This blog was originally written by Dr. Chris Bassil in May 2022, and was updated for accuracy by Dr. Ria Patel on August 7, 2025.   [embed]https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xedEVoX0Q3U[/embed] As a board exam tutor, the first meeting I have with almost any new student involves a discussion of their study schedule and...

As you prepare for the high-stakes USMLE Step 2 exam, practice exams are a crucial tool to gauge your progress and identify areas for improvement. While many students rely on NBME and UWorld self-assessments, the AMBOSS Step 2 CK self-assessment offers another valuable tool for gauging readiness and reviewing key...

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!

This blog was originally posted on January 17, 2023, and updated in December 2024.   Growing up, my studying always seemed to follow a natural sequence: learn new content, review that content, and then quiz yourself on that content with practice questions. The idea of beginning with the end, i.e.,...

This blog was originally published on March 21, 2023, and was updated in August 2024 for new information.   There are innumerable resources available for Step 1 preparation. No one study approach will work for everyone or guarantee success. Whatever plan or resources you decide to use, everyone will need to...

When it comes to acing USMLE Step 1, practice exams are essential. You've likely heard of NBME and UWorld self-assessments, but have you considered Amboss Step 1 Self-Assessment? In this post, we'll put it to the test: how does it stack up against the competition, and is it worth your...

When it comes to studying for the USMLE, it’s worth learning how to make proper flashcards up front. While there are many different USMLE..

Intro to the USMLE Step 2 CK   You've conquered USMLE Step 1 and are now navigating the challenges of medical school clerkships and shelf exams. Next on the horizon is the USMLE Step 2, a critical exam for medical professionals seeking licensure in the US. As you balance excelling...

What is Anki   If you are a new medical student, you have undoubtedly been bombarded with Anki since starting. Its application has spread like wildfire among medical students countrywide and with good reason. Anki is a spaced repetition flashcard program that works on both mobile devices and your computer....

In my first clerkship, I quickly learned that the information medical students were expected to know was suddenly very different from the knowledge that got me through my pre-clerkship curriculum. Instead of the emphasis on basic science and foundations, the clerkship year and shelf exams required much more focus on...