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About Dr. Goljan of Goljan Audio Pathology Review 

The Mythical History of Dr. Ed Goljan of Goljan Audio

To some unaquainted with Dr. Ed Goljan of Goljan audio lectures, you may not know how this mythical personality developed out of an "ordinary" pathology professor. Reviewing the available data on the internet regarding Dr. Ed Goljan of Goljan audio fame, there is an interesting explanation for his personality. The pages of the OSU Health Sciences Center website where Dr. Ed Goljan is currently professor of pathology reveal that he spent several years in the US Navy. If you have ever listented to his curt, and to-the-point remarks, you can see where the Navy may indeed have helped create the Professor Ed Goljan that we know today.

Take a look at these Dr. Ed Gojan quotes that can be found of the Dr. Ed Goljan Audio Pathology Facebook fan page (apparently taken out of the Dr. Goljan Audio MP3 lectures)

NOTE: we cannot positively corroborate these as actual quotes - only seeing Dr. Goljan will do that!

Dr. Goljan - "Shhh shhh, now let's reaccumulate like pitting edema!"

Dr. Goljan - "In terms of what's important everything is important, so forget the underlining 'cuz you would need a paint brush!"

Dr. Goljan - "....unless you have a hole in your head it should stay in your head!"

Dr. Goljan - "Yooou are smarter than those guys who make the boards" (then he makes a geek voice): "Well Dr. Goljan I don't agree with you about that!"

Well, When you put it that way. . .

Well, when you put it that way, you can see that Dr. Goljan's time in the military helped shape his personality. When you listen to Dr. Goljan audio or in person, you can appreciate that something is funny because it is true. There was never anything as true as saying you can forget underlining " 'cuz you would need a paint brush!" That's what medical school is all about. It is about getting beyond memorizing a fact or two and get all the way to understanding a million facts and applying them all together.

In addition to Dr. Ed Goljan of Goljan audio spending time in the US Navy, he is also an accomplished arm wrestler, if you believe the reports from the OSU website. Apparently Dr. Ed Goljan started arm wrestling when he was 8 years old, could beat his dad by the time he was 11 years old, could beat everyon at his naval base in the sevice, was a competitor in the ABC Wide World of Sports Writst Wrestling Competition, and at 61 years old, Dr. Goljan of Goljan audio is still a contender - beating second year medical students 40 years his junior.

But Where Did He Come From

This mythical personality that is Dr. Goljan of Goljan audio we have all come to love (and sincerely appreciate for his contribution to our medical education) has a fairly straightforward resume. Dr. Goljan of Goljan audio received his BS from St. Gonaventure University in Orlean, NY, and then his MD from Temple University School of Medicine in Philidelphia PA. Dr. Goljan of Goljan audio then did his Internship at Reading Hospital in Reading, PA, and pathology residencies at San Diego Naval Hospital (here comes the Navy!) and Reading Hospital. Dr. Goljan of Goljan audio then became certified in Clinical Pathology and by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology in 1976.

Dr. Goljan of Gojan audio subsequently became assistant professor at the ultra-conservative Oral Roberts University School of Medicine in Tulsa Oklahoma in 1981. This conservative location probably meshed well with his background as a naval officer and futher served to shape the Dr. Goljan of Goljan audio we know today. He then did a stint in Arizona before finally perching himself at OSU School of Medicine where he elevated himself from clinical associate professor of pathology, to chairman of pathology, to finally curriculum coordinator of pathology from 2007 to present.

The Famous Goljan Publications

Dr. Goljan of Goljan audio is responsible for several USMLE publications that have been the cornerstone of students' study materials for the USMLE. Of note, Dr. Goljan published the "Board Simulator Series" which was instumental in my passing the USMLE exams. Many of you have probaby not heard of Dr. Goljan's "Board Simulator Series" as it was published in 1996 and even a little out of date when I used it, but an excellent review resource. Dr. Ed Goljan of Goljan audio then published several other excellent text such as the "Most Commons" in Pathology and Medicine. The medical education expert Dr. Pelley then worked with Dr. Ed Goljan of Goljan audio on his first Rapid Review book "Rapid Review Biochemistry" in 2003. Finally, Dr. Goljan of Goljan audio reached the pinnacle of his publications with "Rapid Review Pathology" in 2004. How unfortunate that I graduated in 2004, having missed using Dr. Goljan's Rapid Review textbook - the first books to replace Robbins Pathology as the "gold standard" medical licensing exam textbook in decades!

