In this episode, Michael interviews his classmate, Dr. Kym Yves Sirilan who just took his USMLE Step 1. Dr. Kym gives a quick glance on how it feels like to take the arguably one of the hardest exams in medicine.

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Dr. Kym is a Filipino IMG who hailed from the humble city of Zamboanga. He is an advocate of Gender Equality. His interests include marine life, and world history. On his spare time he enjoys cooking and solving Sudoku puzzles.

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Adrian Teves is a young Filipino doctor. While in medical school, Adrian served as a peer mentor, helping freshmen and sophomores adjust smoothly to the rigors of med school life. Adrian is also a passionate mental health advocate, having suffered from anxiety. It is his objective to have a community that can freely talk about mental health without reservations. He devotes his leisure time reading, working out, or playing golf.

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Michael Sibulo is both a pharmacist and a physician. After struggling throughout his four-year stay in medical school, he started advocating the use of Anki, a spaced repetition software  for time-efficient active learning. Other interests include playing the piano, jogging,  learning Mandarin, and promoting eye health.

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Chapter Markers:
00:00 Introduction
00:34 Introduction of Guest
01:15 How are you post-Step 1?
02:03 Interactions with fellow USMLE takers at test site
02:34 How would you compare Step 1 format vs PLE format?
04:54 Which was harder: Step 1 or PLE?
06:40 Some Advice for USMLE takers

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You can reach us at:

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebetterpillpodcast
–

Links:

https://www.ecfmg.org/
https://usmle.org/
https://medical.uworld.com/usmle/usmle-step-1/

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zLESDJ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3qaj2pf
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3ADpl9x
YouTube Mirror: https://youtu.be/_tfEGzPJrfo

Anatomy is arguably the most challenging subject in first year. This time, Michael and Adrian share useful tips on how to approach this subject in medical school. Michael also discusses what he would have done differently if given a time machine.

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Adrian Teves is a young Filipino doctor. While in medical school, Adrian served as a peer mentor, helping freshmen and sophomores adjust smoothly to the rigors of med school life. Adrian is also a passionate mental health advocate, having suffered from anxiety. It is his objective to have a community that can freely talk about mental health without reservations. He devotes his leisure time reading, working out, or playing golf.

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Michael Sibulo is both a pharmacist and a physician. After struggling throughout his four-year stay in medical school, he started advocating the use of Anki, a spaced repetition software  for time-efficient active learning. Other interests include playing the piano, jogging, learning Mandarin, and promoting eye health.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction
00:41 Episode intro
04:38 Right mindset
07:48 Study with pictures
13:45 Mnemonics
16:29 Samplex
23:47 Clinical correlation
30:15 Summary

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You can reach us at:

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebetterpillpodcast

–

Links:

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Sdz1Gl
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3qaj2pf
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/2Sdz30V
YouTube Mirror: https://youtu.be/MmhALU1uyqI

In this episode, Michael introduces Anki, a very powerful spaced repetition software for learning anything from guitar chords, languages, and to med school stuff!

Since time is very precious in medical school, learning more efficiently is a must to survive and achieve our goals.  Are you preparing for numerous exams at the same time? Anki makes this possible -- by using evidence-based algorithm and other useful add-ons that maximizes active learning.

At first, using Anki may be daunting but we will guide you along the way to use its maximum potential.

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Adrian Teves is a young Filipino doctor. While in medical school, Adrian served as a peer mentor, helping freshmen and sophomores adjust smoothly to the rigors of med school life. Adrian is also a passionate mental health advocate, having suffered from anxiety. It is his objective to have a community that can freely talk about mental health without reservations. He devotes his leisure time reading, working out, or playing golf.

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Michael Sibulo is both a pharmacist and a physician. After struggling throughout his four-year stay in medical school, he started advocating the use of Anki, a spaced repetition software  for time-efficient active learning. Other interests include playing the piano, jogging, learning Mandarin, and promoting eye health.

