Pathoma is a pathology video and text resource widely used by students preparing for USMLE Step 1. This page describes how it is used; confirm current contents, formats and pricing with its publisher.
Why pathology gets so much attention
The official Step 1 content outline gives pathology the largest share of any discipline. USMLE lists it at 45-55% of questions, ahead of physiology (30-40%) and the other disciplines. Because a question can count toward more than one discipline, these ranges add up to more than 100%. See high-yield topics from the content outline.
How students use Pathoma
- Videos and chapter notes together: watch a chapter, then review the notes on the same topic.
- Tie it to practice: follow a chapter with questions on the same system from a bank such as UWorld.
- Merge facts into one place: many students add Pathoma points to their First Aid annotations or Anki cards.
Cautions
- It focuses on pathology, so it does not replace coverage of physiology, pharmacology and the other disciplines.
- Step 2 CK is clinical. Pathology knowledge helps, but see the USMLE Step 2 CK guide for what that exam tests.
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