1. USMLE
Ralph Bou Chebl
April 2011

2. Basics- Step 1 Eight-hour computer-based test.
Seven 46-question sections with a total of 322 multiple-choice questions.
One hour is the time provided for each section.
Between test sections, the test taker is allotted a cumulative 45 minutes for personal breaks.

3. How to register
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates:
>$800
3-month “eligibility period”
It takes a while to get your permit
Prometric
Scores are ed 3-6 w later

4. Test questions MED-2 = MAJORITY
One-best-answer (no “excepts,” no matching).
Experimental questions.
Imaging, pathology slides.
Audio questions.

5. Format and grading
Three-digit score: 188-???. The three-digit score is calculated using a statistical percentile that ensures that scores from different years are read on a common scale
Two-digit score: (NOT %).
Mean = 221, SD = 24
Most scores:

6. Subjects Anatomy/ Neuroanatomy, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology
Physiology/Pathology
Microbiology
Pharmacology and Immunology
Statistics, Epidemiology, Medical ethics.

7. How to study FIRST AID = Primary reference. USMLE World The internet
Board Review Series
Anatomy, Molecular Biology, Statistics, Epidemiology, Medical ethics.
Class notes (immunology)

8. Pathology Very high yield subject.
FIRST AID = Primary reference.
Very high yield subject.
Main study material for organ systems.
Slides. CT scans.

9. Microbiology
FIRST AID = Primary reference.
Very high yield. Bacteriology, Virology, fungi and Parasitology.
Clinical cases.
Properties of Bacteria.
3 weeks.

10. Neuroanatomy Cross sections. Identification. 2 days.
Important areas of the brain. Location. Function.
Spinal tracts.

11. Pharmacology 7 chapters in Lippincott’s.
Pharmacokinetics, SNS, PSNS high yield.
1 week.
Medication side effects First Aid

12. Physiology Renal and cardiology physiology.
Understand. Do not memorize.
Experiments on the step 1.
Other organ systems, first aid as guide.

13. Summary
Most important method to prepare for Step 1 and step 2????
USMLE world

14. Med 3 Vs Med 4?
Depends on residency, med 3 schedule, desire to match straight after med 4.
MED 3: 1. Matching
2. Electives.
3. Don’t REALLY need clinical experience.
MED 4: 1. Applying to a competitive residency.
2. Easier year than med 3.
3. Clinical clerkships. (scans, clinical presentation). Can be done in 4 months.

15. Basics- Step 2CK
Focus is much more on clinical application of medical knowledge
Eight 44-question sections with a total of 352 multiple-choice questions.
internal medicine (majority), obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, preventive medicine, psychiatry, surgery.
Diagnosis, prognosis, the next step in medical care, including preventive measures.

16. Step 2CK - Books

17. Step 2CK - Books Subjects combined in one book. High yield topics.
Important guide for broad material of step 2 CK.

18. Step 2CK Most important preparation method  USMLE world.
When to do it? Study time?
First 3 months of MED 4 if applying to the match. (added benefit of MED 3 finals).
If not matching, better after internal medicine rotation.

19. Matching ERAS Application Process
Prior to applying via ERAS, contact your programs of interest to determine their minimum eligibility criteria, ERAS application deadlines, licensure requirements, and institutional policies about visas, if applicable. Much of this information can be found on each program’s website. (
Obtain a Residency Token via ECFMG’s OASIS.
Use your Token to register at the AAMC MyERAS website
Once you have registered at MyERAS, you can begin to work on your application (Profile, CV and Personal Statement).

20. Matching
It is recommended that you submit supporting documents, to ERAS Support Services for arrival by August 1. All documents should be accompanied by a Document Submission Form (DSF), which you can complete and print on-line using ECFMG’s OASIS.
Register with NRMP in order to participate in the 2011 Match.
Select programs and assign supporting documents.
On September 1, at 8:00 a.m., Eastern Time in the United States, you begin to apply.

21. Required Documents
Original Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
Medical School Transcript
Original Letters of Recommendation (LoRs)
Photograph
USMLE
Personal statement.

22. Matching 4 categories US citizen, US school.
Non US citizen, US school.
US Foreign medical graduate.
Non US Foreign medical graduate.

26. Timeline Step 1 in MED 3 Step 2 CK first 3 months of MED 4.
ERAS token in mid july.
Apply to ERAS by September 1st.
Register for the match at NRMP.
LORs (3-4). Preferably by US doctors (electives) by October at the LATEST.
Interviews (November till end of january)
STEP 2 CS by December 31st of application year.
Match in February.

27. Timeline
Post match
Couple’s match
Early finals?