About the Author

Michael Zobel, MD

Michael Zobel graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California as a member of the Baccalaureate/MD Program, with a double major in Biological Sciences and Business Administration. He attended the Keck School of Medicine of USC where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and from which he graduated in 2015 with Distinction in Research. While at Keck, Michael discovered his passion for medical education as an Instructor in the Medical Scholars Program and a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Anatomy. Michael matched in General Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, one of the top programs in the nation. Recently, Michael completed the Pediatric Surgery Research Fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where he was a recipient of the prestigious American College of Surgeons Resident Research Scholarship, a two-year scholarship awarded to only six residents each year. More than 30 of his original research abstracts have been presented at national conferences and he has published extensively in a variety of peer-reviewed journals.

How to Simultaneously Study for Step 2 CK and Your Shelf Exams

11 min

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Student with a number of open books studying for USMLE Step 2 CK and Shelf Exams

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Applying for residency is a stressful process with much that feels out of the applicant’s control. In truth however, there are some very important actions that can be taken to maximize your chances for success as an IMG!

5 Things US IMGs Should Know When Applying to Residency

9 min

8100 Views

A group of US IMGs after applying to residency

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Applying for residency is a stressful process with much that feels out of the applicant’s control. In truth however, there are some very important actions that can be taken to maximize your chances for success as an IMG!

USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK Score Percentiles

8 min

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Several USMLE percentile score graphs over an outstretched hand.

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How to calculate your USMLE Step 1 or USMLE Step 2CK score percentile is a common question many medical students ask. Here are the 2020 USMLE Step 1 and Step 2CK percentile charts to see how you compare to other students.

How To Triage Reviewing for ABSITE and USMLE Step 3

11 min

3691 Views

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You’ve just started your busy general surgery intern year and you’re trying to decide how best to use your free time for studying: ABSITE versus USMLE Step 3…. WHAT FREE TIME?!

Things IMGs Can Do to Improve Their Chance of US Residency Matching

7 min

38188 Views

An IMG resident holding a globe.

38188 Views

Applying for residency is a stressful process with much that feels out of the applicant’s control. In truth however, there are some very important actions that can be taken to maximize your chances for success as an IMG!

What to Do the Day Before Your USMLE Step 1 Exam

9 min

11788 Views

A medical school student relaxing at home the day before her USMLE Step 1 exam.

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After months of studying, you have just one more decision left to make: how to spend your last day! Days of 10+ hours of First Aid review, UWorld questions, and flashcards are behind you; one long test day awaits you.

Common ABSITE Question Types You’ll Encounter on the Exam

14 min

4373 Views

A group of surgeons prepared for surgery.

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The ABSITE is a comprehensive, multiple-choice examination that tests a surgical trainee’s fund of knowledge in the diagnosis and management of surgical pathology. Here are the types of questions present on the ABSITE that test takers will want to familiarize themselves with before test day.

Options for a Low ABSITE Score

11 min

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Frustrated surgeon leaning up against a wall after learning that he got a low ABSITE score.

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You just got your score report back for the ABSITE and your score is below the goal you set for yourself. Here’s what to do with a low ABSITE score.

How to Create an ABSITE Study Schedule

10 min

7163 Views

A study schedule with tablet for ABSITE

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Creating a realistic study schedule to prepare for the ABSITE, while in the midst of busy clinical
rotations, is essential for maximizing your chance at success.

When is it Time to Get a USMLE Step 1 or Step 2 Tutor?

10 min

3001 Views

someone on laptop with a USMLE Step 1 Tutor

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We have all been there – studying for USMLE Step 1 or 2 CK with friends, yet realizing your productivity is slipping and the test day is fast approaching. Here are the pros and cons of choosing a professional tutor over your study buddies.

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