Kaplan Step 2 Lectures - 2010 edition

Kaplan Step 2 Lectures are now available in HD quality. If you have seen Step 1 Kaplan Video Lectures 2010 Edition then you will really like 2010 edition of Step 2 Kaplan Lectures. They are crystall crisp, quality is very good and you can watch them full-screen in a very good definition.
I recommend you ask your friends around about these great video lectures for Step 2.

Toronto Notes 2010

Are you looking for a FREE download of Toronto Notes 2010?
You can get this here:

http://www.usmletorrent.com/september-promotion

Step 1 Pass Program 2010

Step 1 Pass Program 2010 is now available for USMLE Takers. This is an excellent source of great high-yield materials for Step 1 and Step 2 in a high-quality Video format. If you have not done so - please ask your friends about this video lecture set.

How Student Loans work

Student loans are a way to pay for higher education. Whether you love debt or you hate it, student loans are an investment in your future. They can make an education possible when there is no other way. This page covers the basics of student loans and points you towards additional resources.

Student loans are unique because they have some special features. You often get an attractive interest rate, and almost any student can borrow some money – regardless of income or credit history.

To get a student loan, your first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You should submit your FAFSA as soon as possible – you can make estimates and correct the details later.

Once you’ve completed your FAFSA, you’ll want to visit your school’s student aid office. Ask what kind of aid you might expect.

Some of the most common student loans:

* Perkins Loans should be a first choice because of their low interest rate
* Stafford Loans are easy to qualify for, and the interest charges may be subsidized for some time
* PLUS Loans allow parents to borrow very large dollar amounts so that you can cover all your costs

You can postpone repayment of your loans under a variety of conditions. This is called a deferment. While you’re in school, for example, you may qualify for an in-school deferment. When you’re in a tough financial spot you can often temporarily stop paying back your loans without any penalty or damage to your credit.

fter you’ve finished your education, expect to pay those loans back. Most often your lender will set up an amortizing repayment schedule. If you’ve taken several loans over the years, you may want to consider consolidating your loans. Student loan consolidation has some unique benefits that you can’t find in any other type of loan.

Kaplan USMLE 2010 Video Lectures -Microbiology

This is a free download sample of Kaplan USMLE Step 1 Video (2010 edition)

Kaplan USMLE Step 1- 2010 Video Lectures

Kaplan has posted their new 2009-2010 USMLE Step 1 Videos on Youtube.
It has many new features and it's in High-Definition and can be streamed online when you sign up for their courses.

Here's one of the USMLE 2010 videos from Kaplan.

MKSAP 15

If you are looking for MKSAP 15 Digital and Audio Companion - drop me an email - usmlestep@gmail.com. This is not free!

:-)

Free USMLE Downloads

Are you looking for free USMLE downloads?
I suggest you take a look here:

http://usmlestep.com/usmle-torrent.html

What you can find:

Step 1 Kaplan Video Lectures - Biochemistry Section
Step 2 Kaplan Video Lectures - Cardiology Section
Step 2 Surgery Recall in Mp3

and many other USMLE stuff

Managing Menopaus - facts for COMPLEX/USMLE

Grenada #1 Rank in USMLE Step One and Step Two/CK in Caribbean

The students enrolled in medical school in Grenada – and St. George’s University School of Medicine is the only one - have put Grenada in first place for the highest first time pass rate on Step 1 and Step 2/CK for all countries with medical schools in the Caribbean over the past 15 years, according to a study just released in the journal, Academic Medicine. The authors state that there were 56 Caribbean medical schools during all or part of the period of study.

The study ranked Grenada (SGUSOM) number one in the Step 1 (testing basic sciences knowledge) with an 84.4% pass rate for first time takers, well above the closest country with private medical schools. If one deducts Grenada from the study, the average pass rate for all other countries during this 15-year period was 49.9%.

According to Chancellor Charles R. Modica, “This official study, the first of its kind in over 15 years, is an unbiased and accurate representation of the abilities of St. George’s University’s medical students. The numbers speak for themselves, as SGUSOM students outperformed students from other countries in the region, exceeding the pass rate of some countries by more than 60%.

While the University has long been aware of the outstanding performance of its culturally diverse student body, Dr. Modica is pleased that such a study recognized their preparedness, and looks forward to the University’s continued success in future analysis.