Dr. Ed Goljan, the Lectures

Somewhere along the way, and I don't know the exact date, Dr. Goljan of Goljan audio was recognized for unique and effective teaching style as well as his enormous depth and breadth of knowledge. Dr. Goljan then became associated with Kaplan Medical Education and gave is Pathology Review for  the USMLE Step 1 under the Kaplan medical banner in New York, New Jersey and Chicago. These lectures, rather outdated, are where most of the Goljan audio mp3 reviews that you may find come from. Of note, Dr. Goljan himself nevered approved nor intended his lectures to be distributed gratis (or otherwise) all over the internet. Our investigations have revealed that Dr. Goljan never intended to be a "super-star" with his name, likeness, and audio all over the internet. He simply offers an excellent pathology review based on decades of experience.

Dr. Goljan of Goljan audio has since turned over a new leaf, left Kaplan, and is now lecturing for Falcon Physician Reviews. Dr. Goljan of Goljan audio (an all-star himself) is now part of an all-star lineup of instructors teaching the USMLE Step 1 Review for Falcon. Another noted instructor, and one to whom I owe much of my USMLE success, is Dr. Samir Mehta, co-author of Step-Up to the USMLE Step 1. Imagine, Dr. Goljan of Goljan audio and Dr. Mehta personally instructing you on how to take the USMLE. . . I'm drooling. 

About Dr. Goljan FREE Audio Pathology Review and Legitimate FREE USMLE Audio Resources

So What is Goljan Audio Pathology

 As mentioned above, Apollo Audiobooks truly scoured the internet to find a legitimate, legal copy of Dr. Ed Goljan's Audio Pathology Review to promote on our website. The truth is, one does not exist. Every audio copy of Dr. Goljan's pathology USMLE review is a pirated copy from some lecture or other given at a review course. He never consented to be recorded, he never wanted to be recorded, he never wanted to be famous. At Apollo Audiobooks we take the issue of piracy very seriously (as medical professionals have lost their license and medical students have been expelled from school for piracy violations). Therefore, rather than point you to some pirated, poor quality, out-of-date, and incomplete audio recording, we encourage you to see Dr. Ed Goljand and his pathology review live and in-person (not to mention legally).

Dr. Ed Goljan's Audio Pathology MP3 review is a violation of his rights and privacy - so rather than offend our idol by donwloading free USMLE audio pathology reviews, let's support our idol (and see him live in concert) at Falcon.

About Goljan Audio Torrents and FREE Goljan Audio MP3 Downloads

It seems like today is looking for Goljan audio torrents and FREE Goljan audio MP3 Downloads. The truth about torrents is that torrents are a great way to share information and data, especially large files between many usere. Torrents allow many computers connected to the internet to "seed" information which you may download. Thus the "seeders" provide the files to you when you download them. If no one is actively seeding the torrent fie, then there is no one to download the file from. Making this a rather ineficient way to find and download information. You should use torrent files to share YOUR INFORMATION, not someone else's. That is say, if you make a funny movie for your class, your whole class could share it and interested people could download it as a torrent file. The thing about Goljan audio torrents and FREE Goljan audio MP3 Downloads is that the information is not yours to share, it belongs to Dr. Goljan himself (the man we all adore). When you go out on the interenet looking for Goljan audio torrents and FREE Goljan audio MP3 Downloads you hurt Dr. Goljan, other students, and it is illegal, unethical, and a serious breach of professional conduct. If you are looking for FREE USMLE Audio MP3 Downloads, simply sign up for our email list and we will send you 2 FREE USMLE Audio MP3 Downloads every month. Don't spend your time looking for Goljan audio torrents and FREE Goljan audio MP3 Downloads, it would be better to simply sign up for our downloads or see Dr. Goljan Live Here (sign up above).

