Saturday 5 May 2012

iPhone Applications Directed Towards USMLE Board Exam Review


Most medical students dread the sound of the USMLE Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3. The mere mention of the exam sends thoughts racing about the burden of studying for each of the monstrous exams. Luckily for iPhone users, a new method of learning has been created with the advent of the iPhone. This article will discuss several of the various USMLE study applications currently available for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad line of Apple products.

The first item on the docket for discussion is the popular pre-test series that most medical students are already familiar with due to previous use on their third year clerkships. The pre-test series of reviews are a roughly 500 question based review text that allows students to hone in their focus on a specific specialty of medicine. The questions come as an ensemble with detailed responses and accompanying images when necessary. The application version of the popular text goes beyond the standard by adding the ability for a student to time his or herself while completing questions. The electronic version also allows for focused test taking based on subspecialized areas of interest. While pre-test does not make a conglomerate USMLE step study tool, the individual specialties synergize to be a great study device.
The next test preparation tool that has been acclaimed by its users the cram fighter study planner. This application integrates specialty information, a calendar, time dedicated for the test, and other subject work to produce a planner which helps students time manage their study efforts. The application also allows students to link their other test prep applications into the program and create specific testing and reading section assignments based on time distributed for that day. While this planner does not specifically provide information for the test per se, it is essential in mapping out a plan to success.
The final applications are the conglomerate USMLE question and answer guides. The two major applications used by most students are the Lange Q&A and the First Aid series Q&A. Both of these applications offer board style questions directed at preparing students for vignettes similar to those seen on the actual exam. Both series boast an 1100+ question bank with similar features such as timed tests, detailed responses, clinical images, and diagnostic tools necessary for each step of the exam. The application tracks progress as students make their way through the questions and provides feedback on which specialty areas are strongest and weakest. These applications seems to be the whole test study companion for each level of the exam.
While textbooks are still a must when preparing for the USMLE Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3, the advent of portable applications for study on the go are a nice addition to the current study regimen.
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