USMLE Step 1 Study Guide

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

DNA/RNA metabolism, enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, and inborn errors essential for understanding disease pathophysiology.

Cell Biology and Histology

Cellular organelles, cell cycle regulation, tissue types, and microscopic anatomy foundational for pathology interpretation.

Human Anatomy and Embryology

Gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, and developmental biology critical for understanding congenital anomalies and clinical correlations.

Physiology and Organ System Integration

Normal function of cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, GI, endocrine, and nervous systems for clinical reasoning.

General and Systemic Pathology

Cellular injury, inflammation, neoplasia, and organ-specific pathological processes underlying disease recognition and diagnosis.

Microbiology and Infectious Disease

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, antimicrobial mechanisms, and resistance patterns for infection management.

Immunology and Immunopathology

Innate/adaptive immunity, hypersensitivity reactions, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiencies critical for clinical practice.

Pharmacology Principles and Drug Classes

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, autonomic drugs, and system-based therapeutics with adverse effects and interactions.

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems

Integrated pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical presentations of heart, vascular, and pulmonary diseases.

Renal, GI, and Endocrine Systems

Acid-base disorders, fluid balance, hepatobiliary disease, and hormonal regulation in health and disease.

Neuroscience and Behavioral Health

Neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology, psychiatric disorders, and behavioral science including biostatistics and ethics.

Hematology, Oncology, and Multisystem Integration

Blood disorders, neoplastic processes, and complex clinical vignettes requiring cross-system diagnostic reasoning.