Part I (2023)
Hot off the presses! This is an updated version covering Step One Preparation with a focus on the Struggling Learner. It is a nuts and bolts presentation including material on ‘How We Learn.’ Learning theory forms the backdrop and basis for the time-tested strategies presented in the video. After 15 years of tutoring students, I was able to distill the many lessons and common preparatory mistakes into a 30 minute video. I do hope this material will keep you out of mischief! Good Luck!
Although described as a tool for the ‘Struggling Learner’ (or any student performing below their own expectation), the essence of this video describes how to properly engage with content and summarizes the Best Practices for Q-bank Learning.
Step One Preparation for the Struggling Learner
Part II (2020)
Prior to requesting an individual diagnostic evaluation, you are encouraged to review the video series entitled, NBME Vignettes: Pearls, Pitfalls and Lessons Learned. The series summarizes many of the difficulties students encounter during Step One preparation including recommendations on how to improve your performance. Whereas I would be happy to work with any and all students, I am confident that your challenges can be identified and corrected based on the information presented in this series. BUT, sometimes it is useful to have someone peering over your shoulder. Feel free to chase me down if I can provide further assistance (Howard@12daysinmarch.com or Howard.Sachs@umassmemorial.org).
Diagnostic Services, Background
Working with many struggling (as well as excellent) medical students for the last several years has been both eye opening and informative. Through direct observation, I’ve been able to identify a series of repetitive and systematic test taking and preparatory errors that students commit. Through this work, I have developed a set of ‘Golden Rules‘ to be followed when taking (and preparing) for NBME exams.
Whereas I can certainly address content (organ systems only), the greatest improvements in test scores are generated through i) refinement of test-taking techniques and ii) preparation strategies. For those of you who ‘narrow it down to two choices‘ and then seem to pick the wrong one, this approach should prove rewarding.
Diagnostic Services, Evaluation
The evaluation process includes a brief interview followed by a series of NBME-style questions that we work through together while you are ‘thinking out loud.’ This is a very interactive and eye-opening exercise. Through this method, we will identify and resolve problematic test taking behaviors that interfere with grade optimization. Recommendations will be offered on test preparation and any general questions/concerns you wish to discuss.
The diagnostic assessment will take approximately 90+ minutes. Time varies based on student needs. A follow up session may be arranged if necessary.
the Logistics
The session will be conducted through Zoom Video Conferencing.
Just send an E-mail to Howard@12daysinmarch.com (or Howard.Sachs@umassmemorial.org) and we’ll schedule a convenient time (EST).
Payment ($149) accepted through PayPal or Venmo. You do not have to submit payment until the session is under way. I want you to feel comfortable with the service.
Self-Help Resources
I am most pleased to offer this video series designed to improve your test taking and test preparation strategies. In these videos, I’ve condensed many of the key recommendations from countless tutorial sessions into a roadmap for independent learning and Step One success. The four sections include i) general principles, ii) best practices for the question stem, iii) best practices for question options and iv) best practices for use of Q-banks. The ultimate goal, built into these resources, is retention of test material and consolidation of medical knowledge. If you are still struggling after applying these techniques, I would be happy to work with you in one-on-one sessions.
NBME Vignettes: Pearls, Pitfalls and Lessons Learned
Part I: General Principles, PDF
Part II: the Question Stem, PDF
Part III: the Question Options
Part III: the Question Options, PDF
Part IV: Q-Banks, Efficiencies and Best Practices
Part IV: Q-Banks, Efficiencies and Best Practices, PDF
Sample Vignettes for Problem Solving
Sample One: Valve Disease, Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Sample One: Valve Disease, Dilated Cardiomyopathy, PDF