 days to read all over these great material and I would say that it added at least 3-5 points to my score. 20__More stuff that I have prepared myself over the months during the time I was studying and even after I have finished my exam and before the results came in the mail. cheers Source: ashish one thing that helped me out a great deal was reading exam and study experiences. i shaped part of my studying based on how people studied and their results. so i figga that i’ll share my experience in the hopes that it might help someone else in the future. i remember reading a post once where someone said that people shouldn’t share these type of experiences because the people who take the exam in the future are at an unfair advantage. so be it. if people didn’t post before me, i wouldn’t have gotten such a score, so it’s a "you scratch my back and i’ll scratch yours" type of thing (something like medicare, before bush reform). ok, i’m gonna seperate it into 3 sections: what i did, what i did which i wish i didn’t do, and what i didn’t do which i wish i did. (say that 3 times fast). 1) what i did: i used a variety of review books from different publishers, etc. my books included: 1)path BRS 2)physio BRS 3)ridiculously simple micro 4)Lippincott pharm 5)high yield biochem 6)high yield beh sci 7)high yield neuro 8)BRS anatomy (didn’t finish it)…i ultimately supplemented all the subjects with Kaplan books and the 30-day video lecture pass from Kaplan. my MAIN NUMERO UNO book was First Aid. honestly, First Aid has got a good portion of the exam covered. basically, i used it as a notebook and noted down anything that i came across in any of my other books into First Aid. (duh, i took notes…lol). you should see the size of my writing in FA, i used ultra-sharp pens and mechanical pencils to get it down to size. that took about 4 months averaging 6 hours per day (reading the books took more time that all that writing). then i spent about a month listening to Kaplan lectures, and taking notes too. at this point i was avg about 10-12 hours per day. these were very hard days. this next part was probably the most important part. in my opinion, if you’re like the rest of us and are not endowed with photographic memory or an einstein brain, you must do this next step. even if you decide not to take Kaplan review lectures or any other type of review. that is….drumroll please…Kaplan QBank. no i do not work for Kaplan. but they know what they’re doing. i also bought IV QBank, which i thought was a waste of money. but the original QBank was the closest that i could get to the exam without actually taking it. basically, i sat with the Kaplan medical director and he told me how to take those exams. i did a set of 50 in about an hour. then i spent about 2-3 hours reviewing it. review the correct answer, the wrong answers, why i got it right, why i got it wrong, where i’m weak, what i need to study. if it was just a memorization problem, then i would go memorize. if it was a concept problem i would go open Guyton or robbins or Kaplan or any other book to understand the concept. and this Kaplan dude told me not to lie to myself. if i didn’t know something, i should admit it, and then take care of it. these last two months were especially difficult. my two year old daughter had just about had it with my 12 hour days, and my wife was starting her 7th month of pregnancy. also, what helped was i did questions outside of the QBook and QBank. namely, lange review for micro/immuno, pharm, physio, webpath, blackwell online exam, robbins question book (excellent book, worth its weight in gold). towards the end i heard about this man named Goljan. i had about 2-3 weeks left before the exam and i was wondering if i should take the gamble of spending 4-5 days going through his lectures. boy, i am so glad that i chose to listen to him (this after i went through some of the posts on aippg & other forums). this man put almost everything i learned in the past 6 months and blended them in the best way possible. i also went through his 100 page notes, which was more helpful after i listened to his lectures. that was pretty much it. i averaged 73 on QBank, took 3 simulated exams from Kaplan: i got two 74s and a 77. on the simulated cd that usmle sent i got 41, 44, and 45 a week before my exam. 2) what i did which i wish i didn’t do: there are two books which i purchased which were a complete waste of time and money. one was ridiculously simple for the USMLE step 1 (not the micro one, that book is amazing) and the other was appleton and lange’s questions book. i’ve already told you about IV QBank, and what i thought of it. 3) what i didn’t do which i wish i did: number one on this list is to listen to Goljan a least another time. after i listened to him once, which took about 5 days, i wanted to listen to him again, but i jus didn’t have the time. if i could do it all over again i would listen to him once, then take notes while listening to him again, and then listen to him a third time while reviewing my notes. he’s really that good. oh, i also used his question book (the rapid review series for step1), which is very good. another thing i kinda messed up on was that i started to take notes about 2 months into my studying. i had to do a lot of catching up later on. i’m really glad about another thing. when i started school i read somewhere that i should study hard here so i don’t have to go nuts later. sounds pretty obvious, no? but you wouldn’t believe the amount of people who will study for weekly exams just by memorizing previous tests, etc. like someone once said on this forum, there’s no way that 7 months or 3 months of studying will substitute for 2 years of medical school. also, no school will teach you everything…especially down here in the carribean. so you need to hit the books and learn all there is to know. sorry this post was so long, but it seemed that the detailed posts always helped me the most, so i figured i’d return the favor…pass it forward i think they say. final thoughts…this exam is gonna stick to what every 2nd year med student should know. not what some specialist should know, not what some 3rd or 4th year student should know. stick to high yield books. use First Aid (yes, read that part in the begining that talks about how to study). it truly is a "godsend" as someone put it. my firstaid is falling apart. i remember while i was studying i would keep it in a very high place, and take special care of it so that it wouldn’t get into the sticky chocolate filled hands of my two year old. good luck to anyone who is going to tackle this exam. it’s very doable. if my thoughts and experiences helps even one person, then it’ll be worth it. once again, thank you all for your support and help. see you in the step 2 forums. peace -win’06 (that’s right, windsor university, for you naysayers) source (Source: USMLE STUFF Blog)

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Usmle advice from a friend

USMLE — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 05:01:31 +0100

Got this from a friend of mine who I asked for advice from. He recently took it and this was his take. Though I don’t know about buying USMLE Rx (I have parts of it and its pretty easy) everything seems to hold true: “Step 1 is a more than doable exam. I studied really hard [...] (Source: USMLE)

Google seeks to hire mds toophysicians / doctors salaries & incomes in usa and the world

USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track ! — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

A good friend forwarded a link about a "Medical Director" position recently advertised on Google job boards. The Medical Director position listed on Google enlists the following requirements:"- Current California Medical License and good standing with medical board.- 10+ years of experience managing a medical practice.- Board certified in internal medicine or one of its. sub-specialties.- (Source: USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track !)

Electives / acting internships at unc-chapel hillusce blog: observerships, externships, electives list for imgs

USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track ! — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

As the University North Carolina at Chapel Hill policies document about Electives (pdf) says:"If you are enrolled in a foreign medical school, you must contact Ms. Pattie Currie in the UNC International Affairs Office for information on applying for electives. Ms. Currie can be reached via email at pattie_currie@med.unc.edu."A friend did email the administrator and this is the response he got (Source: USMLEtoMD.com Blog Updates: Keep Track !)

Is the version of the usmle for imgs harder than for amgs?

USMLE — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 05:01:26 +0100

Along with “the USMLE is getting harder every year” claim, these 2 are probably the longest running and most persistent myth in various USMLE forums since 2005. The examination for IMGs (International Medical Graduates) and AMGs come from the same pool of questions and are more or less the same. The only difference being that [...] (Source: USMLE)