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 Triage Reviewing for ABSITE and USMLE Step 3

11 min

2123 Views

2123 Views

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

35986 Views

An IMG resident holding a globe.

35986 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!

Aim High or Just Pass USMLE Step 1 in 2021

10 min

15036 Views

Medical school student studying for the USMLE Step 1 at home.

15036 Views

Every year, medical students between second and fourth year will sit for the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK. With upcoming changes to how USMLE Step 1 is scored, many students find themselves wondering “What score do I really need?”

What to Do the Day Before Your USMLE Step 1 Exam

9 min

7226 Views

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

7226 Views

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

2804 Views

A group of surgeons prepared for surgery.

2804 Views

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

4608 Views

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

4608 Views

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.

2021 USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK Score Percentiles

7 min

43528 Views

Several USMLE percentile score graphs over an outstretched hand.

43528 Views

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 Simultaneously Study for Step 2 CK and Your Shelf Exams

11 min

36579 Views

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

36579 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!

5 Things US IMGs Should Know When Applying to Residency

9 min

4076 Views

A group of US IMGs after applying to residency

4076 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!

How to Create an ABSITE Study Schedule

10 min

4839 Views

A study schedule with tablet for ABSITE

4839 Views

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.

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