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Chapter Markers

00:00 Introduction
00:47 What is Anki?
01:12 How does Anki work?
01:56 When did I start using traditional flaschards?
02:43 I started using Quizlet
03:02 Cons of Quizlet and traditional tlaschards
03:26 I discovered Anki
04:18 Huge development of Anki in 10 years: Add-ons
05:27 Premade Decks
05:43 How Anki helped me in my goals?
06:56 3 Take home points

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You can reach us at:

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebetterpillpodcast
--

Links:

Anki website:  https://apps.ankiweb.net/

Anki database: https://ankiweb.net/shared/decks/

Journal About Anki: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4673073/

Mike's Introduction to Anki Video: https://youtu.be/GvzXVyQbG1k

Mike's Video about Learning Mandarin Using Anki: https://youtu.be/nKDR3y0Jnbs

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3gGXixQ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3qaj2pf
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/35GDmF4
YouTube Mirror: https://youtu.be/QWkOIPHeQ6s

In this episode, Adrian and Michael discuss their opinions on how best to approach Pharmacology in medical school. Adrian, with little pharmacology background upon entering med school, talks about his struggles and how he dealt with them. On the other hand, Michael, who holds a degree in pharmacy shares invaluable tips and strategies to tackle this dreaded med school subject.
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Adrian Teves is a young Filipino doctor. While in medical school, Adrian served as a peer mentor, helping freshmen and sophomores adjust smoothly to the rigors of med school life. Adrian is also a passionate mental health advocate, having suffered from anxiety. It is his objective to have a community that can freely talk about mental health without reservations. He devotes his leisure time reading, working out, or playing golf.
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Michael Sibulo is both a pharmacist and a physician. After struggling throughout his four-year stay in medical school, he started advocating the use of Anki, a spaced repetition software  for time-efficient active learning. Other interests include playing the piano, jogging, learning Mandarin, and promoting eye health.
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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction
00:39 Episode intro
03:25 How to prepare before a lecture
03:50 Establish a positive mindset
05:41 Review relevant physiology
08:23 Study drugs by class
09:50 Weird drug names
10:57 Don't ignore figures and diagrams
12:50 Drug classification diagram
14:28 Summary of what to do before a lecture
14:47 What to do during a lecture
15:00 How to focus during class
18:00 Understanding vs memorization
22:05 Should you take notes?
25:10 Flash cards
26:25 How to study for a quiz
31:03 How to study for long exams
35:53 Using samplexes
39:50 Importance of investing time and effort in pharma
42:38 Resources
48:23 Summary
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You can reach us at:

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebetterpillpodcast
–

Links:

Sketchy: https://sketchy.com
First Aid USMLE (Amazon link):  https://amzn.to/3q917za
Katzung (Amazon link): https://amzn.to/2SQ2OFj
AMBOSS: https://amboss.com
Quizlet: https://quizlet.com
Anki: https://apps.ankiweb.net/

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3qcc56R
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3qaj2pf
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3zIfXAT
Youtube Mirror: https://youtu.be/HnCqmMTNs4w

Adrian talks about how time management is key for success in med school. He busts the myth of the common notion that you will have absolutely no time for non-med activities. Using a planner is one of the most practical ways to manage your time efficiently, and have extra time for family, hobbies, and other interests.
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Adrian Teves is a young Filipino doctor. While in medical school, Adrian served as a peer mentor, helping freshmen and sophomores adjust smoothly to the rigors of med school life. Adrian is also a passionate mental health advocate, having suffered from anxiety. It is his objective to have a community that can freely talk about mental health without reservations. He devotes his leisure time reading, working out, or playing golf.
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Michael Sibulo is both a pharmacist and a physician. After struggling throughout his four-year stay in medical school, he started advocating the use of Anki, a spaced repetition software  for time-efficient active learning. Other interests include playing the piano, jogging, learning Mandarin, and promoting eye health.
–

Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction
00:36 Episode intro
02:01 Whom this episode is for
03:39 Benefits of using a planner in med school
03:50 Time management is life
06:40 Gives you a greater sense of control over your life
08:59 Exercises planning skills
11:03 Increases self awareness
13:21 Digital or physical planner?
19:38 How I used my planner in my daily med life
26:53 How did using a planner affect my med life
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You can reach us at:

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebetterpillpodcast
–

Links:

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3qakDey
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3qaj2pf 
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3j0rEgF
Youtube Mirror: https://youtu.be/4-0mPVClZCk