About FREE USMLE MP3 Audio Downloads

So, ethically you should not be using Goljan audio torrents and FREE Goljan audio MP3 Downloads. In that case what other options are there for FREE USMLE Audio MP3s if Goljan Audio is out of the question. At Apollo Audiobooks, we have sampled each of our top selling USMLE Audio titles for FREE downloads - two each month. These FREE USMLE Audio MP3s include selections from Gold Standard USMLE Step 1, Step 2, and Foundations of Internal Medicine Audio MP3s. Additionally there are selections from USMLE Help Step 1 Anatomy, Step 1 Biochemistry, Step 2 CK, Step 2 CS, and Step 3 CCS. You can learn more about being an email subscriber here. Now, with all of that being said, I am sure that you have seen torrents for FREE USMLE audio programs all over the web. Each of our USMLE Audio titles is copyrighted and protected by both national and international copyright law - so a Gold Standard torrent is just as illegal and unethical as Goljan audio torrents and FREE Goljan audio MP3 Downloads. So let's all help each other out. Sign up for FREE USMLE Audio downloads on this website, or see Dr. Goljan Live, and stick with the oath of Hippocrates to "First Do No Harm." Copying and downloading pirated material hurts us, it hurts other students and it is illegal.

Wishing Everyone USMLE Success!

Apollo Audiobooks, LLC

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The "Taus Method" Relies Heavily on Goljan Rapid Review Pathology and Goljan Audio

SDN'ers (Members of the Student Doctor Network online forums) report that the "Taus Method" is an excellent way to prepare for the USMLE/COMLEX Step 1. This method relies heavily upon several resources, two of which are First Audio for the USMLE Step 1 and Goljan's Rapid Review Pathology. In addition, there are several mentions of using Goljan's Audio Pathology Review along with the corresponding section of the textbook. Our recommendation is that you go to see Dr. Goljan’s Pathology Review Live rather than using a free torrent of Dr. Goljan's Audio Review. In reviewing this study method for the USMLE Step 1, I found that the texts suggested are excellent and the regimen, splitting things into months and daily schedules is great. The "Taus Method" can serve as a great starting place in planning your USMLE/COMLEX review and is very reminiscent of my study plan for the USMLE Step 1. Below you will find the "Taus Method" for the USMLE Step 1 reproduced in its entirety, with written permission from the author. Because the "Taus Method" relies heavily upon Dr. Goljan's work, we felt it appropriate to include the "Taus Method" here in on the Dr. Goljan page. You can find more information about the "Taus Method" for USMLE/COMLEX Step 1 preparation at the SDN forums at forums.studentdoctor.net. Enjoy reading the "Taus Method!"

The "Taus Method" USMLE/ COMLEX Step 1 Plan

Taus Method - Table of Contents

• Basic Timeline

• Review Books and other Study Materials

• Question Sources

• Basic Sciences

• Systems

• Last 2 Weeks

• COMLEX-specific Info

• General Pointers

• Question Answering Advice

• Week Before, Day Before, Day of Advice

• FAQ’s

 ________________________________________________________________________

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Taus Method - Basic Timeline:

First run through:  (75:25 study:Q’s)*

1) Consolidate all books into FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE (except Goljan Rapid Review Pathology and HY Molecular will be used throughout and in full)

2) Listen to corresponding Goljan audio during appropriate subject/system

*Apollo Audiobooks recommends you attend Dr. Goljan’s Pathology Review Live rather than using pirated Goljan Audio recordings.

3) Paper question sources directly by subject after studying each subject (as specific as possible..ie cardio path, cardio phys, cardiac pharm...all individually)

4) Study for understanding, ie don’t try to memorize all the details yet

5) Take NBME 4

Second run through: (50:50 study:Q’s)*

1) Study in full systems using only FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE w/ all annotations, Goljan Rapid Review Pathology, HY Molec

2) Listen to corresponding Goljan audio during appropriate subject/system for 2^nd time

*Apollo Audiobooks recommends you attend Dr. Goljan’s Pathology Review Live rather than using pirated Goljan Audio recordings.

