About the Author

Marcel Brus-Ramer, MD, PhD

Completing his BA in economics at Rutgers University in 2000, Marcel Brus-Ramer went on to complete his Diplome de Recherche at Paris Diderot University in 2002. Following his time in France, Marcel began working towards his MD and PhD at Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons. Completing his MD and PhD in Neurobiology in 2009, Marcel held the title of Former Senior Tutor and Marketing/Outreach & Strategy advisor for Med School Tutors from 2009 until 2014. Completing his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at UCSF in 2015 (#1 Radiology program in the country), and his fellowship in Neuroradiology also at UCSF in 2016, Marcel is now an instructor at Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University and Columbia University Physicians and Surgeons. Marcel is also the founder and president at Elite Medical Prep and has an extensive publication record that can be found here. Marcel is clinically active working as a Board Certified Neuroradiologist for a academic teleradiology practice that provides specialized radiology interpretations for several major academic medical centers including Duke, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, Northwestern, MUSC and Rush among others.

Impact of NIH Funding Cuts on Medical Education in the U.S.

Two researchers in a laboratory wearing masks and gloves, analyzing data on a computer screen showing graphs related to medical research.

NIH Funding Trends and Recent Cuts   For decades, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been the major source of funding of medical research and education in the U.S. Its budget steadily climbed over the past ten years, hitting $47.3 billion in 2023. But in 2024, funding dropped by...

MD vs. DO Programs: Which Path to Medicine is Right for You?

A DO doctor and his patient.

4517 Views

When starting your medical school application, you will find that there are multiple paths you can choose, namely, MD vs DO. Should you apply to an Allopathic or an Osteopathic medical school? What’s the difference between them, and which path is right for you?

How AI is Revolutionizing Medical Education

A person interacts with an AI-powered chat system on a laptop, using AI for personalized learning and medical training.

260 Views

The Future of AI in Medical Education   Imagine practicing your diagnostic skills with a virtual patient in ‘critical condition’ whose symptoms evolve in real time. Picture being guided through your physical exam of a real patient by an AI that adapts to your learning curve. Imagine a virtual tutor...

Maximize Your 4-Week Step 2 Study Plan: Free Intensive Step 2 CK Prep

The-Ultimate-USMLE-Step-2-CK-Study-Plan

32311 Views

With Step 1 transitioning to a pass/fail format, the importance of the Step 2 CK exam in medical school has become even more pronounced. It now stands as the primary scored exam that program directors scrutinize when determining which applicants to invite for an interview.   Your Step 2 CK...

Master the USMLE in 6 Weeks: Your Free Step 1 Study Plan

6-week Study Planner preview image for Step 1 by Elite Medical Prep.

90713 Views

The USMLE, encompassing Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3, serves as an important milestone in the journey toward medical licensure. Despite the transition of Step 1 to a pass/fail grading system in February 2022, effective preparation remains paramount. That is why we created the 6-week Step 1 study schedule!...

Boost Your Score in 10 Weeks – Free USMLE Step 1 Plan

58636 Views

The Ultimate 10-Week USMLE Step 1 Study Schedule   So you're in med school and 10 weeks away from taking the USMLE Step 1? Don't panic, you still have some time! You now need a realistic Step 1 study schedule that you can adhere to and be well-prepared for test...

How USMLE Step 1 Going Pass/Fail Will Affect IMGs

A group of IMGs in their US residency.

27424 Views

Students who completed medical school outside of the United States typically have a harder time obtaining a residency match compared to US medical graduates. Without a numerical Step 1 score it…

How USMLE Step 1 Going Pass/Fail Will Affect DO Students

An Osteopathic doctor assisting his patient.

22713 Views

Students who completed medical school at Osteopathic medical schools typically have a harder time obtaining a residency match compared to medical graduates allopathic medical schools in the US. Osteopathic (or DO) students have the additional…

Why Using AI to Write Your Medical School Admissions or Residency Application Personal Statement May Not Be Such a Bad Idea

Frustrated man writing a personal statement next to a calm AI bot.

7737 Views

The recent release of the AI writing program chatGPT has brought AI-based writing to a much more advanced level. The implications of this technology on essay writing for medical school applications and residency applications are uncertain but likely profound. Two of the senior members of Elite Medical Prep have written...

Why Basic Sciences Are Still Important During Preclinical Studies

A group of preclinical students in a basic sciences class.

2592 Views

Most medical students recognize that the basic sciences are the foundation of medical science. Yet once students are several months into medical school, its typically a constant flood of anatomy, physiology, and pathology. But don’t be fooled if your medical school skims over basic science concepts! You will need them for Step 1 and beyond!

Need additional
help with an exam?

Elite tutors are qualified, professional, and 100% online.

Schedule a Consult