USMLE-Rx Blog Posts

Proven strategies, expert advice, and resources to help you excel in medical school, the USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and beyond!

Get Ready to Fire Up Your Brain: The Path to USMLE Success Webinar

June 24, 2025

⚡ Get Ready to Fire Up Your Brain: The Path to USMLE Success Webinar Is Tomorrow! Like a well-timed sodium-potassium pump, your Wednesday evening is about to get energized. Join Dr. Tao Le—lead editor of the First Aid for the Boards series and Chief Education Officer of ScholarRx—for a high-yield power hour that will boost…

Read More

STEP 1 Question of the Month (March)

March 31, 2025

Conquer STEP 1, One Question at a Time! The answer is explained below.   A 4-year-old male is brought to a clinic because of a 1-week history of fever, cough, and runny nose and a 2-day history of intense coughing spells that last 1 to 2 minutes, occasionally followed by vomiting and dry heaving. His…

Read More

STEP 1 Question of the Month (February)

February 26, 2025

Conquer STEP 1, One Question at a Time! The answer is explained below.   A 36-year-old nulliparous woman comes to her primary care physician because of breast pain for several days. She says she has felt lumps in her breasts previously. These lumps worsen the week before and around the time of her period but…

Read More

Try a FREE USMLE Step 1 Self-Assessment Exam

February 3, 2025

Are you ready to measure your mastery and pinpoint where you stand on the medical knowledge spectrum? From February 3 – 9, 2025, USMLE-Rx is offering a FREE Self-Assessment Exam designed to help you gauge your readiness and crush it on test day. Trust us, this is one opportunity you don’t want to miss! Why…

Read More

Mastering Renal Pathology: Highlights from the Rx Question Lab

January 15, 2025

Mastering Renal Pathology: Highlights from USMLE-Rx Question Lab In this week’s Question Lab session, Dr. Abraham Titus led an engaging review of renal pathology, tackling four challenging cases that tested our understanding of essential kidney concepts for USMLE Step 1. A Strategic Approach to Board Questions The session emphasized USMLE-Rx’s proven approach to tackling board-style…

Read More

VINDICATE Mnemonic – The Universal Mnemonic for Differential Diagnosis

January 12, 2025

The VINDICATE Mnemonic for Differential Diagnosis by Michael Spinner As a third-year medical student on the wards, one of the most important skills to develop is learning how to generate a thorough differential diagnosis for a wide variety of clinical problems. The correct diagnosis is not always clear-cut, and it is thus essential to consider…

Read More

OMM Bricks: A New Era of Osteopathic Learning

December 30, 2024

Elevate Your Learning with OMM Bricks Are you ready to take your osteopathic medical education to the next level? We’re excited to introduce our new OMM Bricks collection, designed to enhance your understanding of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) through interactive and engaging learning experiences. Why Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Bricks? Our Bricks are more than just…

Read More

Should You Retake the USMLE Step 1? Insights and Advice from Real Test-Takers

December 19, 2024

Deciding whether to retake the USMLE Step 1 after a failed attempt is tough. The stakes feel high, and the self-doubt can creep in. But guess what? You’re not alone. Many others have faced this decision; their stories may help you find clarity. Here’s what people who’ve been in your shoes have to say from…

Read More

The Journey to Passing the Exam: One Reddit User’s Inspiring Story

December 17, 2024

Passing a challenging exam is no small feat, and an anonymous test-taker’s recent post on Reddit is a goldmine of advice. Packed with tips on study strategies, resources, and practical exam-day hacks, their write-up resonated deeply with the online community. Here’s a closer look at the highlights, paired with insights from fellow commenters. Building a Study…

Read More

Why Real USMLE Exams Feel Harder Than Practice Tests

November 19, 2024

Ever notice how actual USMLE exams hit differently compared to practice tests? You spend months going through your Qmax questions, sitting through endless practice exams, and yet, when you finally take the real thing, it just feels… harder. But why? You’re not imagining it. Let’s break it down. Exam Structure Can Feel Like a Marathon…

