edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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Hello, friends. I am a third year medical student. I plan to take Step 1 in July, so I "officially" began my study two days ago. I say this because I feel like have been studying for this exam since I started medical school 2 years ago, LOL! Now, I have revved up my engines and have all my days to devote to this thing, so let the game begin!
So far, my study has been like this:
WEEK 1
Molecular Cell/Genetics ***
5/14: Kaplan lecture notes
5/15: Kaplan lecture notes
Biochemistry
5/16: Rapid Review Biochemistry
After my reading for today, I plan to do some questions in QBank. I will come back here and post my pressing concerns, thoughts, questions and advice from time to time. Feel free to comment, suggest, criticize, advise and share!
*** I skipped around in Kaplan with these topics, only focusing on the parts I didn't understand too well. This 2 days does NOT represent a full read of KLN!
Edited by edie on 06/22/07 - 12:38 PM
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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So I did some Kaplan biochem and genetics questions yesterday, getting 57%. My advisor says 50% is the target in Kaplan Qbank and Qbook. I have read that a good MLE score matches to 60%. I have also read in these and other forums to add 20 to your QB score for the 2-digit score estimate. If anyone could clarify these, I'd apreciate it!
Here are a few of the topics that I got wrong:
- zinc-fingers, steroid receptors and DNA response elements.
- lac operon, relation to glucose, low cAMP and no binding of operon to CAP.
- G6P def. and von Gierke's
- decreased cGMP-->closed sodium channels-->hyperpolarization
And, I keep getting my pyruvates confused! So here we go:
Glycolysis: pyruvate KINASE
Make acetyl CoA: pyruvate DEHYDROGENASE
Make OAA: pyruvate DECARBOXYLASE
Wow, I used to really know this stuff a couple years ago, now it's all so hazy Now, I am going to go back over the concepts I got wrong above, then finish reading Chapter 6: Carbohydrate Metabolism in RR Biochem. Which, by the way, is really a good book. But a friend told me to not forget the topics in Kaplan Biochem notes + audios (I don't have DVD's).
WEEK 1
Molecular Cell/Genetics
5/14: Kaplan lecture notes
5/15: Kaplan lecture notes
Biochemistry
5/16: Rapid Review Biochemistry
5/17: Re-review molecular topics, Rapid Review Biochemistry, Kaplan Biochemistry notes + audio
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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Attached is a little table I made for clearing up ???? on lac operon. Hope it's helpful for anyone interested 
Attached Files:
lac operon.doc (38 KB, 59 downloads)
Edited by edie on 05/18/07 - 01:29 PM
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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Just got back from my internist. Had labs drawn last week, and today I learn that my tests were "significant". It could be nothing, or it could be...anyway, I am to see a rhuematologist next. After the appt, had fight with husband. So I'm too upset to study now. Tension headache. Bleh! So for tonight, I will put away my books and papers, drink a mug of hot, soothing chamomile tea and listen to some Bach.
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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Good morning!
Beautiful morning. Sun shining and birds singing. I need to make up for yesterday's lost readings, but first, will do some questions. It get's a little painful when I see how much I have forgotten! I wonder if I will have enough time to cover it all before it is time to take step1???
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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OK, so I did a bunch of subject-based questions from Kaplan (62%) and UW (52%). I didn't manage to meet my target percentages, but no big surprise there. Kaplan scores were higher than the UW scores, again, no surprises. I am nearing the end of my biochemistry week. Going over my incorrect questions, I need to review the following topics:
- secretory vs. cytosolic proteins
- lipids, synthesis and metabolism
- population genetics calculations
- nucleotide synthesis
First, I will finish reading RR Biochemistry, then review the above topics. If I have energy, I will do more questions. It's not easy today, easily distracted by yesterday's events. But I have to keep on moving. And praying.
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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As I was clearing out my email inbox this morning, I came across this article and decided to post it here. It is really good advice about how to get started with studying for MLE Step 1. Enjoy!
How Do I Prepare for the USMLE?
Megan L. Fix, MD
Medscape Med Students. 2007; ©2007 Medscape
Posted 04/09/2007
Question
How do I prepare for the USMLE?
Response from Megan L. Fix, MD
Chief Resident, Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Chief Resident, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
My first piece of advice about the United States Medical Licensing Examination (better known as the USMLE) is to accept it with a smile! There is no way to get out of taking these tests (Steps 1 and 2) if you wish to practice in the United States. So, you might as well have a good attitude. Think of it just as it sounds, a "step" on the road to becoming a doctor.
The good news about the USMLE is that there are many resources that can help (see below), and there is no one right way to prepare. The most important thing is to figure out a plan that suits you and then stick to it. I'd like to encourage you to find a personalized study plan that will guide you and keep you smiling through your study experience -- even during the test.
