The knowledge that is essential to your success on the USMLE Step 1 is actually just the tip of the iceberg of the vast body of medical knowledge. Students must learn early where to draw the line between high and low yield, or as Osler put it, essentials and non essentials. One of my favorite things to tell the students I tutor is “you don’t need to know that; it’s low yield…focus on something high yield!”. Best of luck in your studies, and learn where to draw the line!