Adrian talks about how a simple list can make a night and day difference in productivity, efficiency, and safety. He also talks about how a list can save limbs and lives, literally.
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Adrian Teves is a young Filipino doctor. While in medical school, Adrian served as a peer mentor, helping freshmen and sophomores adjust smoothly to the rigors of med school life. Adrian is also a passionate mental health advocate, having suffered from anxiety. It is his objective to have a community that can freely talk about mental health without reservations. He devotes his leisure time reading, working out, or playing golf.
–

Michael Sibulo is both a pharmacist and a physician. After struggling throughout his four-year stay in medical school, he started advocating the use of Anki, a spaced repetition software  for time-efficient active learning. Other interests include playing the piano, jogging, learning Mandarin, and promoting eye health.
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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction
01:12 Helps me remember
02:18 Saves a lot of time
03:30 Clears my mind
04:15 Helps me prioritize tasks
05:23 Saves limbs and lives
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You can reach us at:

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebetterpillpodcast
–

Links:
Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande: https://amzn.to/35CNC19
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zEFISL
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3qaj2pf 
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3gKCZOT
Youtube Mirror: https://youtu.be/rKxOrArALVM

In this episode, Mike and Adrian introduce themselves and The Better Pill Podcast. They talk about their past experiences that made them start this podcast. In the latter half of the episode, they give a brief overview of the different series and topics in their lineup.
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Adrian Teves is a young Filipino doctor. While in medical school, Adrian served as a peer mentor, helping freshmen and sophomores adjust smoothly to the rigors of med school life. Adrian is also a passionate mental health advocate, having suffered from anxiety. It is his objective to have a community that can freely talk about mental health without reservations. He devotes his leisure time reading, working out, or playing golf.
–

Michael Sibulo is both a pharmacist and a physician. After struggling throughout his four-year stay in medical school, he started advocating the use of Anki, a spaced repetition software  for time-efficient active learning. Other interests include playing the piano, jogging,  learning Mandarin, and promoting eye health
–

You can reach us at:

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebetterpillpodcast
–

Links:

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3fSSvcs
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3vVxTFT
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/2U94aLF
YouTube Mirror: https://youtu.be/jnjnEUHQoH0

In this pilot episode, Adrian and Michael discuss USMLE for Pinoys with Dr. Arvin Tan.  The USMLE Step 1 is arguably the most difficult and important exam among the USMLE Steps. For Pinoy MDs it can be daunting at first, but these doctors will try to dissect the process on how to start preparing for Step 1 and achieve the scores you desire.
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Arvin is a young physician devoted to providing equal access to holistic wellness and health services. His mission is to empower individuals to make healthy choices in their everyday lives. He enjoys cooking, weight lifting, and playing music.
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Adrian Teves is a young Filipino doctor. While in medical school, Adrian served as a peer mentor, helping freshmen and sophomores adjust smoothly to the rigors of med school life. Adrian is also a passionate mental health advocate, having suffered from anxiety. It is his objective to have a community that can freely talk about mental health without reservations. He devotes his leisure time reading, working out, or playing golf.
–

Michael Sibulo is both a pharmacist and a physician. After struggling throughout his four-year stay in medical school, he started advocating the use of Anki, a spaced repetition software  for time-efficient active learning. Other interests include playing the piano, jogging,  learning Mandarin, and promoting eye health.

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Chapter Markers:

00:00 Introduction
04:00 When should you start studying for the USMLE Step 1?
08:14 How do you juggle USMLE prep and med school?
10:00 How do you incorporate USMLE prep into med school?
16:50 How do you register for USMLE Step 1?
22:05 How much do you spend for Step 1?
23:05 Where do you take the exam?
26:46 When is the best time to take Step 1?
28:25 What is UWorld?
35:28 Summary

–

You can reach us at:

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebetterpillpodcast
–

Links:

https://www.ecfmg.org/
https://usmle.org/
https://medical.uworld.com/usmle/usmle-step-1/

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35I1BTe
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/3qaj2pf
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3vIONXm
YouTube Mirror: https://youtu.be/g_gr7oQDhIQ