Preparation
First, you need to think about 3 things: which type of learner you are, what environment you study best in (café, library, test prep center), and whether you want to study with partners. Take time to think through these questions before you start.
To determine what type of learner you are, ask yourself: Are you a self-starter or do you like to follow a series of guidelines? If you are a self-starter, you may want to buy a review book and a series of flash cards, and then sign up for a question bank service and outline your own study plan. If you learn better by following instructions, you may want to consider signing up for a test prep course. Although courses can be expensive, the reduced stress of planning may be worth it to you.
Once you know what type of learner you are, you can invest in the right study materials for you. For example, if you are a visual learner, take time to leaf through different review books before you buy, looking for graphics that work best for you.
Next, take time to pick your favorite study spot and note the hours of operation, nearby restaurants, and even proximity to a gym or pool, so that you can take an exercise- or food-related study break.
Finally, you must decide whether you want to study in a group or alone. Be honest with yourself. If you do choose to study in a group, pick only 1 or 2 people as study partners. Agree on a study plan that makes you feel good about yourself and that utilizes your strengths.
Plan
The next thing to do is to make a schedule. You may want to buy a calendar to use solely for blocking out study sessions. Do not skip this step! Studying for these exams takes time, and it is easy to lose motivation if you do not have a plan. Another important step is to review the test materials on the USMLE Web site (see Resources below). This will help you know exactly what you are getting into before you start.
Proceed
When you are studying, be sure to stay on track. It is helpful to take a diagnostic pretest to examine your areas of weakness and strength. Focus on your areas of weakness, because all sections of the test will contribute to your score.
Practice Questions
If there is 1 "rule" for the USMLE, it is to read many practice questions. You may want to sign up for a question service, such as Q-bank (see Resources below). Start reviewing questions from the beginning of your preparation period, and keep going back to them throughout. Do not leave practice questions until right before the test. Dr. Andreas Carl, the author of USMLE Made Ridiculously Simple (Medmaster, Miami, Florida), says a good goal is 100 questions per day, so get started! When you make mistakes, write down the correct answers, and review them at the end of the day to solidify what you learned.
Pamper Yourself
If you allow yourself to feel good during your exam preparation, it is more likely that you will feel good during the exam. So don't forget to pamper yourself! Make sure that you allow for time to eat, exercise, and sleep. You may want to block times to study and play in your calendar so that you have things to look forward to.
Pass!
Remember the basics: Get plenty of sleep both the night before the exam and 2 nights before it. Pack your bag the night before exam day. Bring layers of clothing to adjust to different room temperatures and to stay comfortable. Bring a watch. Bring a lunch. Bring your smile.
Resources:
Disclosure: Megan Fix, MD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Megan L. Fix, MD Chief Resident, Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Chief Resident, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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Dear Journal,
Just completed a set of 50 UW questions in random, timed mode at the suggestion of one of my friends. What a confidence breaker! I know that many of the questions were things that I have not reviewed yet, so all not lost. But the important part of this exercise is to carefully read through the explanations for each question. Takes a lot of time! For now, I just went over the explantions for the questions I got wrong that other users scored at 60% or higher. I will go through the rest another time. For today, the plan is to finish biochemistry.
WEEK 1
Molecular Cell/Genetics
5/14: Kaplan lecture notes
5/15: Kaplan lecture notes
Biochemistry
5/16: Rapid Review Biochemistry
5/17: Re-review molecular topics, Rapid Review Biochemistry, Kaplan Biochemistry notes + audio
5/18: RR Biochemistry. re-review selected topics, do 100 questions
5/19: Finish RR Biochemistry, Kaplan notes
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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Dear Journal,
I woke up very early this morning, before 6am, and opened up Harper's Biochemistry. Someone recommended this book a long time ago, but I sort of just forgot about it. Easy to do since not too many post this as a study resource. It is a very, very good source for molecular!!!! Especially the later chapters, starting at around Chapter 39. I have the 27th edition. So for those of you out there struggling with the concepts in Kaplan notes, you can most definitely get a foundation with Harper's. The chapters are brief and very well written. So if you have time, that book is a must read!
Well, today is the LAST day, well, it's supposed to be the last day of molecular cell bio, genetics and biochemistry. We'll see. The people in my study group have decided to take a subjects approach. Rebel that I am, I opted for systems.
My next topic will be pathology dealing with the concepts I just reviewed, such as neoplasia, genetic disorders, etc. Perhaps you noticed that I post my schedule as I go along. I know this is unorthodox, but somehow, it works better for me than preplanned schedules. Those are impossible for me to stick with. So, now that I have decided on systems-based studying, maybe planning ahead won't be so hard.
