Prepping for your USMLE Step 2 exam? Try 200 free USMLE Step 2 CK practice questions from The Pass Machine to help get your USMLE prep on track.
Learn More About USMLE Step 2 CK Content
Now that Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) has become a pass/fail exam, your USMLE Step 2 CK score is more important than ever in deciding your medical residency and career options. In this article, we will review the USMLE… Click to Read More
How to Get the Most from Group Study for Board Exams
Preparing for board exams can be done alone or with a partner or study group. (From now on, I’ll write ‘group’ when referring to a group or single partner.) Studying in a group has several pros and cons, which I cover in this article. Depending on the learner, either the pros or the cons of group study can predominate. Thus, group study is not for everyone. For those for whom group study is a net positive, it can be the… Click to Read More
VIDEO: Why the Knowledge Gap on the Board Exam?
Below is a transcription of the video (it has been edited for clarity):
Many physicians who do poorly on their boards feel frustrated by underperforming on their exam in relation to their medical knowledge and confused by not knowing how to fix this performance gap. Here I explore the first of five contributors to medical board exam underperformance and provide solutions.
Poor Focus on Board Exam Question Due to Anxiety
One cause of poor board exam performance is a lack… Click to Read More
Dark Alley’s and the Internet When Studying for Your Boards
No, I’m not talking about the “dark web” or anything controversial. I’m talking about something that is much more subtle and potentially devastating to your board review strategies – the allure of more interesting things you will encounter while looking up answers you need.
I treat looking up a fact I need while studying for the boards like going into a dark alley. I increase my alertness, look around for what I came for, grab it, and get out quick.… Click to Read More
Levels of Board Exam Questions
One way I’ve found categorizing board exam questions helpful is to view them in a hierarchy of three levels, each one building on the previous one and requiring a more use of one’s clinical judgment. My three levels are:
Know It → Recognize It → Decide It
Now let me explain, and I promise this will be practically helpful and, I believe, comforting even in preparing for your board exams.
KNOW IT
This lowest level of question relies almost exclusively… Click to Read More