3) 50 UsmleWorld questions every morning in random and timed blocks of 50

5) Take NBME 2

6) Memorize more and more detail beyond just understanding

Third run through: (25:75 study:Q’s)*

1) FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE, Goljan Rapid Review Pathology, HY molec only

2) 100 UsmleWorld questions (as above)

3) Take NBME 3

4) Everything should be fully memorized by now

Last two weeks and final 3 days: details below

* the % study:Q’s reflects the amount of time per day that should be spent on each, with the amount of time spent doing questions progressing up as you move along through each run through the information and the time spent studying material going down

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Taus Method - Review Books and Other Materials:

* Using ebay, half.com, amazon, etc for used copies will save tons of $$

• First Aid For the USMLE Step 1 (most current edition- comes out each December)

            -there are mistakes in this book every single year, here are the 2007 errata:

            http://usmlerx.wordpress.com/2007/04/09/updates-and-corrections-to-2007-first-aid-for-the-usmle-step-1/

• Rapid Review Pathology (by Dr. Ed Goljan of Goljan Audio) 

            -there were several reported errors in the first printing of this book, so be sure to check out Dr. Ed Goljan’s official errata page at:

             http://www.healthsciences.okstate.edu/college/biomedical/pathology/goljan.cfm

• Rapid Review Biochem

            -way more succinct and clinical then Lippincott and co-authored by Dr. Ed Goljan of Goljan Audio

            * Alternatively: the Kaplan Biochem book by Hansen is excellent and by First Aid for the USMLEr the best of the Kaplan series....if you can get it cheaply….do it

• Goljan audio and slides (available in bootleg only)

*Apollo Audiobooks recommends you attend Dr. Goljan’s Pathology Review Live rather than using pirated Goljan Audio recordings.

• High Yield Behavioral Science

• High Yield Neuro (some sections are too detailed, but basics and pics are good)

• High Yield Cell and Molecular (1999 edition- new one has way too much detail)

• Lange Review of Medical Micro and Immuno by Levinson

            -only for Immuno section, which is ~90 pages

• Micro Made Ridiculously Simple (edition 3 is fine)

• Savarese OMT Review (for DO students only)

• BRS Physiology

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Taus Method - Question Sources:

• Reference and/or write incorrect answers or anything you were even remotely unsure ofàFIRST AID FOR THE USMLE to review the concept again later

• use questions primarily as a learning tool and don’t worry about your % til near the test

Books:

• Robbins Review of Path

• Savarese (OMM)

• Kaplan Qbook

   - this will sound odd…but its well worth it: the book is subject based (ie path, phys, micro, etc…so take an hour or so to go through this book and mark which system each question fits into within each subject (ie under Path mark all the renal q’s, lung q’s, etc.)  Reading the last line and answer choices makes it pretty quick & easy to do.  This will be worth it when you need system-specific q’s during your first run through.

Computer Based:

• UsmleWorld (~2000q)

• Webprep: http://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/EXAM/EXAMIDX.html

*purposefully not using Kaplans QBank as most questions do not represent the current style on the exam, are too minutia based and it is way overpriced.  You will still get the benefits of Kaplan for under $40 w/ Qbook.

________________________________________________________________________

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Taus Method - Basic Sciences:

* do in order of your weakestàstrongest subjects

* “à” in the following sections means to annotate from one to the other for clarifications

Biochem:

• Rapid Review (or Kaplan)à FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE (use only to clarify topics in First Aid…don’t add topics)

•Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch1-cell injury, Ch7-Nutritional Disorders, any other relevant places w/ biochem (ie anemia, diabetes)

•FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE Path Intro

Molec Bio/Genetics:

•HY (FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE is NOT enough in this subject)

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch5-Genetic Disorders, Ch8-Neoplasia

•FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE Path Intro

Pharmacodynamics and Physio Intros:

• FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE (just pharmacodynamics and autonomics at this time)

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch6-Environmental Path

• BRS Phys Ch. 1 and autonomics in Ch. 2

•Immunology:

•Levinsonà FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch2-inflammation and repair, Ch3-immunopathology

Micro Principles and Micro Pharm:

•CMMRSàFIRST AID FOR THE USMLE

            - major system-specific bugs will be re-visited during their respective systems, ie hepatitis and causes of diarrhea w/ GI, pneumonia w/ Pulm, meningitis w/ Neuro, etc

Anatomy (Musculoskeletal):

• FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE only

Embryo:

•FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE only

Behavoral:

•HYàFIRST AID FOR THE USMLE (clarifying only..don’t add much…also know equations well)

**pysch w/ neuro later (only research, stats, patient-care stuff now)

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Taus Method - Full Systems

*Order in each system: anatomyàphysioàmicroàpathàpharm (add others where needed or specified by FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE)

Heme/Onc:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch.11-15

Cardio:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch 4-fluids(only edema to end), Ch9-Vascular Dz, Ch10, Heart Dz