“This impartial study is most welcome – and extremely necessary - for students trying to assess options as they choose a medical school,” stated Margaret Lambert, Dean of Enrolment Planning at St. George’s University. “Finally, after many years, there is an objective, impartial study which will help both prospective students and licensing agencies to recognize SGU’s continuous academic excellence. In the only other study published, over 20 years ago, St. George’s students outperformed all other major medical schools in the initial pass rate on the ECFMG examination. The trend of excellence continues.”

Produced by the American Association of Medical Colleges, Academic Medicine is dedicated to issues in academic medicine in the United States. Fully one quarter of all physicians practicing in the US are internationally trained rendering a study such as this invaluable.

Source: http://www.sgu.edu/news-events/news-archives08-Grenada1USMLE.html

Free Download for USMLE Step 1

Are you looking for Step 1 Kaplan Video Lectures? You can get a free download of Biochemistry section and understand the quality and usefullness of this videoset:

http://usmlestep.com/usmle-torrent.html

This is a quite large download (5-6 GB), so make sure you have space on your hard drive and you have a good speed of internet access.

Best Schedule for Step 1 preparation

Anyone wants to recommend a good Step 1 Preparation schedule?
I know 6-week schedule (or42-day) was pretty popular couple of years ago.
This one:

http://www.4usmle.net/showthread.php?49-42-Day-Study-Schedule-for-Step-1-USMLE


Any other new smarter ways for formalised preparation schedule for Step 1?

Gold Standard Tapes

Anyone knows what is happened to Gold Standard Tapes's website?
I was trying to access it at www.boardprep.net and it is not responding.

Step 1 Kaplan Lectures -2007 Edition

Do you want to check the quality of Step 1 2007 Video Lectures?
Now you can do this here:

Download Step 1 Kaplan Biochemistry lectures

USMLE Community

One of the most popular USMLE communities, www.4usmle.net changed their design.
IT is more refreshing than previous one - and you can find a lot of useful USMLE materials.

http://www.4usmle.net

Medical School Podcast

Are you preparing for USMLE and have a lot of questions?

If yes, then Medical School Podcast can be right thing for you.
I found this site the other day and was impressed with their original design and the idea of providing coaching and support for USMLE takers.

It is like having an insider that guides you and provides a regular sessions and tips on how to prepare for exams -Speedreading, Study Techniques, Podcasts and many more...

Give them a try...

USMLE Step 2 Video Lectures

Are you looking for an inexpensive and fast way to get Step 2 Video Materials? One of the main problems with buying stuff on disks is that they get scratched... in transit, in storage. Most importantly you only found this when you have couple of days before exam to make a very quick review of materials.

Our friends from www.usmlestep.com are offering innovative way to get Step 2 Video Lectures. Now you can download Step 2 Kaplan Video Lectures from the fast servers and store this on your hard drive. Basically if you have 2 Mbit/s connection, you can download full package in 24 hours.


Do the rest of math yourself... with 4 or even 8 Mbit/s.

I encourage you to test the new service and download a sample videos using this link:
http://usmlestep.com/usmle-torrent.html

And if you like the speed ordering is as easy as downloading:
http://usmlestep.com/step2-kaplan-video-dvd.htm

Special offer is being run at the moment - so you pay just $149 instead of $199.

Best USMLE Materials in 2009

I thought it might be a good idea to summarize what are the best USMLE materials that were used by my friends and people they know in 2009:

Step 1:
Step 1 Kaplan Video Lectures (not 2009, this is 2007 edition)
Step 1 Pass Program ( again not 2009...)
Step 1 Goljan (remastered edition - so you can call this 2009 revision)
Step 1 Kaplan Notes (2009! )

Step 2:
Step 2 Kaplan Video Lectures (2009? No, 2002-2007)
Step 2 Youel Video Lectures (2006)

Step 3:
Step 3 Kaplan Video Lectures (2002-2009)
Step 3 Premier Audio Lectures (2007)
MKSAP 14 CD-ROM and Audio Companion

ABIM:
Medstudy IM Video Lectures (2008) - no major changes from year to year
Mayo IM Video Lectures (2007)
Cleveland Internal Medicine Audio

Failed USMLE exam? Do not worry!

