Some go into medical school straight from undergrad while others have been in the workforce for years. It can be intimidating managing the large amount of content in didactic years regardless of what the years before looked like. Every student must figure out their own study strategy, which is challenging. I took one gap year before medical school. This meant my brain had to get back into the “school mindset”. I had to relearn how to store material in my brain long term. There were several resources geared towards medical school that assisted with this. I am going to go over those below:
Equipment/Technology
- iPad
If you spend money on anything for medical school, I recommend an Ipad. I chose the Ipad Pro 12.9” linked here. It is a huge expense so if you want a cheaper option, the iPad Air or iPad would be great options and work just as well. I wanted a larger screen to resemble a laptop with more writing space. Some of my classmates used the Microsoft Surface Pro if you are not an Apple user. I downloaded all my lectures to the iPad and were able to take notes on the slides. I highly recommend downloading Notability. This is a great free app you can download lecture slides and textbooks to so that you can write, highlight, circle, etc.
2. Apple Pencil
You have to have the writing utensil to go with the iPad, and Apple only has one option, their pencil. The iPad Pro and Air require the 2nd generation pencil while the iPad requires the 1st generation pencil. The 1st generation pencil charges via a USB-C while the 2nd generation pencil can charge connected to the iPad via a magnet. The Apple Pencil has all capabilities of a regular pencil, just on a screen. It glides smoothly over the screen and is easy to use. If you would like a cheaper pencil option, check out this one that works with most iPad models.
3. Bluetooth Keyboard
In order to create the laptop effect with the iPad, I needed a keyboard. There are several options out there. You have to make sure the keyboard is compatible with the specific iPad you choose. I chose to get one that is a case/keyboard combo like this one to keep my iPad protected and have the iPad, pencil, and keyboard connected at all times.
Online Resources
- Sketchy
Sketchy was the first resource I heard about when I got accepted to medical school. Sketchy Micro, Sketchy Pharm. They are all the rage and for good reason. I owe my A in Micro to Sketchy lol. Sketchy produces videos with stories in them that focus on the most common microorganisms and drugs taught in medical school. It is the information you must know for board exams. I can picture most of the videos to this day. Only con is some can cover too much in one video for my brain to process.
2. Pixorize
Pixorize is a much newer resource, but very similar to Sketchy. The videos are much shorter and simpler than Sketchy videos, which I appreciate. However, the stories and connections they try to make aren’t as memorable as Sketchy.
3. Uworld
Hands down, one of the best online resources for medical school out there especially for board studying. I did not use the question bank as much during classes because I wanted to save the questions for my dedicated board studying time. The questions reflect what you see on boards, and the explanations/diagrams are AMAZING. My success on STEP/COMLEX is due to Uworld.
4. AMBOSS
AMBOSS is another great question bank. I used this more during classes. I would use this bank as a guide to where I was at with my material when studying for exams. You are provided articles on each topic covered in a question. The site stores your strengths and weaknesses so you can reference the articles you need more study time on. The questions do focus on tinier details that I don’t think board exams necessarily focuses on.
5. Anki
If you are into flash cards, this is the resource for you to utilize. Everyone in medical school eventually hears about Anki. I don’t find I learn well with flash cards, but several of my classmates always had Anki up on their laptop or phone. Here is the updated deck I have. It looks like they have a more updated deck that is now a subscription service. You will have to weigh whether this would benefit you. The deck linked can help in classes, but is geared more towards board studying. You can also make your own decks more tailored to your class subjects.
6. Pathoma
Pathoma hands down got me questions right on my class and board exams. Dr. Sattar’s lectures go heavily into the pathology of all systems focusing on the foundational components of why things occur. There is a free version you can test out before deciding to purchase the full version. There are video lectures and then once you purchase, you receive a book that goes along with the lectures that you can take notes in as. you follow along. I utilized this resource second year as well as during board studying.
**pricing varies for online resources depending on the packages you want and how long you are planning to use the service. Click the links for most updated pricing.
Textbook Resources
- First Aid for USMLE STEP 1
First Aid is like the Bible for medical school. It covers every topic you learn within your first two years. The book gives the most relevant information for each topic. I think it is helpful to reference while reviewing lecture slides to further solidify material. It will be useful during board studying when you need tips and tricks for remembering the tiny details of topics. I recommend purchasing the book before starting your didactic years and utilizing it throughout; the latest edition can be found here.
2. OMT Review
If you are a D.O. student, I highly recommend purchasing this textbook for use during your didactic years as well as studying for boards. I bought this during my dedicated board studying time, and I wish I had purchased sooner. It clearly explains the most important OMT topics. This book is highly board relevant, and if you know the material thoroughly, you will excel in class as well as on COMLEX.
These are some of my favorite and most used medical school resources. I hope you find them as helpful as I did. You will definitely succeed no matter what you use as long as you believe in yourself (: