Study Apps
The following apps are generally based upon the learning principles of "spaced repetition". They vary in how you are provided rehearsal information. Some of the material to learn is already created, as well as, the user being able to create their own questions.
These apps have been highly recommended by medical students nationwide.
NOTE: Providing the following information does not represent an endorsement from UTRGV School of Medicine or the Office of Student Affairs.
Flashcards
Anki
- User-friendly with ready- made decks of cards on different subject areas already made.
- The app gives the user the opportunity to create their own decks and rate the difficulty level in answering each card.
- The app will present the material rated on the level of difficulty in the future.
Quizlet
- Easy to use and super intuitive.
- Has a range of study modes to choose from.
- Learn material first and then review using matching games.
- Free version does not use spaced repetition and does not have the same long term focus
- User can purchase Quizlet Plus for $20 that does use spaced repetition.
- User can also add personalized images and audio to their flashcards they upgrade to the premium version.
Firecracker
- User- friendly, individualized and educationally sound.
- Requires dedication! Each day you will be sent questions to answer and new topics will be presented each week based on progress and performance.
- Great to use alongside classes- it incorporates current and past material into questions.
Visual/ Illustrations
Picmonic
- Uses audiovisual mnemonics in combination with text-based materials.
- Connects difficult to remember facts with unforgettable characters.
- Good for visual learners
- Allows users to speed up or slow down audio as needed
- Over 10k multiple choice questions plus Spaced Repetition.
Sketchy
- Great for visual learners
- Provides comprehensive videos that cover subjects such as microbiology, pharmacology, and pathology through illustrations.
- Sketches help you create a memory palace by associating medical topics with memorable visual elements.
Lectures
Pathoma
- A collection of video lectures and a textbook that covers pathology and pathophysiology from head to toe.
- Considered an essential resources by many medical students.
- Provides lectures and PDF's to follow along with.
Goljan Audio
- A series of lectures as part of a boards review course
- Full of board pearls since Goljan assists in editing USMLE questions.
- Makes cross cutting connections between topics which provides more context than Pathoma
- Very thorough makes for good background listening while exercising, or doing errands
Videos
Osmosis
- Osmosis analyzes course materials and schedules, then generates recommendations and quizzes to prepare them for clinical practice, board exams and tests.
- User friendly
- User gains deeper understanding of key concepts, and super visual explanations of medical topics
- Maximizes learning and retention
Dr. Najeeb
- Clear concepts
- Hand-drawn illustrations
- 700+ videos on Gross Anatomy, Neurology, Physiology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and Pathology.