(This is a free article from Academic Medicine, click on the pic to visit the site)

Here is a great article published in the March 2009 edition of Academic Medicine (The Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges). Around 2,500 program directors across 21 specialties were sent questionnaires as to the importance of particular criteria used for residency selection. The top 5 criteria that were given by the program directors in order of importance to residency selection were:

(1) Grades in required clerkships,

(2) USMLE Step 1 score,

(3) Grades in senior electives in specialty,

(4) Number of honors grades,

(5) USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) score.

The USMLE Step 2 CK score ranks as a higher criteria for residency selection in less competitive specialties, whereas research experience is more prominent in the most competitive specialties. The survey used this criteria for determining the competitiveness for a particular specialty.

"Specialties with U.S. graduate fill rates between 61 and 80% were designated as being competitive. Specialties with U.S. graduate fill rates below 60% were designated as being less competitive."

Less-Competitive Specialties include: Psychiatry, Pathology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Family Medicine.

Related articles by Zemanta

• One Week Down, 3.5 More to Go (islandmedstudent.com)
• USMLE Step 2 CK Books And Study Strategy (scrubnotes.blogspot.com)
• Step 2 Study Experience (newmediamedicine.com)

Just got this email from the NBME / USMLE. Thought I would pass it along...

Beginning on or about July 8, 2009, the USMLE program will begin using the Biometric Identity Management System (BIMS) in many test center locations as part of standard test day procedures for computer-based Step examinations. The BIMS is designed to improve the security and integrity of the testing process. On test day, the BIMS program takes and converts a fingerprint to a digital image that is used for candidate identity verification purposes. This image and identification documents provided on test day are paired with other personal information provided to the registration entity, allowing accurate identification during the testing process. As a candidate moves in and out of the test lab at the test center, the candidate will be able to use his or her finger to authenticate identity using the scanners located in the test center, limiting or eliminating the need to provide additional identification throughout the test day to test center staff.


More detailed information about the BIMS may be found in the "Biometric Identity Management System Privacy Notice for USMLE Candidates" at http://www.usmle.org/General_Information/Announcements/BIMS-

Related articles by Zemanta

• ECFMG-ERAS News (usmlemd.wordpress.com)
• DHS Biometric Database - Concerns And A Controversial Solution (gcaptain.com)
• Apple May Add Biometrics to iPhone, Laptops (technologizer.com)

If you are looking for a one stop shop for Mnemonics that Medical Mnemonics .com should do the trick. Search by system wise or subject wise and even adult orientated Mnemonics. One of the most comprehensive sites on Medical Mnemonics. Medical Mnemonics.com (Note: the site has not been updated since 2007)

Related articles by Zemanta

• NEJM beta: Facebook Applications (usmlemd.wordpress.com)
• links for 2009-03-03 (islandmedstudent.com)
• Jeff Mann Web Site - medical guidemaps (usmlemd.wordpress.com)

For all the visual learners....

Embryology Animations form Indiana University. This is a great site if you are having a hard time visualizing the vast number of embryological processes.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Caffeine Eases Exercise-Induced Asthma (findmeacure.com)
• Why Do We Cling To Medical Myths? (huffingtonpost.com)
• Indiana University Supers Munch on Electron Microscope Data (insidehpc.com)

The Merck Manual is a vary practical tool for clinical rotations... The Online version of The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy is even better when your in a hurry. Most disease process are presented in the following format: Definition, Symptoms and Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment.

In 1899, the American drug manufacturer Merck & Co. first published a small book titled Merck's Manual of the Materia Medica. It was meant as an aid to physicians and pharmacists, reminding doctors that “Memory is treacherous.” Compact in size, easy to use, and comprehensive, The Merck Manual (as it was later known) became a favorite of those involved in medical care and others in need of a medical reference. Even Albert Schweitzer carried a copy to Africa in 1913, and Admiral Byrd carried a copy to the South Pole in 1929.

By the 1980s, the book had become the world's largest selling medical text and was translated into more than a dozen languages. While the name of the parent company has changed somewhat over the years, the book's name has remained constant, known officially as The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy but usually referred to as The Merck Manual and sometimes “The Merck.

Currently the Step 1 seems to be emphasizing Pelvic anatomy...If you need help in reviewing the anatomy of the Pelvis, here are a few really good sites.


1. Wane State University - CT of the Pelvis



2. Emory - Pelvis and Perineum Dissection Outline



3. University of Michigan Medical School - Pelvis & Pelvic Viscera Videos

Related articles by Zemanta

• Free Medical Video Lectures notes online (usmlemd.wordpress.com)
• Human anatomy animations (usmlemd.wordpress.com)
• Interstitial Cystitis Association Appoints Dr. Clauw to Medical Advisory Board (fightingfatigue.org)

Just got the email from the iPhone Mafia (AT&T)....

We’re now pleased to offer our iPhone 3G customers who are upgrade eligible in July, August or September 2009 our best upgrade pricing, beginning Thursday, June 18.

iPhone 3G S here I come....Its about time too. Let the Twittering and uploading of uselessness begin. Click the pic to visit the AT&T press release.

Related articles by Zemanta

• The White iPhone 3GS Is Rare Like a Unicorn [Iphone 3gs] (gizmodo.com)
• AT&T: Best sales ever on iPhone 3GS launch day (macworld.com)
• Meet The New iPhone, Not Quite The Same As The Old iPhone [IPhone] (consumerist.com)