New attempt limit for USMLE examinations

The USMLE Program is introducing a limit on the total number of times an examinee can take the same Step or Step Component. When this limit takes effect, an examinee will be ineligible to take a Step or Step Component if the examinee has made six or more prior attempts to pass that Step or Step Component, including incomplete attempts.

Relationship between USMLE’s 2-digit and 3-digit score scales

It was recently announced that starting July 1, 2011, USMLE would begin the process of eliminating the reporting of results on the 2-digit score scale to all score users except the examinee and the state licensing authority to whom results are reported at the examinee’s request.

Other users of USMLE results who have focused on the 2-digit score scale in the past will need to transition to using the 3-digit score. A table that will allow users to look up the 3-digit score(s) that corresponds approximately to a specific 2-digit score on recently administered Step 1 (since January 2010) and Step 2 CK (since July 1, 2010) examinations has been posted. This table will not apply for results reported October 1, 2011 and later.

USMLE materials - Step 1 Overview

I am often asked what are the best USMLE materials. Here is my view for 2011.

Kaplan Video Lectures for USMLE Step 1. This is a 200 hour review of Step 1 subjects by best Professors. IF you have time and money to attend Kaplan Live Center - do this. If you are on a tight budget (like everyone else) - ask your friends. They might be able to point you in a right direction on how to download a copy of Kaplan Step 1 Video.

Kaplan Notes -  Just like Kaplan Video Lectures, they are impossible to obtain if you have not attended Kaplan Live Center. This is a set of 8 books, 2000 pages total. Very good summary of all Step 1 Subjects and clear and concise overview of most important USMLE Step 1 topics.

Goljan Pathology - this is a tricky one. Everyone keeps talking about Goljan but the only thing you can obtain on the web is Goljan's Pathology Rapid Review or RR. There is a audio lecture which was made by someone attending Goljan Lectures, which is widely used by USMLE Prep students.
There are some other materials that accompany Goljan Pathology Lectures  - Lectures handouts in PDF, High-Yield questions, and High-Yield notes.
Addditional bonus is a transcript of Audio Lectures which was created for those who can not or do not want to follow audio lectures. This is a word-by-word transcript of Prof. Goljan Pathology Lectures.

Kaplan Webprep - this is a rare gem for USMLE Step 1. 70 hours of Audio Lectures with visual aids (i.e. slides). This can be used to quickly review the USMLE Step 1 materials and will save you 130 hours compared with full set of Kaplam Lectures. This is an original Kaplan Product.

First Aid for USMLE Step 1 - this is a very important book. It is concise and short but it gives so much value for Step 1 that some course providers simply use this book as their curriculum.

Pass Program - great course for USMLE Step 1. This is based on First Aid book and gives a very good preparation for Step 1.

If you have anything to add to this list - please post a comment.

Minarcik Pathology Lectures

http://www.usmletorrent.com/minarcik-pathology-lectures/

Minarcik Pathology Lectures - available for free for limited period.

USMLE prep materials - 2011 survey

What are your recommendations for USMLE prep materials for Step 1?
I would be interested to understand if there are any changes to the usual USMLE top materials list:

Goljan Pathology Lectures
Kaplan 2010 Video Lectures
Step 1 Doctors in Training Video Lectures
Kaplan 2010 Notes
Step 1 Pass Program 2010 edition

Any other suggestions

USMLE Community - which are you using frequently?

I would like to get your opinion about USMLE online communities. Which one do you use frequently (usmle.net; 4usmle.com; 4usmle.net; prepusmle.com; imgboards.com etc.) - if you use more than 1 community - why is that? How would you describe ideal USMLE online community? Do you want it to be more like facebook, i.e. social interactive community?

Your feedback is very valuable for us and will be appreciated.

What is OpenEMR and how to get a demo

Here is a quick way to access OpenEMR and understand how easy to get $44,000 from US Government for a medical practice.

Follow this link: http://opensourceemr.com:2096/openemr/interface/login/login_frame.php

Username:Password
admin:pass
physician:physician
receptionist:receptionist

How to save $44,000 if you are a medical doctor

With the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, qualified professionals (physicians, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, and some chiropractors) can realize up to $44,000 in Medicare incentives (or $63,750 through Medicaid) through meaningful use of a certified electronic medical records software system, such as OpenEMR.

Medical providers who do not demonstrate 'meaningful use' of a certified EHR system by 2014 will see a decrease of 1% in their Medicare fee schedules for 2015. Medicare fee payment reductions will continue annually, up to a maximum of 5% if it is determined that total EHR adoption is under 75% of eligible providers by 2018.