How To Study for the Emergency Medicine Shelf

Introduction
Preparation Strategy
1. Reviewing Core Concepts
2. High-Yield Podcasts and Notes
3. Practice Questions
Beyond the Shelf: Additional Resources
1. Podcasts
2. Websites and Tools
3. Specialty Topics
Conclusion
FAQs

Introduction

Hey there! 😊 So, you’re gearing up for the Emergency Medicine (EM) Shelf Exam. Whether you’re fresh out of a long break or just need a solid review, this guide has got you covered. Let’s dive into the best resources and strategies to help you ace this exam and feel confident in the emergency department!

Preparation Strategy

Reviewing Core Concepts

First things first, let’s refresh those core concepts that you might have forgotten since Step 2. Here’s a systematic approach:

Listen to Divine Intervention Podcasts: These are absolute gold for a broad yet focused review. You can find the episodes here:
Follow Along with Community Notes: These notes are fantastic for reinforcing what you hear. Find them here.
Create Anki Cards: Use the community notes to make Anki cards for high-yield facts. Anki helps with spaced repetition, ensuring you remember what you’ve reviewed. you can use this GPT Anki card maker to make personalized cards for your problem points.

High-Yield Podcasts and Notes

For a more focused review:

Divine Intervention Podcast: Listen at 2x speed and follow along with the notes.
DIP Deck on Anki: This deck (link here) is tailored for Divine Intervention podcasts and is highly effective.

Practice Questions

Hammering away at practice questions is crucial. Here are some great sources:

UWorld: Renowned for its detailed explanations and high-yield questions.
AMBOSS: Offers a mix of clinical knowledge and quick references.
NBME Practice Tests: Simulate the actual exam conditions to gauge your readiness.

Beyond the Shelf: Additional Resources

Podcasts

For those extra moments, like during commutes or while doing laundry, check out these concise and insightful podcasts:

EM Clerkship: Zack Olsen is an incredible teacher, and the episodes are just around 10 minutes.
EM in 5

Websites and Tools

MDCalc: Essential for quick calculations in the ED.
Procedure Video List: Found on Life in the Fast Lane, this is perfect for visual learners.
Dr. Smith’s ECG Blog: A must for mastering EKGs.
Life in the fast lane
WikEM

Specialty Topics

Critical Care Tutorials: For in-depth critical care knowledge.
5 Min Sono: Quick ultrasound tutorials.

Conclusion

Preparing for the Emergency Medicine Shelf Exam can be a daunting task, but with the right resources and a structured plan, you can tackle it with confidence. Remember, it’s not just about passing the exam but also about becoming a competent and confident physician in the emergency department.

FAQs

What are the most important topics to focus on for the EM Shelf Exam?
- Trauma, cardiac emergencies, toxicology, and pediatric emergencies are often high-yield.
How many practice questions should I aim to complete?
- Aim for at least 500 questions from various sources like UWorld and AMBOSS.
Are there any free resources available?
- Yes, podcasts like Divine Intervention and EM Clerkship, along with community notes, are excellent free resources.
How can I improve my EKG interpretation skills?
- Use Dr. Smith’s ECG Blog and the Life in the Fast Lane resources for comprehensive EKG tutorials.
What’s the best way to retain information long-term?
- Anki cards and spaced repetition are key to long-term retention. Regularly review your cards leading up to the exam.

Good luck, and remember to stay calm and confident! You’ve got this! 🚀