WEEK 1
Molecular Cell/Genetics
5/14: Kaplan lecture notes
5/15: Kaplan lecture notes
Biochemistry
5/16: Rapid Review Biochemistry
5/17: Re-review molecular topics, Rapid Review Biochemistry, Kaplan Biochemistry notes + audio
5/18: RR Biochemistry re-review selected topics, do 100 questions
5/19: Finish RR Biochemistry, Kaplan notes
5/20: LAST DAY! Re-review missed concepts w/Harper's Ill. Biochemistry
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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Good morning!
Today is the first day of Week 2. I will be reading from Goljan's Rapid Review Pathology chapters 5-8, High Yield Embryology and Robbins Pathology as reference. But first, will do questions, questions, questions!
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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Just finished some questions UW continues to beat me down with the random tests, only 48%! Well, better UW than USMLE, right? Right! Kaplan subject-styled questions, 64%. Now after all the review from last week and this weekend, that is lower than I expected 
Ok, on to the reading. Update on the schedule:
WEEK 1
Molecular Cell/Genetics
5/14: Kaplan lecture notes
5/15: Kaplan lecture notes
Biochemistry
5/16: Rapid Review Biochemistry
5/17: Re-review molecular topics, Rapid Review Biochemistry, Kaplan Biochemistry notes + audio
5/18: RR Biochemistry re-review selected topics, do 100 questions
5/19: Finish RR Biochemistry, Kaplan notes
5/20: LAST DAY! Re-review missed concepts w/Harper's Ill. Bioch.
WEEK 2
Genetic, Developmental, Environmental & Nutritional Disorders
5/21: Rapid Review Pathology Chpts. 5-7
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| GOGETA
I'm Dr. GOGETA
Topics: 321
Posts: 2,710
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YOU are doing good keep it up. those % are expected.
they will go up
___________________
As a general rule, the better it felt when you said it, the more trouble it's going to get you into.
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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Thank you GOGETA, hope to get them up in enough time, which seems to go fast these days!
And I am going slow. Only finished RR Path chapter 5 and first page of chapter 6 so far, and it is 8pm  Wow, where did my time go? Just finished having dinner and am tired. So, I am officially done studying for today. Will pick up the reading in the morning.
Question: what is the most common AR disorder? According to Goljan, it is hemachromatosis (p88). I thought PKU. Comments, anyone?
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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Dear Journal,
It seems I have gotten the bug that's been going around lately. That explains why my energy level was so low yesterday. Feel a little better today, but I know I will get tired and achy later on in the evening. I have no appetite. Just drinking teas, juices. So, will just go over and over the charts in RR Path. No reading today. Just memorization only. No questions today either. Today is not a bad day. Today is a bed day!
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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Hello, Journal.
The worst of it has passed. But not quite to my old self just yet. Well enough to get to 8th chapter in RR Path. Neoplasia. Listened to a bit of the G lectures and followed along with the book. In this regard, the G notes are better because the flow nicely along with the lectures. With the book, you have to skip around a lot to keep up. But book has nice color pics
Updating schedule:
WEEK 2
Genetic, Developmental, Environmental & Nutritional Disorders AND Neoplasia
5/21: Rapid Review Pathology Chpts. 5-7
5/22: SICK
5/23: RR Path Chapt. 8-Neoplasia
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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I have finished RR Path Neoplasia and am now moving into Pharmaland! I will use Kaplan pharma notes and reference Katzung for antineoplastic drugs. i used to have a nice diagram of the cell cycle with all the CCS drugs labled in at their appropriate place. If I can't find it, I'll just have to make another.
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| huyniid
Forum Elite
Topics: 9
Posts: 199
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You are doing so fast and great! I wish I were a medical student after 14 years out of school.
I will try to catch you up (oops, how?). Yeah, just catching you by the title of concepts, not the content. LOL
Anyway, great preps. Good luck to all of us!
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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Thanks for stopping by, huyniid! No, you don't want to be a medical student, let's switch places, ok?
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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Good morning! I am happy to be back to my old self again. Now to give this studying my 100%. I have decided to back track a little bit. Studying while sick is no good for me. So, for today, I will give Goljan neoplasia lectures another listen, and after, take my time going through the anticancer drugs. A nice site for that is http://pharmacology2000.com/Anticancer/classes1.h...
