USMLE Step 1 Success Stories

BONUS Episode: Study Smarter Fest for the USMLE Step 1 Mar 19, 2021

It's that time of year again! The Step 1 study season is upon us so be sure to download the ITB app to get all of the resources we offer or follow along on the Study Smarter podcast. Learn more on our website.

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Crush Step 1

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Physiology by Physeo

Step 1 Success Stories

The InsideTheBoards Podcast

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InsideTheBoards is not affiliated with the NBME, USMLE, COMLEX, or any professional licensing body. InsideTheBoards and its partners fully adhere to the policies on irregular conduct outlined by the aforementioned credentialing bodies.

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Introducing: The Health Beat - Medical News from Medical Students Nov 19, 2020

ITB is proud to announce a collaboration between Ars Longa Media and a group of medical students from Johns Hopkins University: The Health Beat. This show aims to deliver medical news in a digestible fashion for fellow students and the general public as well. The group has been following the coronavirus pandemic extensively and posting daily to their social accounts @CovidUp2Date. Check it out and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!

ITB Audio Qbank and iOS Beta App

Our audio qbank is THE PERFECT companion for studying for the boards on the go. And we're adding content and improving it all the time. The Audio Qbank by InsideTheBoards mobile app has both free and premium features and is available on both Android and iOS. Create a free Boardsinsider Account to get started.

Legal Stuff and Credits

InsideTheBoards is not affiliated with the NBME, USMLE, COMLEX, NBOME or any professional licensing body. InsideTheBoards and its partners fully adhere to the policies on irregular conduct outlined by the aforementioned credentialing bodies.

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INTRODUCING COVID-19: Commonsense Conversations on the Coronavirus Pandemic Mar 21, 2020

COVID-19, the disease caused by a novel coronavirus, has created a global pandemic. This show aims to educate the public via interviews with leaders in healthcare, public health and policy. You’ll hear from former Kaiser CEO, host of the Fixing Healthcare podcast, and author of Mistreated: Why We Think We're Getting Good Health Care and Why We're Usually Wrong, Robert Pearl; critical care physician and frequent guest on The Doctors, “Dr. Raj” Dasgupta; Patrick C. Beeman, Ob/Gyn and founder of the medical education platform, InsideTheBoards; microbiology professor, Ken Rosenthal; and more. Your host is Dr. Ted O’Connell, family physician, educator, and author of numerous textbooks and peer-reviewed articles. He holds academic appointments at UCSF, UC Davis, and Drexel University's medical schools and also founded the Kaiser Permanente Napa-Solano Community Medicine and Global Health Fellowship, the first program in the U.S. to formally combine both community medicine and global health.Submit Your Questions for the PodcastSend an email to info@arslonga.media or check out covidpodcast.comWhat Can You Do? You can help spread commonsense about COVID-19 by supporting this podcast. Hit subscribe, leave a positive review, and share it with your friends especially on social media. We can each do our part to ensure that scientifically accurate information about the pandemic spreads faster than rumors or fears. Remember to be vigilant, but remain calm. For the most trusted and real time information on COVID-19 and the coronavirus pandemic, both the CDC and WHO have dedicated web pages to keep the public informed. The information presented in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.

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An Update and Overview of COVID-19 for Medical Students from InsideTheBoards Featuring "Dr. Raj" Dasgupta Mar 16, 2020

