USMLESarthi Step 1 Mentorship Program

USMLESarthi Step 1 Mentorship Program is designed to support International Medical Graduates/Students as they study for Step 1 exam. The program provides support, advice, and encouragement to students through relationships with ECFMG certified Physicians.
Mentors encourage and guide students and show efficient methods on how to study for the exam that will help mentees secure a high score on the exam. At the same time, mentees learn about the nuances on different study techniques, resources to use and individualized study schedules.
​This program is being led by Dr. Sukrut Pagad, who wishes to help IMGs navigate through Step 1 exam preparation. 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Mentees are given a study schedule (based on USMLESarthi study planner) from a start to end date (projected exam date). Each day has a detailed description of what needs to be covered from First Aid, number of questions from UWorld and the use of supplemental resources if desired to target weak areas.
Every Mentee will also be given certain sections (from their assigned reading of the week) from First Aid to present to the group, this will be explained in detail during the introductory session prior to commencement of the program.
Class discussions (between mentee and mentor) will take place on a Saturday between the group and Mentor via Cisco Webex lasting no more than 2 – 3 hours. This will repeat every week until the group (on initiation of the program) complete a first pass of First Aid.

CLASS DISCUSSION DESCRIPTION  
Mentee is assigned a study schedule for the week determined using the study planner (example CVS Embryology and Anatomy). The mentee has an additional task of summarizing a section from First Aid and presenting it to the group on Saturday via video conference (example Heart Embryology and what does it give rise to, page 278). The presentation is a summary of what they learnt, any difficulty they faced learning this concept and possible way the exam can ask about it. Verbal presentations should last no more than 5 – 10 minutes. The topic to be covered will be assigned by the mentor or the group leader a week prior the class discussion.
This is a mentee led discussion where concepts are taught by the mentee to the mentees. Proven technique of learning a difficult concept (Feynman Technique). The role of the Mentor during the discussion is to mentor and NOT teach. This is NOT a teaching course but rather an opportunity to connect and learn from like minded mentees.
If, however a certain topic needs explanation the mentor can accommodate this. But prior notification must be made to the Mentor (less than 48 hours request will not be accepted. Instead will be covered the following week).

PROGRAM LENGTH
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Mentees are placed in a group with an assigned mentor. The program runs anywhere from 4 to 6 months (depending on the strength and weakness of the Mentees in the group). New applicants can be admitted at any point during the program and upon registration will receive the Agenda for the weeks class discussion on Saturday.

COST
Free

ELIGIBILITY
All medical students or graduates are eligible to be Mentees (anywhere in the world). Preference however will be given to students who have signed up with USMLESarthi Study Planner.

GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS
A group of Mentees will be paired with a mentor to ensure optimal attention is placed on the Mentees. Mentor and Mentees are expected to maintain professional and appropriate relationships. Mentees are to form a Mentee ONLY Telegram group where an assigned leader is chosen.
It is the responsibility of the assigned leader of the mentee group to initiate contact with their mentor and guide the communication throughout the course toward their goals of completing the exam successfully. This is an opportunity for mentees to learn best practices and avoid mistakes studying for Step 1. This is also a wonderful opportunity to network with students who are pursuing the same goal, Residency in the Untied States.
The purpose of this program is to assist students through one read of First Aid (preparatory phase) at which point we believe a student has built a solid foundation to start their revision phase. Please read our detailed blog on how to prepare for Step 1

https://www.usmlesarthi.com/how-to-prepare-usmle-step1.html

REQUIRED

• Register with USMLESarthi Study Planner

https://planner.usmlesarthi.com/

• Register with Cisco Webex

https://www.webex.com/

• Facebook account to gain access to Closed USMLESarthi Step 1 Mentorship
• Telegram account for USMLESarthi Step 1 Mentee Only group

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INFORMATION FOR MENTEE

A mentee should:

1. Be proactive
2. Develop a strategic plan on how to tackle studying for Step 1 with mentor
3. Be available and responsive to feedback
4. Follow through on commitments
5. Show gratitude and appreciation to mentor