Resources & study techniques for the big 3 (Patho, Pharm, Assessment)

Published Jun 3, 2018

52 Posts

I am in a NP program and have finished pathophysiology & pharmacology. I thought it would be good to start a recent post on resources that are helpful for the "weed out" classes Patho, Pharm, and Assessment. Also add in unique study techniques that have helped you so far. For me, I hated all of the assigned textbook and haven't opened a single one yet. Done well in Patho and Pharm and taking Assessment next.

My approach

Patho: PATHOMA (Video & book) + Robbins = GOLD. Pathoma is a book and video combo that is amazing. It is recommended to all the student MD studying for Step 1. The videos make very complex topic almost easy to understand. I used Robbins to fill in the rare gaps pathoma missed.

Pharm: Sketchy pharm + lippincott pharmacology. Lippinott provides the details while sketchy pharm tattoos those details on your brain. This combo worked very well for me.

Physical Assessment: Open to suggestion???????

One study tool that has been amazing for me is Anki flashcards. Its like quizlet on steroids. Anki is a spaced repetition app that allows you to make (or download someone else's) flash cards. When you go through them you assign each card a number based off how well you feel you knew that card. Depending on the level of difficulty you assigned that card will determine when it will be shown again. Example, If I thought a card was easy it will show it again in a week or longer, if I thought a card was hard it will show me again tomorrow. Each card "graduates" to longer and longer intervals. I have several thousand cards, some of which I see at 2 year intervals. It makes it so you only study you weak point while studying the stuff you know well less often. And you retain the information for as long as you choose to keep up with the cards.

I try to start wide and work my way into the details. I initially make a mindmap of the "aerial view" type information. This helps me to understand how everything fits together. I then "zoom in" by putting the details I feel are high yield into Anki and just let it tell me when and what to study. I feel I study less and retain more because of this studying technique and has worked really well for me

This is what has worked for me. Your experience may vary.