Integrated Pathway Advice
AOA Excelling Series
Studying:
 Study lightly week 1, harder week 2, and the hardest during week 3. Go through all the material
multiple times (maybe 3-4? Of course this depends on personal preference). Start with broad concepts,
and as you get closer to the test, get into the details and things that require rote memorization.
 Objectives are a great place to start if you feel unsure about what you are expected to know.
 If you haven’t figured out a personal study strategy, do it – now. If what you are doing isn’t working,
try something else, and get some advice. You will spend enough time in front of a computer and
textbooks, so figure out how to make it worth your while.
 Learn to manage distractions like Facebook, email, and cell phones while you study. A full day spent in
the library is wasted if you are not actually focusing. Set yourself up for success by finding/creating a
setting you can focus in.
 Make use of study guides from your classmates, and you can always distribute your own for the benefit
of others as well.
 Focus on the course packets and the lecture content. If you are confused, talk to classmates or contact
the lecturer. They are happy to clarify.
 You may choose to supplement your education with purchased textbooks, but usually course packets
and lecture notes/slides are sufficient to do well on exams.
o Exceptions
 Micro Made Ridiculously Simple and/or Bugs and Drugs Notecards (BRS or Lippincott)
are very useful for Microbiology
 Lippincott’s Biochemistry is a great supplement for biochem. You can buy older editions
very cheaply that work great.
 Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment especially for heme/onc and obtaining a
clinical angle on many various subjects.
 First Aid for Step 1 and/or Goljan Rapid Review of Pathology may be helpful especially
during Biochemistry and Med 2 courses, though not essential until you start to study for
the real thing
 Step-up to Medicine is another comprehensive book that may be helpful to follow along
with throughout Med 1 and Med 2, and you will definitely use it in Med 3
 In certain blocks there will be a recommended textbook, which=h is often incredibly
helpful. For example, in genetics, cardiology, pulmonary, and renal (there may be others)
 Consider investing in a Q-bank during your second year. This will provide more board style questions
that may help you on Step 1.
 Make use of your time to shadow or attend a free clinic. You will be amazed by how much easier it will
be to learn when you interview/treat a patient with the condition you are studying.
Lecture versus Podcast:
 Podcasts may miss important questions and clarifications delivered at the end of lecture. Keep this in
mind before skipping a really important lecture.
Extracurricular Activities
 Med 1/2 is a great time to shadow, do research, and gain leadership experience. You will be much
busier in third year, so use your time well and learn to manage it.
 Pursue your own hobbies to minimize burnout.
Contributing authors: Beth Halley, Taylor Finseth, Wes MilksKristen Grubb, Vincent Ho