docdoc
Forum Senior
Topics: 20
Posts: 104
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Hi
I have recently cleared my Step 1.
If somebody wants to discuss strategies or they need some study resources, I d be glad to help.
I would welcome comments and suggestions and exchange of materials from people who have passed step 2.
Thanx
khrushef
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| LD
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 8
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Hello. I´m beginning my preparations to take Step 1. What materials do you suggest? How much time did study for it? I´m really lost as to wich strategy to stick to, any help will be more than welcome!
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| docdoc
Forum Senior
Topics: 20
Posts: 104
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Keep few things in mind before starting preparation.
1) The course for Step 1 is very long
2) Dont run away from the things you dont know.
3) Do as much questions as you can.
The strategy is very simple.
Use Kaplan notes.
Read thru a subject. Take a day or two to do the questions of that subject from BSS (CD format) or A&L or NMS (subject review books)
Move to next subject and do the same.
Memorize the concepts only. Note them down or do whatever it takes but do memorize the concepts.
Make 2 readings like this. During 2 reading use questions from Qbook.
Get First Aid in the third reading and find the related things from the notes and add additional concepts on your FA.
Then take online qbank. Keep looking in the notes or FA whenever you make a mistake in the question or you dont know about it.
Take NBME self assessment 15 days before exam and it will tell you your weak areas. Work on that.
Things you shouldnt do:
Dont runaway from the things you dont know or understand. Keep doing them.
Dont underestimate ANY subject. ALL subjects are important, anatomy may showup more than pathology. Expect anything and be prepared.
Exam is NOT hard if you prepare properly.
How those of you who have passed their Step 2, I would like to listen to their strategies. I also have a lot of resources/books for Step 1 and I would like to exchange these with books for Step 2.
Thanks and good luck
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| dxtxpx
Forum Guru
Topics: 259
Posts: 1,233
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hi thanks for your input. u gave good points for prep but didnt mention anything bout your own exam? images, graphs, formulas? co-relation with nms or q banks scores? thanks
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| LD
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 8
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Thanks for the help and good luck on your Step 2!
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| docdoc
Forum Senior
Topics: 20
Posts: 104
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My opinion:
Images:
If u r in the end or middle of prep don’t waste too much time on images. Just have a look at the common ones like anemias and gross and CT findings (toxoplasma, alzheimers, parkinsons etc). I only got microcytic anemia and famous gout crystals. Web path is a good source.
If you are in the beginning of preparation, u can look at images as you go thru the topic. This will not only solve your problem for images for exams but also increase your understanding of the subject.
Graphs and formula equations:
Worth spending time on. You should now all in FA and keep looking for more. Separate them out and practice on them well.
Correlation:
Only one I know of is Kaplan simulated test +~20
If anyone of you is ready to share material for step 2, I ll appreciate. I can exchange.
Thx
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| bims
Forum Senior
Topics: 26
Posts: 118
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hi docdoc.congrats on passing.do u mind sharing ur score wit us?thanx
___________________
BIMBOLA
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| dxtxpx
Forum Guru
Topics: 259
Posts: 1,233
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thanks for your explanation 
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| ardae
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 11
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OK, now I am scared.
Anatomy might show up more than pathology? Was that the case on hyour exam?
I cannot get through anatomy for the life of me...
Any tips?
Appreciatively,
Ard
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| ardae
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 11
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Oh, and of course...
Good luck!
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| docdoc
Forum Senior
Topics: 20
Posts: 104
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Anatomy:
My suggestion is .. get prepared for every subject equally. You might find any subject dominant in your exam, so its a good idea to work on your weak subjects. You are lucky if you already know your weakness before exam. It gives you an opportunity to work on it.
My suggestion for anatomy is... Kaplan is best for anatomy and Neuroanatomy (HY is good too, but takes too long). If you can get hold of webprep, that will make it even easier. Anatomy is all 'memorization', the only way to get hold of it is to integrate it with clinical conditions or other diseases that we study in pathology or medicine. In webprep, the anatomy section is all clinically oriented, so its easier to memorize and revise (this is my opinion). Second best source is FA, but if you dont have a good background, it wont be easy.
The good news is that Anatomy is tested in the exam with regard to its clinical significance. Most questions are asked to check your understanding about the clinical condition rather than asking hardcore facts. Its probably a good idea to keep an Atlas (CD) with you and clear your concepts while studying.
Note:
I think if you have time, pathology is best by Goljan. Good teacher, good cocepts and easy to understand. If you can get hold of his audios, these are the best source.
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| ardae
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 11
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Thank you so much for your advice and your honesty.
I am taking the exam on the 19th, and still have to tackle Anatomy and Neuro, since I lost all desire and will to know the borders of epiploic foramen...
Also, I think you brought up a very good point about equal subject "value"; haven't really looked at it that way...
I've been cheering with a defeated attitude of "something gotta give", so before I even put my best forward, I kind of decided that if it is not going well and it is making me waste little time I have, I should just leave it alone.
Well, I will crack it tomorrow.
Again, thanks for a positive word...
Ard
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| nuprin
Forum Elite
Topics: 16
Posts: 338
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you should check out neuroanatomy made ridiculously simple. i guess not everyone likes the ridiculously simple style, but this was very easy to read, very concise, and quick. it gives you an understanding of neuro that will allow you to figure stuff out. i took a look at HY neuro, and there's just too much detail--i was getting 90% on qbank neuro without even looking at HY, and neuro was one of my worst classes. BRS physio should fill in the few gaps from MRS.
also, i've started BRS path today. studying path is like a review of everything else you've learned! that's probably why they say the exam is 75% path and pharm.
oh, and another thing that's helped me with anatomy (another of my worst subjects in med school) is, like docdoc said, keeping an atlas handy. it's good to procrastinate with without really procrastinating. and whenever you do an anatomy q, look at the corresponding pic. i drew innervations, esp. cutaneous and dermatomes, on my body with diff color ink. it looked kinda silly, but i was reminded of where everything was everytime i looked at my body.
good luck! don't worry. you'll get through it. i'm actually enjoying a lot of this stuff a lot more this time around than i did in classes bc i'm finally understanding stuff.
docdoc, do you think goljan is better than BRS path?
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| docdoc
Forum Senior
Topics: 20
Posts: 104
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Wish you good luck and no anatomy for your exam ard. No need to rush for anatomy if you are taking it on 19th. Consolidate whatever you know (my suggestion).
I dont have much experience with BRS. I started it, but it kinda looked boring to me. Then I got hold of goljan audios which I liked very much. However I know I a lot of people used BRS and got good scores. So if you are doing BRS and you like it, stick to it, if you looking for a 'change' then get goljan (my advice). Its also helping me for my step 2 prep, esp medicine.
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| ardae
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 11
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nuprin, docdoc,
Thanks a lot for tips. The exam is creeping up on me, and it sure feels like there is not enough time. I took a simulated Kaplan exam on a CD yesterday and was ready to move my exam to a later date... I am not sure if those kinds of questions are representative of the actual exam, for God's sake I hope not! I feel like like Sisyphus, almost at the top of the hill watching my rock wave me goodbye as it tumbles downhill!
Well, I am off to some review...
Have fun...
Ard
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| itsme
Forum Junior
Topics: 11
Posts: 44
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hi docdoc
congratulations!!!!!
i m praparing for step 1 ,exam is in december.i m using kaplan notes 2000 edition.so shall i use upper version edition like 2002..2003 for good score? but it will be difficult for me to replace those notes?
so please advice me,what to do now?
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