RawhideRiot
Member
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2025
- Messages
- 8
I got this lowdown on prepping for Step 1, the most straightforward, honest advice I can give, pulling from the best resources like UWorld, First Aid, Pathoma, Boards and Beyond, Sketchy Micro and Pharm, and HY documents from Mehlman Medical. Check it out!
The Golden Rule: Trust the NBMEs
Seriously, if there's one thing to take away, it's that.
Core Principles:
Public Health Sciences
Biostatistics: Just watch Randy Neil's YouTube playlist and then practice with UWorld. He's got you covered.
Everything else: Don't get bogged down memorizing. Just learn it as it comes up in UWorld questions.
Biochemistry:
Metabolism: Dirty Medicine's playlist is gold. Screenshot those summary slides, print 'em, and use them as your main notes. First Aid is just a reference.
Genetics, Molmed, Cellular Biology: First Aid is your friend here. If you're struggling, check out Boards and Beyond (BnB).
Genetic Syndromes: YouTube some Picmonics as you go.
Pharm:
Systems: Sketchy is the way to go.
Basic Principles: First Aid and BnB if you're not getting it.
Pathology:
Pathoma chapters 1-3 are key. The book is good too. Don't stress too much over First Aid here.
Immunology:
Start with Pathoma chapter 2 (chronic inflammation & autoimmune conditions).
Then, use First Aid to fill in any gaps, especially for hypersensitivity disorders.
Micro:
Sketchy. Seriously, don't bother with First Aid. Sketchy + UWorld is all you need.
Systems:
General Rule:
Anatomy & Physiology: First Aid. Use BnB if you need more help.
Pharm & Micro: Sketchy. Sketchy Pharm is also great for physio.
Pathology: Pathoma.
Exceptions:
Neuro: Skip First Aid and Pathoma. Go straight to BnB. Also, use the HY Neuroanatomy PDF from Mehlman Medical.
Musculoskeletal: Just use First Aid.
Reproductive: Dirty Medicine's embryology videos are your best bet.
Remember, find what works for you early on, and don't be afraid to adjust your plan as you go. Don't expect one resource to do everything. Use the right tool for the right topic. And most importantly, do practice questions! That's the best way to prepare for the actual exam
The Golden Rule: Trust the NBMEs
Seriously, if there's one thing to take away, it's that.
Core Principles:
Public Health Sciences
Biostatistics: Just watch Randy Neil's YouTube playlist and then practice with UWorld. He's got you covered.
Everything else: Don't get bogged down memorizing. Just learn it as it comes up in UWorld questions.
Biochemistry:
Metabolism: Dirty Medicine's playlist is gold. Screenshot those summary slides, print 'em, and use them as your main notes. First Aid is just a reference.
Genetics, Molmed, Cellular Biology: First Aid is your friend here. If you're struggling, check out Boards and Beyond (BnB).
Genetic Syndromes: YouTube some Picmonics as you go.
Pharm:
Systems: Sketchy is the way to go.
Basic Principles: First Aid and BnB if you're not getting it.
Pathology:
Pathoma chapters 1-3 are key. The book is good too. Don't stress too much over First Aid here.
Immunology:
Start with Pathoma chapter 2 (chronic inflammation & autoimmune conditions).
Then, use First Aid to fill in any gaps, especially for hypersensitivity disorders.
Micro:
Sketchy. Seriously, don't bother with First Aid. Sketchy + UWorld is all you need.
Systems:
General Rule:
Anatomy & Physiology: First Aid. Use BnB if you need more help.
Pharm & Micro: Sketchy. Sketchy Pharm is also great for physio.
Pathology: Pathoma.
Exceptions:
Neuro: Skip First Aid and Pathoma. Go straight to BnB. Also, use the HY Neuroanatomy PDF from Mehlman Medical.
Musculoskeletal: Just use First Aid.
Reproductive: Dirty Medicine's embryology videos are your best bet.
Remember, find what works for you early on, and don't be afraid to adjust your plan as you go. Don't expect one resource to do everything. Use the right tool for the right topic. And most importantly, do practice questions! That's the best way to prepare for the actual exam
