Clinical Anatomy
In collaboration with your Clinical Anatomy Block Directors, essential resources for this block are provided on the Interactive Guide >> opens a Google site. Click the link to access donor images, quiz yourself by labeling them, answer practice questions (Resources --> Practice Questions) and explore peer-created study tools (Avery's Arteries, Cohort Study Tools). Please ask your Learning Specialist with any questions about this invaluable resource.
Academic Blocks
Data suggest that students who achieve 80% or higher on their academic blocks enhance their readiness work and performance on Step 1. In addition, national research suggests a strong foundation in pathology, physiology, and pharmacology is key. To support student learning and successful block completion, students have access to faculty office hours, free peer learning mentoring services, formalized study group sessions, exam reviews, learning workshops, and a dedicated Learning Specialist.
Learning from Exams
While students are provided an exam review opportunity through the Office of Assessment and Evaluation (OAE), Student Development is happy to facilitate an exam trend analysis opportunity.
What is an exam trend analysis opportunity?
- An exam trend analysis opportunity is offered when requested by a student or recommended by a Learning Specialist (LS).
- One type of analysis is provided by unpacking a Strengths and Opportunities Report on a specific exam in Examsoft. When this report is reviewed, LSs look for patterns or themes in the data with the student.
- Another type of exam analysis is a Longitudinal Trend Report of the aggregate data across block exams to look for more global trends in their learning. The data is reviewed with the student to identify areas of strength and areas for future self-directed learning. This data is particularly helpful when gearing up for Step 1, etc.
- Learning Specialists use these reports to tailor feedback and recommended learning and study strategies.
- No exam questions or averages are shared in either report.
What if a student is unable to attend an exam review provided by OAE?
- If students would like to review their exam and are unable to attend the scheduled exam review, please contact OAE to arrange an alternative time.
Qbank Integration & Step 1 Readiness
In an effort to enhance readiness for Step 1, students are encouraged to work in a question bank (q-bank) of their choice throughout their first year (MS1 year). The University of Arizona, College of Medicine-Phoenix provides UWorld for all students beginning in Fall of the MS1 year and continuing through completion of Step 2.
Our data suggest that this approach supports:
- Block study
- Works as a learning q-bank to create a strong foundation for future work in the UWorld q-bank
- Enhances performance on Step 1
Students have the option to enroll in a Step 1 Readiness Elective during the Personalized Academic Learning (PAL) block to complete questions. The College of Medicine-Phoenix utilizes a diagnostic in the fall to gain more information to pinpoint students' readiness for Step 1. This feedback helps affirm or redirect independent readiness work. Learning Specialists work with their students to develop a plan to integrate question bank usage within their learning system.