This month’s issue from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) is dedicated to Medical Education and includes a review of the First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 2007 Edition. A summary of their main points:

1. Our “Guide to Efficient Exam Preparation” and “Top-Rated Review Resources” are particular strengths.
2. The diagrams and mechanistic pathways in each section are superb.
3. The Cardiology and Gastrointestinal Tract sections are particularly strong.

The review also listed areas where we can improve.

1. The clinical vignettes that begin each section could be better developed.
2. The Microbiology section’s organization and detail could use revision.
3. The Index should be expanded to allow easier topic reference.

Thanks to all the students that provided feedback this year, many of these points were heard by the First Aid Team and are being addressed in the 2008 Edition. We appreciate the author’s final thought that the “First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 has solidified its role in yearly examination preparation.”