Live Online Lectures

Originally, the content of the live lectures course was given in various posts in the forum and prep site as well as in the weekly group chat sessions. However, since not all the students attend the chat or read the instructions thoroughly, this has resulted in uneven performance by the students. Therefore, the core information needed in order to study properly have been organized into six one-and-a-half-hour lectures. They are delivered in a virtual classroom environment that allows audio and video presentation, and teacher-student interaction via audio as well as public an private chatting. The lectures are presented in Powerpoint as well as sharing the computer desktop to illustrate the use of some course materials. Now you can choose to attend the live online lectures only for US$ 200.

1. How to Master the USMLE Step 1: This course discusses and explains the basis for the study methodologies in the course. It discusses what is unique about the USMLE, why you need to study a certain way to do well. It outlines basic principles you need to consider in designing your review, how long you need to study, what you need to study, how much you need to study, understanding how test questions are designed and how that should impact your study and much much more.

2. How to Review Pathology: This discusses in more detail the study methodologies covered in the first lecture using Pathology as an example. It also covers certain methodologies unique to studying Pathology and the way the USMLE asks questions in Pathology

3. Scheduling your Prep: Too many people do not know how to schedule their prep. In fact some have a hard time keeping to a schedule or even tracking their progress and adjusting the schedule accordingly. No schedule is written in stone and should be adjusted according to your own capacity to learn and time you can allot for the review. Explains the prep schedule for the online course and how to use Askdoc's USMLE Step 1 Schedule Organizer to plan your schedule and keep track of your progress. Download the suggested prep schedule for participants in the online course here.

4. How to Review Microbiology and Pharmacology: Discuss how the study methodologies are applied in reviewing Microbiology and Pharmacology. Includes discussions on methods unique to studying both subjects including how to create and use flashcards which are most effective for this two subjects. 

5. How to Review the Minor 4 Subjects: The minor 4 subjects includes Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry and Behavioral Sciences. There are special problems and methods for studying these topics. Plus there is a need to integrate this topics with the more advanced subjects of Pathology, Microbiology and Pharmacology since questions will usually focus on this integration.

6. Test Preparation Strategies: This lecture focuses not only on test-taking strategies or the so-called tips and tricks. It covers all aspect for taking the USMLE exam, including correcting bad habits and thought processes that negatively impact your ability to get the right answers, speed building to help you finish each block ahead of time and much much more. You could know all the medical concepts tested in the USMLE and still get a low score.

Lecture Sessions

How to Master the USMLE Step 1

September 7, 2010

November 2, 2010

How to Review Pathology

September 14, 2010

November 9, 2010

Scheduling Your Prep

September 21, 2010

November 16, 2010

How to Review Micro/Immuno and Pharmacology

September 28, 2010

November 23, 2010

How to Review the Minor 4 Subjects

October 5, 2010

November 30, 2010

Test Preparation Strategy

October 12, 2010

December 7, 2010

If you are enrolled for the full course, you can attend any lecture sessions as many times as you want so long as you are within your eligibility period. If you chose to attend the lectures only, you will need to choose which Lecture series you want to attend.

Group Chat Sessions

Weekly group chat sessions are held every Monday 6 pm, Pacific Time. The purpose of the weekly group chat sessions are as follows:

1. Point of contact between participants: Being online, we are all separated by distance. Studying alone can be a chore and belonging to a community, all preparing for this exam is important in maintaining morale and interest.

2. One size does not fit all: Although most of the study methodologies you need to prep properly is handled in the lectures, different people have different needs and weak points. The group chat session is where we adjust your study methods and prep schedule according to your progress.

3. Monitor progress: In order to insure that you are moving towards your goal. There is a need to monitor your progress and this is where we discuss your progress and lack of it and where you can keep yourself motivated.

4. Find out how others are doing: Sometimes it is important to know how others are doing to understand how to improve ones own prep. Therefore participation in the group chat sessions can help tremendously in improving your own prep performance.