*Blog post updated June 17, 2020 to reflect most recent USMLE data below.* I have been putting off the writing of this post for a while. I’m not sure why. I guess I wasn’t sure how to say anything genuine…
“What’s the definition of atrial fibrillation?” she began with an air of informality that made me look up to be sure that my attending was, in fact, talking to me. When I realized she was serious, I replied, “Unsynchronized electrical…
“Dear Sarah, You’ve been tutoring for a few years and have worked with a lot of students, providing them with the right resources and guidance. However not everyone, I am sure, reached their goal. “Based on your experience, what’s the…
I just finished my first week of night float. Working nights at the community hospital in Portland, Oregon, where I’m completing my preliminary year in internal medicine, means admitting up to five patients each night and cross-covering the entire teaching…
The things I wish I had known about clerkships before third year began are the same as the things I wish I had known about life, but which I’m grateful to have learned the long way. And those things mostly…
When I was younger, I used to so look forward to the first day of school; to the advent of school supplies and assignments and structure. However, in February of this year, I can’t say that I was thrilled to…
Sometimes I feel frustrated by how simple the truth is. Perhaps this is because I don’t like to think that the challenges I face are manageable using universal strategies. Perhaps I like to think that my struggles are unique, or…
**This blog post was updated July 2019.** Life as a third year medical student is an all-consuming whirlwind: 1. You’re finally applying what you’ve learned. 2. You’re working long hours and getting paid negative dollars. 3. You’re forgetting to eat…
Studying for the USMLE can feel like an exercise in social isolation. Even for those (especially for those?) of us who live amongst our medical school classmates, which in theory ought to be less isolating, the whole process seems to…
Since becoming a tutor for the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK exams, there have been a few times when I’ve found myself confused by a student’s lack of progress. They’re “doing everything right” following their schedule to a…