• BRS Phys: Ch3-cardio

Renal:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch4-fluids (beginning to edema), Ch19-Kidney disorders

•BRS phys: Ch5-renal and acid/base

Respiratory:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch16-upper and lower respiratory

•BRS Phys: Ch4-respiratory

GI:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch17-GI, Ch18-hepatobiliary

•BRS Phys: ch6

Reproductive:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch20-male and lower GU, 21-female

•BRS Phys: ch7-endocrine (only relevant sections)

Endocrine:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch22-endocrine

•BRS Phys: ch7-endocrine

Skin:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology ch24 and the one page in the MSK chapter of FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE

Musculskeletal & Connective Tissue:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch23 msk disorders

Neuro:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology ch25-nervous system

•HY NeuroàFIRST AID FOR THE USMLE (don’t add much, just explain well….also Radiology in HY is useful)

•BRS phys: Ch2 neuro phys

Pysch:

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Taus Method - The last 2 weeks

AM: 100 UW Questions, in random/timed blocks of 50, then go over all explanations in full

PM: 6 hours of studying as divided below

         - get through everything in 10 Days

         - final 3 day plan at the end

1a 4 hours

 Biochem:

• FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch1-cell injury, Ch7-Nutritional Disorders

• FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE Path Intro

1b 2 hours

Behavoral (all except Pysch):

•FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE

2a 6 hours

Molec Bio:

•HY

•FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch5-Genetic Disorders, Ch8-Neoplasia

•FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE Path Intro

3a 2 hours

Pharmacodynamics and Autonomic Pharm:

•FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE pharm section

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch6-Environmental Path

3b 4 hours

•Immunology:

• FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch2-inflammation and repair, Ch3-immunopathology

• aids pharm

•immuno pharm in msk section of FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE

4a 4 hours

Micro Principles and Micro Pharm:

•FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE

­­­­­­­Full Systems

4b 2 hours & 5a 2 hours

Heme/Onc:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch.11-15

•FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE

5b 4 hours

Cardio:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch 4-fluids(only edema to end), Ch9-Vascular Dz, Ch10, Heart Dz

FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE

6a 4 hours

Renal:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch4-fluids (beginning to edema), Ch19-Kidney disorders

•FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE

6b 2 hours & 7a 2 hours

Respiratory:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch16-upper and lower respiratory

•FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE, Bugs

7b 4 hours

GI:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch17-GI, Ch18-hepatobiliary

•FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE, Bugs (diarrhea,hep,worms)

8a 3 hours

Reproductive:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch20-male and lower GU, 21-female

•FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE, UTI/STD bugs

8b 3 hours

Endocrine:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch22-endocrine

•FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE

9a 5 hours

Musculskeletal & Skin & Anat:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Ch23 msk disorders

•FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE MSK anatomy (in neuro section)

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology ch24-skin

•look at some GI/thoracic CT’s

9 b 1 hour

Embryo:

•FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE

10a 4 hours

Neuro:

• Read Goljan Rapid Review Pathology ch25-nervous system

•FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE, bugs

•Radiology in HY/online

3^rd to last Day

- ½ of margin (blue) notes in Goljan Rapid Review Pathology & slides

- crammable First Aid for the USMLEcts in immuno (CD markers, etc)

- all of Biochem

2^nd to last Day

- ½ of margin (blue) notes in Goljan Rapid Review Pathology & slides

- molec & genetics in full

- all of pharm- go through all systems in FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE

- some behavioral/biostats (non-pysch)…quickly review high yield areas

Last day

- FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE HY section (at end of book) & Pics

- formulas and lab values one last time

- pharm sides in FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE (those 2 pages in the intro to pharm section)

- NO HEAVY STUDYING

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Taus Method - COMLEX-specific info:

• Between USMLE and COMLEX: Savarese & Bugs n Drugs

• More of: Micro, Pharm, OMM, Extremity Anatomy, Neuro

• Less of (but not non-existant): Biochem, Molecular, Genetics, Biostats

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Taus Method - General Pointers:

• know the meaning of all buzzwords (won’t see the actual word often)

• know all charts/graphs/diagrams in FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE inside and outàwill be tested abstractly

• start with weakest subjects

• only know equations in FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE

• memorize all lab values (FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE has a list of most commonly used)

