MS2 news for Oct 3

In this issue:

    • Everything you need to know about student tutoring for USMLE Step 1
    • Heads-up for MS2s about the importance of Open Enrollment
    • AAMC seeks student member for Holistic Advisory Committee
    • ICYMI: Here’s your chance to job shadow someone in a specialty
    • NEW Tip of the Month: Perspectives on Mind, Brain and Behavior (MBB) and Step 1 prep

Information about USMLE Step 1 group sessions

This is a message from Bailey Stuart, an MS4 from the Laramie cohort:

Hello UWSOM MS2s! I am your lead tutor for the USMLE Step 1 group sessions. As you begin to formulate your Step 1 study plans, please keep us in mind as a powerful resource! See below for the different tutoring options we offer:

Group Sessions

  • These are interactive sessions that include multiple tutors and multiple students. Tutors prepare a PowerPoint presentation, which includes content review and practice questions. These sessions are a great way to get a broad, quick refresher on high-yield topics, maybe even learn something new!
  • You can sign up to attend live via zoom. The best learning happens live, but these sessions are also recorded. You can view links to past recordings.
  • These sessions last one hour on Tuesdays starting at 5:30 p.m. AK, 6:30 p.m. PT, 7:30 p.m. MT
    • 10/14/24: General Approach to Step 1 Studying
    • 10/21/24: Cardio/Pulm
    • 10/28/24: Renal
    • 11/4/24: Biochemistry/Metabolism
    • 11/18/24: Microbiology/Immunology
    • 12/2/24: Endocrine/GI
    • 12/9/24: MSK/Skin

Drop-in Tutoring

  • 1 or 2 tutors will be available over zoom for one hour on Monday nights starting at 5:30 p.m. AK, 6:30 p.m. PT, 7:30 p.m. MT starting Jan. 6, 2025. This is your time to “drop in” and ask/review specific questions and topics with the tutors.
  • You can stop in at any time during the hour, and you can stay anywhere from a few minutes up to the whole hour.
  • No content is pre-prepared for these sessions. There is no need to sign up ahead of time, and the sessions are not recorded. You can sign up if you would like to be reminded about the drop-in sessions.

Individual Appointments

  • Meet 1:1 with a Step 1 tutor by making an appointment. These appointments are a great time to pick 1-2 in-depth topics to discuss/draw/brainstorm/explore together. Please let your tutor know what you’d like to discuss ahead of time.
  • It is preferred that you try to attend group and drop-in sessions first before scheduling 1:1 appointments.
  • Timing varies depending on tutor availability, but each session lasts one hour. These sessions are not recorded.

Good luck with your Step 1 studies, and please feel free to reach out with any questions!

Special note for MS2s about Open Enrollment

We want to draw your attention to the all-student newsletter and make sure you aw the notice about Open Enrollment. Because you will be starting clerkships in 2025 and will be moving in-and out-of-state, it is especially important to review your health insurance options. Many plans do not provide out-of-state coverage for routine care, so you should take action now to prepare for the upcoming clerkship cycle.

See the full heads up about Open Enrollment in the student newsletter; we’ll be regularly sharing more tips about natvigating Open Enrollment.

AAMC seeks student member for Holistic Advisory Committee

The AAMC Advancing Holistic Principles Advisory Committee (AHPAC) develops and shares innovations that advance holistic principles and practices. The committee also offers consultation, develops resources, contributes to scholarly literature, and advises AAMC staff on holistic review initiatives.

The AHPAC is currently looking for one first- or second-year medical student in the United States to serve one year with the opportunity to extend an additional year. For details, please visit this page.

Questions? Contact holisticreview@aamc.org. The deadline to nominate yourself is Friday, Oct. 25, 2024.

 ICYMI: Here’s your chance to job shadow someone in a specialty

If you are interested in elective clinical experiences with a community preceptor or faculty in a specific specialty to explore different areas of practice, consider shadowing a physician. Start with the extracurricular clinical experiences (shadowing) webpage to learn how to set up shadowing in Seattle, Spokane, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho.

Questions, please contact the Curriculum team, somcurr@uw.edu.

Peer to Peer: Tip of the Month from Career Advising

This month, we want to share an opportunity for career exploration and mentorship! Join the Student-Alumni Informational Discussions (SAID) run by UWSOM’s Alumni Association to connect with alumni and a small group of fellow students over Zoom or in person. There’s a range of specialties and career topics to choose from. SAID gatherings are often noted as a highlight for students during Foundations. Our alums are pretty awesome!

  • Reviewed by BIPOC student Abraham Correa-Medina. Originally written by BIPOC alum Shanelle Briggs, MD.

Here is a link to the most recent newsletter for MS2s.

Have a terrific week!