Introduction

  • ​​​USMLEsarthi team is excited to introduce the SarthiPlanner to help you prepare for the USMLE Step 1    exam. The planner will help keep you on track for the preparation, take notes, assess your        performance regularly, and take corrective action.
  • ​Before you get started with the planner, it will be useful to read the assumptions below.

Resource selection

  1. Only the core resources (U World, First Aid 2020, Boards and Beyond) used by students universally have been incorporated in this study plan.
  2. This study plan assumes that the student has a good foundational knowledge in the basic science subjects (medical students who have recently completed second year/students who are well versed with the concepts in basic sciences).
  3. For students who have lost touch with basic sciences or are not confident about their hold on the concepts, it is recommended that they complement their preparation with additional resources.
resource_list.pdf
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First Aid 2020 

  1. This plan assumes that the average time required to read and understand one printed side of First Aid Step 1 2020 will be 60 minutes. The student is expected to develop an in-depth understanding of the concepts associated with each fact mentioned in First Aid. Mastery takes time!
  2. However, the time required for completion will depend on the individual reading speed and style of learning (Some prefer multiple readings while others may want to master concepts in the first pass).

UWorld and Assessment tools 

  1. All assessment tools to be used online.
  2. UWorld should be used as a LEARNING TOOL in the first pass and as an ASSESSMENT TOOL in the second pass (recommended). This plan recommends two passes of UWorld.
  3. This plan recommends solving the assigned number of UWorld questions every day in Tutor mode.
  4. It is recommended that the student solve UWorld in the tutor mode to build on their foundation and learn (during the first pass).
  5. It is recommended to review all answers (correct and incorrect) and explain the explanation associated with the wrong options). Understand and memorize the learning objectives of each question.
  6. NBME (all forms) and UWSA 1 & 2 are used as assessment tools. This plan recommends taking the first NBME after completing the first pass of UWorld and First Aid to establish baseline scores and identify areas of weakness. 
  7. Once areas of weaknesses are identified, perform a review of study material to master those topics (as described in the planner).
  8. Subsequent assessments to be taken and reviewed every week to monitor progress and identify deficiencies. Repeat this cycle until you attain/cross your target score on the assessment exams.

Boards and Beyond

  1. ​Dr. Jason Ryan is a well-reputed teaching physician in the field of Medicine with numerous accolades in teaching.
  2. His video lectures are the most sought-after video lecture series when it comes to an understanding of a concept from First Aid thoroughly.
  3. We have incorporated his video lectures with the assigned page from First Aid, allowing a seamless learning process.
boards_and_beyond_video_lectures.pdf
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Recommended plan

6 days/week with one day break (depending on individual preferences). 8 hours/day. UWorld: Solve the assigned number of questions every day for the topic reviewed in First Aid.
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Divide the preparation into two phases
  • Preparatory (First pass of UWorld, First Aid and Boards and Beyond)
    • Understand and memorize the learning objective of each UWorld question. Monitor progress by observing gradual improvement in UWorld scores.
    • Develop an in-depth understanding of each concept mentioned in First Aid.
  • Revision (Second pass of First Aid and UWorld)
    • Revise all concepts and improve upon deficiencies. 
    • Take and review Self Assessments: identify areas of weakness and prepare accordingly. 
    • Monitor progress by observing gradual improvement in assessment scores and keep going until the assessment falls within +-10 points from the target score.

Credits

  1. Our team would like to acknowledge Dr. Sukrut Pagad (Oman Medical College, Oman) and Dr. Vartika Kesarwani (AIIMS, India), for providing the bulk of inputs for SarthiPlanner. 
  2. We thank Dr. George Koshy Vilanilam, MD, Resident Physician, Department of Radiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences for valuable continuous feedback on the planner.
  3. ​Good luck, and let us know your feedback as you the SarthiPlanner.