Updating schedule:
WEEK 2
Genetic, Developmental, Environmental & Nutritional Disorders AND Neoplasia
5/21: Rapid Review Pathology Chpts. 5-7
5/22: SICK
5/23: RR Path Chapt. 8-Neoplasia
5/24: Kaplan Pharmacology notes, pharmacology2000.com
5/25: Goljan Neoplasia lectures (2nd listen), pharmacology2000.com
I hope to be done with these by today. Will break in between and do questions. My next subjects are the endocrine, female and male reproductive systems. Would like to be done with those by Sunday.
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| acintya
FOCUS on your Goal!
Topics: 7
Posts: 765
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Hi Edie,
Your systematic and organized POA is inspiring! I wish I was in med school too! You are doing GREAT! Keep it up!
Good luck!
___________________
Life is a Mind Game! Remember, obstacles aren't meant to prevent your success; they only slow you down and show you where you must work harder.
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
|
Hi acintya! Thanks for dropping in and sharing encouragement, I appreciate it very much!!!
I love this forum, everyone here is so supportive! It's like a little virtual 'village' where we can stop over to someone else's space (journal) and say 'hi', share a cup of chai (ok, maybe not, but wouldn't that be so great?) offer advice, ask questions, get support and words of blessing. If you are reading this and haven't begun your own prep journal, do it now, it will be worth it
Now, our dear "Pappi" always gives us funny jokes and words of wisdom. By "Pappi", I mean Dr. Goljan, just in case. Here is the latest little gem I got from listening to him: always start your study with the BIG picture. He goes on to describe the 'idiot' student that opens up a book and starts highlighting everything right away. I laughed out loud when I heard this, because that idiot student is ME!!!  So, since pharmacology is hard for me, because I try to just memorize lists and rush through it (bad, bad, bad) I will take Pappi's advice and see the big picture first, then add all the little details later on, with a little help from Katzung and www.pharmacology2000.com. I decided to drop Kaplan notes for this section.
Anticancer Drugs
Three main types:
1. Action on DNA
2. Action on mitotic spindle
3. Hormonal agents
Now for those that act on DNA, there are 2 subtypes: those that a) damage DNA and those that b) muck up DNA synthesis. I will start by looking at the ones that damage DNA: alkylating drugs and free radical-forming drugs. As an example of the latter, in Katzung they give doxorubicin Huh??? See, this is what I get for all those nice long naps during pharmacology class  OK, back to the books!
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| concept
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 37
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how very organized and focussed you are.truly an inspiration..i surly do hope i m half that dedicated.
best of luck eddie!
___________________
Man is a wonderful creature; he sees through the layers of fat (eyes), hears through a bone (ears) and speaks through a lump of flesh (tongue).
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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Thank you concept, i have been greatly inspired by so many here. I am happy to be able to contribute.
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
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I have finished reading about neoplasia and antineoplastic drugs. But now, I need to MEMORIZE!!! Particularly this stuff:
Autosomal dominant cancer syndromes
-Retinoblastoma
-Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
-HNCC
-BRCA1/BRCA2
Autosomal Recessive syndromes
-Xeroderma Pigmentosum
-Chromosome instability syndromes
Proto-oncogenes
Tumor Suppressor Genes
All the drugs I just read about
First Aid to the rescue!!! And hot coffee 
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| edie
I can, and I will.
Topics: 26
Posts: 1,235
|
Hello Journal. Tonight I want to talk about improving memory and retention. But first--Whew! Just finished a slew of questions earlier. Did Robbins Review section on Neoplasia and scored 72%. Excellent question source for pathology topics. Also did Kaplan q's of this subject, mix of path and pharm and got pleasing results...70%. So for me, the readings paid off BIG TIME, as Pappi says. Now here is the problem...I will have forgotten much of this stuff later on, since I am moving into other subjects. It seems like adding new info pushes out the old  How to make it stay in the head??? Well, here are some ways I am experimenting with, to keep the info 'fresh'.
1. Notecards. I really really really hate making these things, and have always stayed away from this method. A friend of mine swears by them, so I gave a try. You know what? Notecards work! I made a few last night and carried them around in my pocket. While in line at the market, I took them out and went over them about 5 times. Guess what? I got at least 10 questions right tonight that I otherwise might have gotten wrong had I not looked over those notecards earlier! So thank you "fyoochrDoc" for making me a believer of the notecard!!!
2. Charts. Many of my review materials have great tables and charts, so I don't have to bother making my own. But sometimes you just have to have the info they way YOU want it, not the way it is presented. So, I just made my own drug chart with some markers. I made a copy and put it next to the bathroom mirror. So while brushing teeth, study at the same time! Every moment counts, right?
To test these methods out, I will do some UW q's, the ultimate challenge
Does anyone have any other methods for improving memory? Please feel free to post them, I am very eager for more for tips and advice.
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