Anyone can fail... so do not think that world is ended the day you failed exam. Do not focus on your failure... try to think about positive things, socialize with friends and start planning for success in your next resit.

If you fail any part of the USMLE 3 times, there are 13 states in the US that will never allow you to practice medicine within their jurisdiction.

MKSAP 15, anyone

Hello guys,

Do you have MKSAP 15 - CD-ROM or Audio Companion? I am interested to get a copy of that. Please contact me at usmlestep at gmail.com - and let us have a chat on how to make a swap.

Happy New Year to all of you! May 2010 bring you joy and happiness!!

Kaplan 2009 Step 2 Videos for USMLE exam

A lot of people are now talking about Step 2 Kaplan Video Lectures for USMLE - and it seems that someone have seen that Kaplan released new set of videos for 2009. I have not seen them - but would be interested to understand if anyone had a chance to get those new videos.

Any lucky USMLE takers possessing USMLE Step 2 Kaplan Videos (new edition)?

USMLE in 2010

What are the most important changes that ECFMG Board is planning to do 2010? I am going to post them as the rumours and official announcements will be published.

Watch the space...

Do you use torrent ?

A question for my USMLE friends. Do you use torrent frequently to download USMLE materials? I know that some of you do -but I would be interested to understand how many of you are using torrent frequently.