This is a special episode we're posting across the InsideTheBoards network to educate med students on the clinical issues surrounding COVID-19 like how ventilators work, how patients are assessed and some potential questions students may have about the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Ted O’Connell, ITB’s chief content officer, and author of Crush Step 1 and USMLE Step 2 Secrets interviews Dr. Raj Dasgupta.“Dr. Raj” is a Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine physician and assistant program director for the University of Southern California’s Internal Medicine residency program. Dr. Raj is actively involved in media and has appeared on The Doctors, Bill Nye Saves the World and many others. He is one of the hosts for TNT’s Chasing the Cure and author of author of Morning Report: Beyond the Pearls, which you can learn more about at beyondthepearls.net. Dr. Raj is well worth following on social media. Check him out on Instagram (@dr_raj_), Facebook (@doctorRajD) or Twitter (@DoctorRajD) The Audio Qbank by InsideTheBoards Mobile AppThe Audio Qbank by InsideTheBoards mobile app has both free and premium features and is available on both Android and iOS. To get started, first, create a Boardsinsider Account on our website insidetheboards.comFree Features All of our podcasts in one place organized into playlists for easy studying (also with less ads and exclusive content) Mindfulness meditations designed specifically for medical students A monthly offering of high yield content (questions dissections, audio qbank samples) available only on our mobile app. Early Access and exclusive content like a preview of the soon to be released "Crush Step 1" podcast and the "Inside ITB" podcast where we "get real" about the challenges of building ITB and the day to day behind the scenes stuff. Premium FeaturesSubscribe to an ITB premium account and get additional features Access to 500+ audio optimized board style practice questions in our Audio Qbank. The Step 1 version is powered by Exam Circle and the Step 2 Version is powered by OnlineMedEd. New questions added each month. High Yield Pharmacology (powered by Lecturio) with 100 of the top pharm questions you need to know for both Step 1 and Step 2 Audio Flashcards (coming soon) Our audio qbank is THE PERFECT companion for studying for the boards on the go. And we're adding content and improving it all the time. Learn more about the Audio Qbank by InsideTheBoards mobile app hereWhat Can You Do? You can help spread commonsense about COVID-19 by supporting this podcast. Hit subscribe, leave a positive review, and share it with your friends especially on social media. We can each do our part to ensure that scientifically accurate information about the pandemic spreads faster than rumors or fears. Remember to be vigilant, but remain calm. For the most trusted and real time information on COVID-19 and the coronavirus pandemic, both the CDC and WHO have dedicated web pages to keep the public informed. The information presented in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.

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Episode 24: The AnKing Team - Why you Should be Using Premade Anki Decks with Forrest Hamrick Jan 13, 2020

In this episode Michael and Rhett talk with Forrest Hamrick, one of the stellar members of the 4-person Anking team. Operated by four 2nd year medical students from the University of Utah, Anking demystified the flash card program for med students all around the world and became a Youtube sensation. In the interview, Forrest explains his commitment to Anki starting in the first few weeks of medical school and how its helped him ever since. He also emphasized the importance of using stellar premade Anki decks such as Zanki and Physeo.

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Episode 23: A 258 and Not Finishing UWorld with Nick Curran Dec 13, 2019

In this interview Nick Curran, an MS3 at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, discusses how he was able to identify what strategies he needed to employ in order to succeed. Nick makes the argument that one should stick with a strategy that works, even though it may defy conventional wisdom.

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Episode 22: A 262 and Overcoming Weak Areas with Neil Mehta Nov 26, 2019

In this episode we talk with Neil Mehta, an MS3 at St. George’s University. He did exceptionally well on Step 1 (and humble about it) and shares his pearls of wisdom for anyone else trying to achieve that type of score. Not all of us love every part of medical school and Neil shared his personal experience coming to the conclusion you don’t have to love everything to be a solid doctor. He also shared insight into how he navigated topics that didn’t come easily to him and ultimately succeeded!

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Episode 21: 263 - A Straightforward Study Plan with Danny Nov 05, 2019

In this episode, Danny talks about how he managed to figure out a super-simple study schedule right out of the gate. He shares some time-saving insights that helped his time management and retention.

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Episode 20: A 262 - Six Phases of Studying with Rajshree Oct 21, 2019

In this episode, resourceful Rajshree speaks from Nepal about studying for Step 1 as an international medical graduate. She discusses how she balances her school and social life, work and studying for step 1 while dealing with unexpected setbacks. She shares some innovative study strategies, including audio lectures and a color-coded post-it note system and her personal 6 phase plan for tackling such a daunting test.Phase 1 a.Materials: Kaplan books, Pathoma, 1st round First Aid (FA), b.Color code on FA: Bluesticky notes or blue pen a.Time duration: 3.5 months during internshipPhase 2 a.Materials: 1st round Uworld system wise (73 %), 2nd round FA, BRS physiology, 100 clinical cases of medical Ethics by Conrad Fischer, Goljan Audio lectures from Spotify (1 week when I had Keratitis) a.Color code on FA: Yellow sticky notes and black pen a.Time duration: 2.5 monthsPhase 3 a.Materials: 2nd round Uworld Random (89%), ANKI cards (24K cards), 3rd round FA (removed low yield sticky notes) a.Color code on FA: Yellow sticky notes and black pen b.Time duration: 2 monthsPhase 4 a.Materials: Uworld marked questions, 4th round FA with circling high yield texts, Physeo videos in weaker topics of physiology, Boards & Beyond (B&B only difficult topics), ANKI 7K cards (couldn’t finish) a.Color code in FA: Green pen or Green Sticky note for NBME & UWSA, 6-B Pencil for circling (glossy papers need darker pencil), Red pens and red sticky notes for Physeo, B&B, internet/forum resources b.Time duration: 20 daysPhase 5 a.Materials: 5th round FA reading only the circled text, Qmax 7 day free trial –8 blocks/day for endurance a.Color code in FA: Subject-wise color coded index sticky notes to marking topics to revise day before test b.Time duration: 10 daysPhase 6 a.Materials: 6th round FA reading selected topics in indexed sticky note b.Time duration: 10 hours

