About the Author

Dylan Eiger, MD/PhD Candidate

In 2016, Dylan Eiger graduated Cum Laude from Duke University with a BS in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry. Matriculated in the MD/PhD Duke Medical Scientist Training Program in 2016, Dylan achieved honors in all clinical rotations and was accepted into Alpha Omega Alpha. He recently completed his PhD in Biochemistry in early 2022.

Best Study Books for the Step 2 CK 2025

A medical school student looking for Step 2 CK textbooks in the library.

21606 Views

If you are about to start your dedicated study period for the USMLE Step 2CK, you may be asking yourself, “what are the best study books I should use to prepare for this test?” Well, look no further! Here at EMP, we provide a comprehensive review of the best study books for Step 2CK!

USMLE Step 2 CK Clinical Knowledge Study Strategies

A medical instructor demonstrating a clinical procedure to two medical students on clinical rotations.

1041 Views

Your journey through medical school is characterized by rigorous academic challenges coupled with hands-on learning. Arguably, one of the most significant hurdles for medical students to overcome is the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK). The USMLE Step 2 assesses students' ability to apply clinical...

Overcoming Common Challenges in Pediatrics Clerkships

Female doctor using a stethoscope on a teddy bear to engage a young girl and her mother during a pediatric check-up in a medical office.

1160 Views

Pediatrics clerkships are crucial in medical education. They offer students hands-on experience caring for infants, children, and adolescents. As you will hear time and time again, children are not mini-adults! They have their own dedicated speciality for a reason. While pediatrics rotations are rewarding and offer unique learning opportunities, they...

Practical Clinical Competence During Clerkships

A group of medical students on clinical clerkships examining x-rays.

1261 Views

Clinical rotations, or clerkships, are crucial in medical education, bridging classroom knowledge to real-world patient care settings. During clerkships, medical students have the opportunity to develop and refine essential clinical skills under the guidance of experienced healthcare professionals. While much can be learned in the classroom, it's not until you...

Crafting a Personalized Study Routine in Medical School

A calendar with a stethoscope sitting on top of it signifying the study routine of a medical school student.

1427 Views

Entering medical school is an exciting milestone in every aspiring physician's journey. However, the transition from undergraduate studies to the rigorous demands of medical education can be daunting. In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve into the essential aspects of creating an effective study routine for medical school, also...

Clinical Clerkships and Your Specialty Decision

A group of medical school students on their clinical clerkship.

1732 Views

Selecting a desired medical specialty marks a pivotal moment in a medical student's career. However, the process is intricate and evolves with factors throughout your academic journey. One of, if not the most important, contributors to this decision-making process is the exposure gained during clinical clerkships in medical school. In...

Shelf Exam Performance and Its Impact on Residency

A group of medical school students taking their shelf exam.

9253 Views

In the journey to residency, medical students' shelf exam performance holds significant weight in applications. Shelf exams, designed to assess students' knowledge and clinical reasoning in specific core clerkships, can play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of a medical student's academic capabilities. In this article, we explore the...

Mastering Patient Presentations During Clinical Clerkships

A medical student presenting a patient on her clinical clerkship.

3302 Views

Clinical clerkships represent your transition from the classroom to the front lines of patient care. Central to this experience is the art and science of patient presentations—a skill that not only communicates the patient's condition but also reflects your depth of knowledge, critical thinking, and ability to collaborate with the...

Balancing Research Responsibilities and Clinical Rotations

Medical School students participating in a research opportunity during their clinical rotations.

1592 Views

Your journey through medical school is marked by crucial milestones, and arguably the most pivotal phase is your time spent in the hospital and clinic. These hands-on experiences in different healthcare settings provide a bridge between classroom knowledge and practical application. However, integrating research into clinical rotations enhances the educational...

Preparing for the USMLE Step 1 as a Pass/Fail Exam

A medical school student holding a notebook and looking at a laptop while preparing for the USMLE Step 1 as a pass/fail exam.

2107 Views

The time has come for you to prepare for the USMLE Step 1! This can be an exciting but also nerve-racking time. However, with the recent change that the USMLE Step 1 is now a purely pass/fail examination. You can find respite in knowing that all you have to do...

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