How to Improve Your Memory

1. Convince yourself that you do have a good memory that will improve. Too many people get stuck here and convince themselves that their memory is bad, that they are just not good with names, that numbers just slip out of their minds for some reason. Erase those thoughts and vow to improve your memory. Commit yourself to the task and bask in your achievements -- it's hard to keep motivated if you beat yourself down every time you make a little bit of progress.
2. Exercise your brain. Regularly “exercising" the brain keeps it growing and spurs the development of new nerve connections that can help improve memory. By developing new mental skills—especially complex ones such as learning a new language or learning to play a new musical instrument—and challenging your brain with puzzles and games you can keep your brain active and improve its physiological functioning. Try some puzzle exercises everyday such as word cross, sudoku and some other games as easy to put into your mobile phone and practise it maybe once for 30 minutes per day.
3. Exercise daily. Regular aerobic exercise improves circulation and efficiency throughout the body, including in the brain, and can help ward off the memory loss that comes with aging. Exercise also makes you more alert and relaxed, and can thereby improve your memory uptake, allowing you to take better mental “pictures."
4. Reduce stress. Chronic stress, although it does not physically damage the brain, can make remembering much more difficult. After prolonged stress the brain will be damaged. Stressful situations are recognized by the hypothalamus, which in turn signals the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland secreted adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)which influences the adrenal glands to secrete adrenaline and later cortisol(corticosteroids). The corticosteroids can weaken the blood-brain barrier and damage the hippocampus(the memory center). Ironically, the hippocampus controls the secretion of the hormone released by the hypothalamus through a process of negative feedback. After chronic stress it will be damaged and it will not be as efficient in regulating the degenerative corticosteroids and memory will be harmed. Neurogenesis (formation of new neurons) indeed exists in the hippocampus but stress inhibits it. To recapitulate and synthesis, chronic stress will affect your health and your memory, it will damage the brain so the best option is to learn to control stress. Stress will never be eliminated, but it definitely can be controlled. [http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Stress-Effects-Neurotransmitters&id=19510]Even temporary stresses can make it more difficult to effectively focus on concepts and observe things. Try to relax, regularly practice yoga or other stretching exercises, and see a doctor if you have severe chronic stress as soon as possible.
5. Eat well and eat right. There are a lot of herbal supplements on the market that claim to improve memory, but none have yet been shown to be effective in clinical tests (although small studies have shown some promising results for ginkgo biloba and phosphatidylserine). A healthy diet, however, contributes to a healthy brain, and foods containing antioxidants—broccoli, blueberries, spinach, and berries, for example—and Omega-3 fatty acids appear to promote healthy brain functioning. Feed your brain with such supplements as Thiamine, Vitamin E, Niacin and Vitamin B-6. Grazing, eating 5 or 6 small meals throughout the day instead of 3 large meals, also seems to improve mental functioning (including memory) by limiting dips in blood sugar, which may negatively affect the brain.
6. Take better pictures. Often we forget things not because our memory is bad, but rather because our observational skills need work. One common situation where this occurs (and which almost everyone can relate to) is meeting new people. Often we don’t really learn people’s names at first because we aren’t really concentrating on remembering them. You’ll find that if you make a conscious effort to remember such things, you’ll do much better. One way to train yourself to be more observant is to look at an unfamiliar photograph for a few seconds and then turn the photograph over and describe or write down as many details as you can about the photograph. Try closing your eyes and picturing the photo in your mind. Use a new photograph each time you try this exercise, and with regular practice you will find you’re able to remember more details with even shorter glimpses of the photos.
7. Give yourself time to form a memory. Memories are very fragile in the short-term, and distractions can make you quickly forget something as simple as a phone number. The key to avoid losing memories before you can even form them is to be able to focus on the thing to be remembered for a while without thinking about other things, so when you’re trying to remember something, avoid distractions and complicated tasks for a few minutes.
8. Create vivid, memorable images. You remember information more easily if you can visualize it. If you want to associate a child with a book, try not to visualize the child reading the book – that's too simple and forgettable. Instead, come up with something more jarring, something that sticks, like the book chasing the child, or the child eating the book. It's your mind – make the images as shocking and emotional as possible to keep the associations strong.
9. Repeat things you need to learn. The more times you hear, see, or think about something, the more surely you’ll remember it, right? It’s a no-brainer. When you want to remember something, be it your new coworker’s name or your best friend's birthday, repeat it, either out loud or silently. Try writing it down; think about it.
10. Group things you need to remember. Random lists of things (a shopping list, for example) can be especially difficult to remember. To make it easier, try categorizing the individual things from the list. If you can remember that, among other things, you wanted to buy four different kinds of vegetables, you’ll find it easier to remember all four.
11. Organize your life. Keep items that you frequently need, such as keys and eyeglasses, in the same place every time. Use an electronic organizer or daily planner to keep track of appointments, due dates for bills, and other tasks. Keep phone numbers and addresses in an address book or enter them into your computer or cell phone. Improved organization can help free up your powers of concentration so that you can remember less routine things. Even if being organized doesn’t improve your memory, you’ll receive a lot of the same benefits (i.e. you won’t have to search for your keys anymore).
12. Try meditation. Research now suggests that people who regularly practice "mindfulness" meditation are able to focus better and may have better memories. Mindfulness (also known as awareness or insight meditation) is the type commonly practiced in Western countries and is easy to learn. Studies at Massachusetts General Hospital show that regular meditation thickens the cerebral cortex in the brain by increasing the blood flow to that region. Some researchers believe this can enhance attention span, focus, and memory.
13. Sleep well. The amount of sleep we get affects the brain's ability to recall recently learned information. Getting a good night's sleep – a minimum of seven hours a night – may improve your short-term memory and long-term relational memory, according to recent studies conducted at the Harvard Medical School.
14. Build your memorization arsenal. Learn pegs, memory palaces, and the Dominic System. These techniques form the foundation for mnemonic techniques, and will visibly improve your memory.
15. Venture out and learn from your mistakes. Go ahead and take a stab at memorizing the first one hundred digits of pi, or, if you've done that already, the first one thousand. Memorize the monarchs of England through your memory palaces, or your grocery list through visualization. Through diligent effort you will eventually master the art of memorization.

How to improve your memory - Trying by Not Trying

All of us apply this method knowingly or unknowingly. Sometimes when you try to recall you may not be able to recall it at that time even if you are sure that you know it very well. You experience a blocking that prevents you from recalling it. Normally you tend to try again and again but in vain. To handle this situation you just keep away from trying to recollect it and do something else; to your pleasant surprise that information automatically pops up into your mind after some time. This is because even if you stopped trying, the mind is searching for that information and brings it to awareness when it is found. Sometimes the information was blocked when you wanted, and mind brings it forward when the blocking is removed. This is where stress plays its role in hindering recall.

If you are very anxious by nature or very stressful in nature, you may encounter this type of blockage very often. In such case, it is highly recommended that you practise some kind of relaxation technique and thus keep your anxiety and stress away. This is very important because this behavior can bring many undesirable psychological and physiological conditions. You may even consult a Clinical Psychologist in extreme cases.