The highest-yield disciplines

Pathology (~22%) and Pharmacology (~20%) together make up ~42% of Step 1. Prioritise them. Physiology underpins most pathology questions — a strong physiology foundation makes pathology faster to learn. Microbiology and Immunology (~16%) is highly memorisation-dependent; start Anki early.

How to use practice questions

Do practice questions from day one of dedicated study — not after you finish reading. Tutor mode for the first two weeks, then timed mode for the final four. Aim for 40+ questions daily minimum. Review every wrong answer in depth: find the gap in your knowledge, not just the right answer.

The resource stack that works

First Aid for Step 1 is the index — annotate it as you study, not as a primary reading source. Anki (Zanki/AnKing) for pharmacology and microbiology. Sketchy for micro mnemonics and pharm mechanisms. Pathoma for organ-system pathology. SGrade for timed practice and predicted readiness.

6-week dedicated study plan

Weeks 1–2: Physiology + Biochemistry — build the mechanistic foundation. Week 3: Microbiology and Immunology — heavy Anki use. Week 4: Pathology by organ system. Week 5: Pharmacology — mechanisms, side effects, contraindications. Week 6: Anatomy, integration, and full NBMEs/mock exams. Daily: 40 practice questions every day throughout.