• learn Tutorial on usmle.org and location of all buttons, labs, etc

• always keep scheduled breaks during studying

• study like a job, clock in, clock out, when you’re done for the session you’re done

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Taus Method - Question answering advice

* w/ a long passage, read the last line 1^st then always read from beginning and in full

* practice doing q’s in 1 minute

* ~45 seconds read Q, ~15 secs answer

* only read question once

* always paraphrase after each sentence in Q

* don’t look at answers til have read entire passage and thought of answer

* if you think you’re taking too long on a Q, you are….guess, mark it and move on

* never change answers on anything except “marked” q’s

* only check answers of questions marked for review

* if you think you know answer, but not 100%, put it and move on, no time to be 100%

* Steps of answering a Q:

            1. Read Q and paraphrase after each sentence

            2. Paraphrase entire question and think of the answer w/o looking at answers

            3. Select your answer and quickly make sure it’s the “best” answer

            4. If didn’t get answer yet, eliminate answers and narrow down to 2-3 then guess

            5. If couldn’t narrow down, select First Aid for the USMLEvorite letter then guess

                        - do not re-read the question b/w any of these steps…there is no time

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Taus Method - Week Before Test:

* NO new material

* sleep on a set schedule that will be the same as test day, no naps           

* review the tutorial (you can download the software on usmle.org)

* call prometric to confirm time/date

Day Before Test:

Relax, work out, watch a movie, etc….nothing stressful…..you wouldn’t run a practice marathon the day before the real race…..so rest your brain

Test Day Advice

* only mark a few Q’s per section for review and mark #’s on white board

* during breaks clear your head, don’t think about test or previous q’s

* Never press Alt+Control+Delete

* You can highlight and/or strike-out information in the Q and answers

* lab values are categorized, but still memorize before

* computer shortcuts: Enter or Spacebar = next question, Escape = closes labs or other popup boxes, Alt T= shows timers

* There is no warning about going over your break time on the screen, you have to keep track of your break yourself

* Passing is usually around 60-70% correct

* no digital watches, analog only

* take a 30 second breather at your seat during a block in you’re really stressed.

Score Report:

• 3-6 weeks for score report, always comes on a Wednesday

 ________________________________________________________________________ 

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Taus Method - FAQ’s  

Q’s that I have been asked about the guide:

Q1) How do you physically consolidate everything into First Aid without the pages becoming un-readable with little scribbled writings? Also, do you mean you used FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE mainly and referred to some text books as you went through topics in the FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE?

A1) I found that a good way to get all of my clarifications/info/good charts/etc into FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE was to get the book binding cut off and have it 3-hole punched (5$ at kinkos) and put it in a binder.  This way you can add loose-leaf and whatever other pages you want and truly have everything consolidated into one place after your first run through of the info (except RR path and HY molec).

That’s basically what I did and what my plans outlines how to do.  The areas where more info is needed beyond what’s in FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE are indicated in my plan.  The goal is to use other sources to help you completely understand everything in FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE, down to all the implications of all the little details in it.

________________________________________________________________________

Q2) How long did it take you to get through each run through?

Q3) I do not fully understand your 3 prong plan.  So in the first run through: (75:25 study:Q’s), its here that I am consolidating all my info in first aid, but does that mean the basic science run AND the systems?  I’m asking because in your plan, you separated BASIC SCIENCE and SYSTEMS - so should I go through BOTH in the first run?

If yes then what am I supposed to do in the 2nd run? Just go through basic sciences and systems again?

A3) Both systems and basic sciences are in the 1st run through.....then during the 2^nd and 3rd time you go through EVERYTHING again.  The only difference is during the 2nd time through you are done consolidating into FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE and are doing more questions.  During the 3rd time you are spending most of your day doing questions but you are still going through all of the info.

________________________________________________________________________

Q4) Do you have any suggestions on how to best “annotate” from the various review books to FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE?

A4) I found it very efficient and beneficial to do the following:
1. Quickly flip through the FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE chapter that you are about to study to basically just see what’s in it and how its organized.
2. Open up your other review book for that subject and read a short section (ie a few paragraphs or pages.
3. Go back to FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE and find the small section that corresponds to what you just read in your review book (usually just a small portion of 1 page or so) and make notes to further explain/clarify what’s in FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE.  I indicated in my plan where you will need to add info to FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE vs. just clarify it.  This way, during your 2^nd and 3^rd runs through you will be able to easily streamline your studying towards what’s important and will fully understand every detail in FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE.
4. Rinse and repeat until you are finished with the review book and section in FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE.
5. You now never need to open that review book again (except for Goljan Rapid Review Pathology Path and HY CMB) after the 1st run through.

