About the Author

Rebecca Lapides, MD

Rebecca graduated Summa Cum Laude from Purdue University with a degree in Nutrition Science, where she received the Outstanding Senior Award for excellence in academics and in her numerous teaching roles for students. Upon completing her pre-medical studies, Rebecca began medical school at the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, where she is currently a 4th year medical student. Rebecca has published numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts as well as presented many posters and presentations at national conferences.

How to Tackle the Hardest USMLE Step 1 Topics: A Tutor’s Guide

31 Views

As many have said before, preparing for the USMLE Step 1 can feel like trying to drink from a firehose. And while some topics may come easily, others feel like they were designed in a secret lab just to test your sanity. As a tutor, I’ve worked with dozens of...

How to Stay Motivated Throughout COMLEX Level 1 Preparation

18 min

114 Views

114 Views

Studying for COMLEX Level 1 is a unique kind of marathon - equal parts knowledge, endurance, strategy, and mindset. As you gear up for what might feel like the most important test of your life (so far!), it’s completely normal to ride the wave of emotional highs and lows. Some...

Medical School Parental Leave Policies in the US

11 min

148 Views

148 Views

Starting a family during medical school is both exciting and overwhelming. Between exams, clinical rotations, and everything else on your plate, figuring out parental leave policies can feel like yet another challenge. Unfortunately, medical schools don’t always make it easy - policies can be vague, inconsistent, or even nonexistent.   ...

Step 1 Mnemonics: Master Your Study Techniques

11 min

304 Views

Step 1 Mnemonics: Master Your Study Techniques

304 Views

From the perspective of a med student-turned-tutor who has used them in the trenches.   Want the Science Behind It? If you’ve ever found yourself reciting “Some Say Marry Money, But My Brother Says Big Brains Matter More” while trying to remember the cranial nerves, you already know the quiet...

Active Recall and Spaced Repetition for Step 1

13 min

410 Views

Active Recall and Spaced Repetition for Step 1

410 Views

Active Recall and Spaced Repetition for Step 1: Why They Work (and How to Start) If you’re in medical school, you’ve probably heard people talk about active recall and spaced repetition like they’re some kind of magical learning tools. And honestly? They kind of are - if you use them...

The Art of Active Listening: Boost Your Medical Communication Skills

12 min

282 Views

The Art of Active Listening: Boost Your Medical Communication Skills

282 Views

Effective communication is one of the most essential skills in medicine, but it’s not just about what you say - it’s also about how well you listen. After all, we have one mouth and two ears for a reason, right? Active listening is the foundation of patient-centered care, helping doctors...

What to Do If You Struggle with NBME Shelf Exams

13 min

830 Views

What to Do If You Struggle with NBME Shelf Exams

830 Views

NBME shelf exams can be a major source of stress during medical school. You’re trying to adjust to your 3rd year of medical school, which is basically working a full-time job, and you have to study for these exams in your nearly non-existent free time! If you’ve found yourself struggling...

Exploring Tuition-Free Medical Schools in the United States

12 min

5524 Views

Exploring Tuition-Free Medical Schools in the United States

5524 Views

Pursuing medical school in the United States has traditionally been associated with significant financial investment, often leading to a substantial student debt burden. However, a growing number of medical schools are now challenging this norm by offering tuition-free education to alleviate the financial burden on aspiring physicians. This post examines...

What Are the Chances of Getting a Fellowship After Failing the USMLE Step 2 CK?

16 min

4993 Views

Medical student studying intently at a desk in a well-lit library, surrounded by notebooks and study materials, preparing for the Step 2 CK exam.

4993 Views

💡 Failed Step 2 CK? Here's What It Means for Fellowship Chances Failing a major exam like the USMLE Step 2 CK can feel like a huge setback, especially if you're eyeing a competitive residency or worried about fellowship chances. However, it’s important to remember that one exam does not...

When Should You Start Studying for USMLE Step 1? A Longitudinal Approach That Works

15 min

1912 Views

Medical student studying on a laptop in the library with earphones in, preparing for USMLE Step 1.

1912 Views

Preparing for the USMLE Step 1 can feel like an enormous task. With so much content to cover and the stakes so high, it’s no wonder students are constantly asking:   How early should I start studying for Step 1? What’s the ideal Step 1 study timeline? What month do...

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