Read More

How to Identify and Strengthen Your Weak Areas in Medical School

September 10, 2024
How to Identify and Strengthen Your Weak Areas in Medical School

It’s the third year of med school, and everything is starting to feel like a marathon with no finish line. If you’re like most students, you’ve got a mountain of material to cover, clinical rotations to attend, and a looming exam like the USMLE Step 1 breathing down your neck. It’s normal to feel a…

Read More

The Impact of Cheating Scandals on USMLE Exam Takers

September 9, 2024

The recent cheating scandal involving the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) has caused significant concern within the medical community. It’s a situation that has left many exam takers feeling the weight of added anxiety. The USMLE Scandal: What Happened? In January 2024, USMLE officials uncovered an alarming pattern: a significant number of test-takers, mainly…

Read More

Mental Health Awareness and Self-Care for Medical Students

September 9, 2024
Don't let academic stress impact your mental health!

Addressing the Unique Challenges Faced by Medical Students As a medical student, you’re under immense pressure to succeed academically and professionally. This can take a toll on you, leading to feelings of stress, anxiety, and burnout. It’s important to prioritize your mental health and practice self-care to ensure your well-being and success. Understanding the Importance…

Read More

5 Common Myths About the USMLE Debunked

September 5, 2024

It’s a typical day in the life of a medical student. You wake up, reach for your phone, and before your feet hit the floor, you’re already neck-deep in study schedules, practice questions, and the overwhelming thought of the USMLE looming over you. Sound familiar? As medical students deep into their third year, preparing for…

Read More

Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid During Your Clinical Rotations

September 4, 2024
Top Ten Mistakes on Clinical Rotations

Thinking back to past rotations, reliving the excitement and nerves that come from stepping into actual patient care is easy. Going from textbooks to hands-on practice is a giant leap, and while that is an essential part of your journey, it is equally easy to stumble along the way. Here are ten common mistakes often…

Read More

Battling Burnout: Strategies for Medical Students

September 3, 2024
Battle med school burnout with these tips!

Burnout, a prevalent issue among medical students, can result in exhaustion, cynicism, and a significant decline in academic and personal performance. Understanding the signs of burnout and proactively taking steps to prevent and address it is vital for safeguarding mental and physical well-being. Understanding Burnout Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion…

Read More

Mastering the Art of Time Management

September 3, 2024

Effective Time Management Techniques Tailored to Medical Students As a medical student, you’re juggling a demanding workload that can often feel overwhelming. From endless hours of studying to clinical rotations and extracurricular activities, it’s easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed. However, with effective time management techniques, you can regain control of your schedule and achieve…

Read More

The Global Health Brick Collection is Here!

August 22, 2024
Learn more about the Global Health Brick Collection from ScholarRx.

Level Up Your Global Health IQ with Our New Free Brick Collection! Calling all future health heroes! Are you passionate about making a difference in healthcare on a global scale? Then, you won’t want to miss our brand new Global Health Brick Collection, available as open-access Bricks in the Brick Exchange. More Than Just a…

Read More

Turning Qbank Practice into Exam Day Domination: A Strategic Guide for Medical Students

August 9, 2024

Qbanks are a vital tool for medical students preparing for high-stakes exams like the USMLE. However, it’s not just about going through the motions of answering questions. To fully exploit the benefits of Qbank practice, you need a thoughtful, strategic approach. Here’s a guide to help you transform your Qbank sessions into exam-day domination. Understand…

Read More

Back-to-School Hacks: How to Make the Most of Your Study Time

August 9, 2024

Medical school is a whirlwind of information, often leaving students feeling overwhelmed. But fear not! By implementing these effective study hacks, you can maximize your study time and achieve academic success. Prioritize and Conquer Medical school curricula are packed with information, making it essential to prioritize your studies. Focus on critical concepts and high-yield topics…

Read More