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Episode 19: Step 1 Advice from a Physeo Founder with Michael Christensen Sep 26, 2019

In this unusual episode, Michael, one of the content creators and co-founders of Physeo, talks about how he would study for Step 1 if he had the chance to do it all over again. Michael talks about specific strategies from your first semester all the way to your dedicated study time, distilling information from the numerous interviews he's conducted, the hundreds of Step 1 videos he’s created, as well as his own personal experience preparing for Step 1.

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Episode 18: Figuring Out What Works with David Ortiz (an MS2) Sep 14, 2019

David Ortiz is a second year medical student at the University of Utah from Kansas City. He shares his experience navigating figuring out how to study for medical school after taking a year off after undergrad. He shares some great metrics for how to determine if a study strategy is working for you, and Rhett and Michael share their own advice on memorizing vs. understanding the material.

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Episode 17: A 254 - Studying for Step 1 and Clerkships at the Same Time with Andrew Goates Sep 03, 2019

In this episode Andrew Goates, a second year ENT resident at Mayo Clinic, shares the strategies he used to dominate his preclinical years as well as the USMLE Step 1. Interestingly, his was the first medical school class at the University of Iowa to move to a new curriculum. He had to navigate an 18 month didactic curriculum followed immediately by 3rd year clerkships prior to taking Step 1. The strategies he implemented to conquer these challenges can be applied to any circumstance, regardless of the curriculum at your school. Plus, Dr. Goates loves to mentor anyone and answer questions on virtual anything. Feel free to connect with him in the following ways:Twitter: @goatesworldInstagram: @goatolaryngologistDoximity/Linked In: Andrew Goates, MD

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Episode 16: A 263 via 8,000+ Practice Questions, Daily Anki, and Ditching First Aid with Ian Christensen Aug 23, 2019

In this episode we interview Ian Christensen who describes how he approached classwork during years 1 and 2, which did not include doing the recommended pre-reading suggested by the lecturers. Interestingly, he did not use First Aid much at all as part of his board preparation. According to Ian, the foundation for success is doing practice questions. And he did over 8,000 questions, so he clearly practices what he preaches.

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Episode 15: From Lightyear + BnB to Zanki + Physeo (a New World for an MS2) with Travis Norseth Aug 15, 2019

In this episode we talk to Travis Norseth, a 2nd year medical student at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Most of our guests have been, and will be, those who have successfully completed Step 1. However, much like episode 13 with Carol Foote, in this episode we take a different approach and get the inside scoop on what a rising 2nd year medical student is currently experiencing. Travis discusses his success through his first two semesters and what resources he used during that time. Although he's grateful he had Boards and Beyond during first year, Travis plans on using Physeo and Anki moving forward.

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Episode 14: 250+ Using an Excel Spreadsheet to Track Productivity and Improve Performance with Bronson Fong Aug 08, 2019

This podcast interviews Bronson Fong. He is a third year medical student at Louisiana Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. Bronson really struggled during his first few months at medical school, and nearly left it behind to return to investment banking. He decided to stay and tough it out and discovered some really unique ways of studying. Bronson focused on using Physeo, Boards and Beyond, Pathoma, SketchyMedical and Rx to study for his coursework. He would then sporadically use Anki in long bursts to review. He used a spreadsheet to keep track of the material he’d covered and how it was working for him. During his dedicated study time, he switched tactics and used mostly UWorld: trying to cover 120 questions random and timed, keeping track of what questions he’d done using a word document. He also took an official practice test at the Prometric testing center, which he felt helpful to simulate the exact circumstances of the actual Step 1. Bronson also proves that it is possible to improve your score from your NBMEs to Step 1 by more than 40 points. Another Step 1 success story!

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Episode 13: A second year medical student's perspective on coursework and Step 1 with Carol Foote Aug 01, 2019

In this episode we talk to Carol Foote, a 2nd year medical student at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Most of our guests have been, and will be, those who have successfully completed Step 1. However, in this episode we take a different approach and get the inside scoop on what a rising 2nd year medical student is currently experiencing. Carol discusses her focus on classwork during the first semester and her transition to gradually using other board preparation resources during the second semester. She also discusses her plans going forward for upcoming coursework and beyond.

