Online Med Ed is a resource I can’t wait to tell you my thoughts about. But first, let me provide some background on my learning style. I HATE TO READ EDUCATIONAL BOOKS. Yes, you read it right—I hate reading educational books because it gets to be so monotonous, and I have the attention span of a squirrel. If I’m going to read something, it needs to capture my interest—see author Atul Gawande for some good reads. So you can only imagine how difficult it was reading for Step 1, but it had to be done.
Fast forward to my third year of medical school. I had many friends utilize Online Med Ed. The OME video series is free, and I used it occasionally here and there. My regret: not using it consistently throughout my clinical rotations. Why?
Again, let’s fast forward to March of my third year. I’m beginning to prepare my dedicated period study plan for USMLE Step 2. Unlike for Step 1, there isn’t really a set of study materials or particular resources to help you build a foundation for Step 2, and it’s not something you can learn exclusively from your clinical rotation experiences. This is where Online Med Ed SAVES THE DAY!
I made a schedule to watch the entire series while doing practice questions, and I am so glad that I did. Online Med Ed is hands down the best resource I used to gain background knowledge and study for my 9-hour board exam. The video resources are short, to-the-point, and high yield. Dr. Williams, kudos to you for sharing.
My only regret is not purchasing the premium version and staying consistent with OME during my clinical rotations. If I could go back, that’s what I would do, and I can only imagine the difference it would have made on my shelf exams. The premium subscription provides flashcards, lecture notes, practice questions, and more. Basically, it’s the perfect catch-all resource when you don’t know where to turn for clinical knowledge.
Good luck as you study for your clinical rotations and prepare for your board exams! Keep Calm & Online Med Ed—happy studying!
P.S. The picture is me fan-girling while meeting Dr. Williams at tmedishe 2017 AAMC Learn Serve Lead Conference in Boston.
