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June ’ s Quiz

June ’ s Quiz. Class of 2013, Preparation for USMLE 1 Paul G. Koles, MD Boonshoft SOM. 3 sequential steps to maximal performance. 1) Courageous Self-Assessment 2) Focused Improvement of Weaknesses 3) Global Question-Based Review. 1) Self-Assessment. Guessing vs. knowing about yourself

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June ’ s Quiz

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  1. June’s Quiz Class of 2013, Preparation for USMLE 1 Paul G. Koles, MD Boonshoft SOM

  2. 3 sequential steps to maximal performance 1) Courageous Self-Assessment 2) Focused Improvement of Weaknesses 3) Global Question-Based Review

  3. 1) Self-Assessment • Guessing vs. knowing about yourself • Intuition is unreliable • Objective assessment of your knowledge is better • Every school’s curriculum has “blind spots”: omissions, incomplete • Previous performance on BSOM exams predictive, not foolproof • Nationally standardized assessment tools 1) NBME comprehensive basic-science self-assessment:200 Qs, board-level difficulty, numerical scores standardized to USMLE 1 (based on performance by thousands of students, sub-analysis of performance by discipline and organ systems • Strength:above national “borderline” performance • Needs Improvement: below national “borderline” performance 2) Kaplan Q-bank:350 Q comprehensive test, absolute score reported, sub-analysis of performance by discipline

  4. Comprehensive Basic Science Self Assessment (CBSSA) • Information available from NBME website: www.nbme.org/, go to self-assessment services • 200 questions in 4 blocks, one hour/block (4 hours total) • At least 6 tests available • Qs from previous USMLE part 1 exams • $45 performance feedback; $60 “expanded” feedback • Class 2012: CBSSA closest to the exam predicted personal score on USMLE 1 within 5-10% • Report allows useful self-assessment • Strengths: >50% of your “range bar” above borderline • Improvement areas: <50% your bar above borderline

  5. Part (2) Focused Improvement of Weaknesses • Content areas to improve, defined by your performance in both disciplines & organ systems • Double-whammy approach to personal growth: • Authoritative review sources to deepen your knowledge • Do multiple-choice questions pertaining ONLY to the content area being improved (immediate feedback) • 50/50 daily time split: studying content / doing questions • Duration of study for each content area: • how many areas for improvement are identified by self-assessment? • relative importance of content area needing improvement

  6. Emphases USMLE 1 • Behavioral Sciences • Microbiology • Immunology • Molecular genetics (central dogma of biology: DNA  RNA  protein) • Physiology • Pathology • Pharmacology

  7. Authoritative Content Review Resources • Best resources: a personal opinion (not fact) • My updated list will be posted on MEDU 11/3/10 • What works for others may not work well for you • Suggested list is based on last 10 years experience with Boonshoft students • Key factors in choosing a review source • Authors who are expert authorities • Is it compatible with your learning style? • More useful if multiple-choice questions included

  8. Part (3) Global Question-Based Review • Challenging question bank(s) used to review entire spectrum of basic medical sciences • “Global”= question blocks of randomly mixed topics • Blocks of 50-100 questions at USMLE rate (50/hr) • Keep personal log, tracking performance over time • Use all missed questions to deepen knowledge • Not just the question bank’s explanation, but refer to primary learning sources for authoritative content • Duration of review: individually determined; minimum total # Qs = 2000; better if more • 2 weeks pre-exam: MCQs are most efficient way to learn and identify any areas of ignorance

  9. Comparison Question Banks

  10. Preparation: Jan -June • Focus on current course ! • During 6 courses: practice Qs from bank • Spring Break: CBSSA self-assessment • Create personal schedule • Comprehensive term 2 exam: 6 systems! • Final prep: 3-7 weeks

  11. During term 2 • Review year 1 content relevant to organ during 1st week: anatomy, histology, microbiology • “Non-test weekends”: • blocks of 50 questions focused on year 1 and/or term 1 courses • ONLY AFTER your are up-to-date on current course

  12. Spring Break • 1st CBSSA to define strengths & areas needing improvement • Begin focused improvement: schedule weakest areas from year 1 and term 1

  13. Comp Term 2 Exam • Best opportunity to focus on all 6 courses, emphasizing CV, Resp, Renal • Lots of practice Qs from authoritative review sources—this is not our home-baked exam! (Pre-Test Self-Assesment and Review (topical), Costanzo BRS, Robbins Review, Katzung Board Review of Pharm, your favorite Q bank)

  14. Final prep USMLE 1 • Part 1: continue focused improvement of weaknesses • 4-5 hour cycle: 2 hrs. review source, 1 block 50 questions, study all missed answers • 2 cycles/day with healthy break (nap, exercise) • Take 2nd CBSSA: goal is >200 Step 1 score • Part 2: global review • 4-5 hour cycles: 100 Qs in 2 hours, review missed Qs • Additional CBSSA??: optional, for reassurance • First Aid: only for rapid additional review of topics related to missed Qs

  15. Health Issues • Spring Break: get some rest ! • Comp term 2 and USMLE prep: limit study to 8-9 hours/day • Regular schedule vs. cramming at end • 6 days/week hard work, celebrate with a personal “reward day”

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