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Episode 12: A 256 – Letting Question Banks Dictate your Study Plans with Chizitam Ibezim Jul 25, 2019

In this episode we interview Chizitam Ibezim, a 4th year medical student from University of Missouri-Kansas City. Chizitam shares how he juggled course work and his method for determining which outside resources to invest time in. He completed 3 question banks and would use dive deep into concepts he routinely struggled with by returning to video resources like Pathoma and Physeo.

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Episode 11: Juggling 3rd Year Rotations while Studying for Step 1 with Nimrah Jul 19, 2019

Being a third year medical student is grueling work. Needing to study for the USMLE step 1 is even harder. Nimrah explains how she worked long days in the clinic and would study for step 1 at night. And she didn’t read a single page of First Aid. How did she make it work? Staying focused on fundamentals with uWorld, Sketchy and Physeo.

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Episode 10: A 260 USMLE and 880 COMLEX - Using DIT, Physeo and Pathoma with Greg Rodden Jul 11, 2019

Greg Rodden is a 1st year pediatrics resident at Dell Children's Hospital in Austin, Texas. He graduated from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, VA. In this interview, Greg detailed the study method he and his study group developed to learn and retain information from class lectures. Also, he explained how he scored off-the-charts, literally

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Episode 9: A 258 - Leveraging Clinical Experiences and Volunteer Work with Kara Allen Jul 04, 2019

In this episode, we talk to Kara Alan, a first year general surgery resident at Indiana University. She talks about her clinical experiences and volunteer work during her preclinical years really helped her study for courses and ultimately succeed on step 1.

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Episode 8: A 258 using Rx Qmax to Dominate Courses and Saving uWorld for Dedicated with Ryan Hirschi Jun 28, 2019

Ryan recently matched into Radiology at Wash U in St. Louis, Missouri. During this interview, Ryan explains how helpful Anki was during his MSII year, and the unique way he balanced his coursework with Step 1 preparation. Contrary to conventional wisdon, Ryan didn't start using uWorld until his dedicated period. He also emphasizes the role that his super smart study partners had on his overall success.

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Episode 7: A 255 using Image Mnemonics with Hnia Usman Jun 19, 2019

Hnia Usman is an international medical graduate (IMG) from Pakistan. She graduated from the prestigious King Edward Medical University. Hnia discusses the particular challenges of taking the USMLE Step 1 as an international graduate and how she got a great score by studying in the way that she learns best. She explains how she was able to succeed in spite of not being able to follow the study schedule prescribed by her peers. Memorizing image mnemonics was one of her favorite learning methods.

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Episode 6: A 248 - Embracing Coursework and Creating Handwritten Notes with Guinn Dunn Jun 12, 2019

In this episode, Michael and Rhett welcome Guinn Dunn to the show. She's a 4th year Medical student at the University of Utah. She matched into Internal Medicine at the University of Utah and shares about how important it was to stay where she was and her Step 1 experience to help her do so.

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Episode 5: A 239 - Identifying your Weaknesses with Question Banks with Brian Bird Jun 05, 2019

In this episode, we talk with Brian Bird, a third year medical student from Utah attending University of Nevada Reno. He shares in detail his resources and study strategies that led to his success.

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Episode 4: A 270 via 450 straight days of Anki with Josh and Laura Harmer May 29, 2019

During this Episode Michael and Rhett interview 4th-year medical student, Josh Harmer and his wife Laura about the journey into and through Medical school, and ultimately Josh matching into Orthopedic surgery at the Mayo Clinic. They share what it's like having a family and balancing that family life while studying through medical school.

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Episode 3: The Dominating Power of Study Partners and Couples Matching with Chelsea and Marcus Vranes May 29, 2019

In this episode, Michael and Rhett interview to Marcus and Chelsey Vranes, who are both 4th-year Medical students at the University of Utah. They share about their different experiences going through the same program just a year apart.

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Episode 2: Success After Failing Step 1 with Camila Robles May 29, 2019

In this episode, Michael and Rhett talk with Camila. Camila is a 3rd-year medical student at Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. She shares her inspiring story of perseverance. She talks about her struggle with Step 1 and how she persevered and ultimately succeeded.

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Episode 1: A 252 Using One-word Flashcards with Pete Sundwall May 29, 2019

During this 1st Episode Michael and Rhett interview Pete Sundwall, a 1st year Family Medicine Resident from Coeur d'Alene, ID. He attended the University of Utah. He shares about his simple, straight forward strategy and routines to be successful through Step 1.

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Introduction to Podcast May 24, 2019

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