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Q5) If you're plan was over 2.5-3 months then how long did you take for each real run through? If each run through = 25 days X3 = 75 days = ~ 2.5 months + 2 weeks for the crunch = ~ 3 months total, does that sound right? I really like the idea of multiple reviews of the topics, as I'm just not one of those people that can see something for one day of my prep and remember it for 5 weeks until the test.

A5) As for how long to spend on each run-through…each one should take less then the one that preceded it. As for exactly how long…its really gotta be an individual thing. Some topics on the first run-through took me a week...some 2 days. 

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Q6) How long did it take you to get through the blue margin notes in Goljan Rapid Review Pathology and are you happy you did it? I’m trying to decide between blue margins and 36pg goljan high yield for my last few days of studying.

A6) I decided to use the margin notes over the 36pg HY mainly b/c I had read the margin notes several times as I went through the main text of Goljan Rapid Review Pathology, so I knew I wouldn't be seeing any new/foreign info during the final days of studying. Being First Aid for the USMLEmiliar w/ the format also allowed me to go through it really First Aid for the USMLEst (~2 hours). I had previously randomly flipped through the 36 pg HY and didn't see any info that wasn't in the margin notes (or main text) and thought the format would be too cumbersome to get through quickly. Was it worth it? I’m not sure if it added many points to my score, but it was nice to have the meat of the test very fresh in my mind

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Q7) In your plan you mention FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE path intro, what do you mean by that? I have FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE 2006 right now (annotated with extra pages and all errata fixed, so I don't want to upgrade to 2007). Is path intro in the 2007 edition?

A7) I don't think the separate path intro is in the 06 version, but all that info should still be in the book w/ other chapters somewhere... its all the basics of inflammation/cell injury/neoplasia/etc

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Q8) Regarding Goljan Rapid Review Pathology: I read through it once already and liked it a lot.
I´m not sure if I’ll be able to work through FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE, 100 Qs each day AND the whole Goljan Rapid Review Pathology again. Can give me some advice how to divide my time appropriately and also suggest what the high yield, must read portions of RR are?

A8) I wouldn't read the entire thing again word-for-word. On top of the charts, summary tables and side comments...I'm assuming that you underlined/highlighted/etc the points that were crucial and that you wanted to go over again. If you haven't done any of that, then I would try to use what he goes over in his audio and what FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE hits on as a guide for what’s high yield. As far as what chapters, it’s tough to say as all systems are pretty impt. Also, definitely don't neglect the intro chapters on the basics of inflammation/cell injury/neoplasia/etc.

Q9) Did you really feel that FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE was enough for embryo and anatomy?

A9) Yes, I did. I would consider flipping through HY Anatomy for the PICTURES ONLY....just to review some classic cross-sections.  As for embryo....I mean if you want to spend a week learning tons of crazy little details, have at it, but I'll take what I got from FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE and leave it at that.  I had 2 embryo q's on my test and both were in FIRST AID FOR THE USMLE

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Q10) What is the online portion of "Radiology in HY/online"?

A10) I meant that beyond the pictures in HY Neuro... I think it’s a good idea spend an hour or 2 looking through mri/ct/angio's etc of the brain from one of the many online radiology sites. Some sites to check out are:

http://www.med.harvard.edu/AANLIB/

http://www9.biostr.washington.edu/

http://www.med.umich.edu/lrc/coursepages/M1/anatomy/html/atlas/atlas_index.html

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Q11) You mentioned Kaplan as a possible review book for biochemistry. Is a complete review by Kaplan an equally, poorer, or better way to approach studying for the exam. Why not just use all of their books?

Q12) Why did you choose those specific topics for the last few days?

A12) As for why I chose biochem/molec/genetics/pharm/etc....I tried to pick things that had a lot of small details to memorize, which tend to be ones that only stick in my short-term memory. Everyone has a different topic that fits that criteria and you've just gotta honestly say what you need to look at one more time (and not have "everything" as your answer)