Avarbock Medical Education

Educating medical students and helping them achieve their dreams since 1996

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One System at a Time

1000+ structured clinical notes across 39 file types for 89 subjects and exams. Notes, flashcards, and free video lectures — built for USMLE prep.

The first highly-structured system of medical content organization. Every subject and every file type in one place.

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Article reader — Acute Coronary Syndromes with clinical pearl block
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Medical library organized by subject category
Cardiovascular subject page — file-type breakdown
Trusted by students at leading institutions
Johns HopkinsMayo ClinicStanford MedHarvard MedicalMount SinaiCleveland ClinicU. of PennColumbiaUC San FranciscoWashington UniversityDukeJohns HopkinsMayo ClinicStanford MedHarvard MedicalMount SinaiCleveland ClinicU. of PennColumbiaUC San FranciscoWashington UniversityDuke

We believe the future of medical education is structured, accessible, and built by the people who understand it best.

The most comprehensive medical preparation service — designed by the world’s most experienced, successful, and affordable medical instructor.

“I’ve taught medical students since 1996. The notes on this platform are the same ones I use in my own tutoring and have helped my students pass over 1000 board exams. I review all of the content myself.”
David Avarbock, MD, PhD
Founder · Est. 1996
1000+
High-Yield Notes
39
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99%
Board Pass Rate
10k+
Active Students
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Structured Notes

Every subject broken into 39 standardized file types — Best Treatment and Treatment Algorithms, Clinical Signs and Symptoms, Drug Side Effects, Differential Diagnosis, Next Step in Management, Mini Vignettes, Word Associations, and 32 more. Each note is peer-reviewed and updated for current board standards.

CardiologyClinical Signs
FindingDiagnosisYield
Machine-like murmurPatent Ductus ArteriosusHigh
Crescendo-decrescendo murmurAortic StenosisHigh
Pulsus paradoxusCardiac TamponadeMedium
Kussmaul signConstrictive PericarditisMedium
S3 gallopHeart FailureHigh
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Dr. David Avarbock
From the founder

David Avarbock, MD, PhD

Educating medical students and helping them achieve their dreams since 1996

MD/PhD, University of Pennsylvania. Thirty years teaching and tutoring medical students — from first-year subject exams through Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 3, the NBME shelves, and residency boards. The instructor program directors call when students are running out of attempts.

A 30-year undertaking: AvarbockMed is the result of three decades spent categorizing all of medicine into a unique system with every subject broken down into distinct file types. It is born from years of board tutoring, research, and clinical teaching.

Content guarantee: Dr. Avarbock personally reviews all content on the platform, ensuring clinical accuracy and board relevance.

Student outcomes

In their own words.

Here's some feedback from a few of my students, from first-year subject exams to residency boards. Hover over any card to read the full story.

Dr. Avarbock began tutoring me when I was struggling with subject exams during the first two years of medical school. He then tutored me successfully through Step 1, my clinical shelf exams, and Step 2. I'm currently applying for internal medicine residency, and he assisted me with my personal statement and application process. Dr. Avarbock was such a patient teacher, and I learned so much in the short period of each session. Almost everything he taught showed up on the exams. But he was more than a teacher over the years: he was a true friend, supporting me during some tough times. I couldn't have made it this far without his dedicated efforts and I'll be forever grateful.

AP
Andrea P.
Subject exams → Step 2 · IM residency

As a mother of two children who went back to medical school later in life, it was challenging for me to excel on NBME exams. Dr. Avarbock began tutoring me while I was struggling with Step 1. He tutored me through my shelf exams and Step 2, and I exceeded my expectations on all of them. He has been assisting me with my residency application for internal medicine. I always appreciated his maturity, passion for the material and clarity in presenting it, and the extraordinary lengths he would go to to help me succeed. I'd check my email eagerly to see what kind of interesting notes he would send me. I look forward to working with him again for Step 3.

EM
Ellen M.
Returning student · Step 1 → Step 2

A friend referred me to Dr. Avarbock because I wanted to achieve high scores on Step 1, the shelf exams, and Step 2 for a competitive residency specialty. He helped me achieve multiple honors on the shelf exams and a 256 on Step 2. Dr. Avarbock continued to tutor me in my anesthesiology residency, successfully helping me pass Step 3. His sessions were always well structured and he kept meticulous track of what we had covered in the past so we were always making improvements. I don't think we ever did a session where he didn't give me an extra 15–20 minutes to make sure we got through the material. I wouldn't have made it to where I am without his dedication and support.

AC
Angela C.
256 on Step 2 · Anesthesiology

Dr. Avarbock tutored me from Step 1 through shelf exams, where I've had more success than I anticipated. He will be preparing me for Step 2. As an ex-college athlete, he communicated with me like a coach and it felt different from other teachers; it was a style I could relate to. It was sometimes tough, but always honest and direct, and he forced me to get the best out of myself. His sessions always gave me a realistic idea of how I would do on NBME exams because every question he asked came from his 25 years of recall of past exams. His dedication to your success is amazing. I remember him tutoring me through a session when he was in the middle of one of the worst hurricanes in Miami.

CK
Craig K.
Step 1 → shelf exams

I hired Dr. Avarbock because I wanted every possible advantage to get my top residency choice after investing a fortune for college and medical school and thousands of hours of my life studying. I feel Dr. Avarbock has given me that edge. He helped me pass Step 1, achieve mostly honors on shelf exams, and we are currently preparing for Step 2. His teaching methods and materials are more sophisticated than anything I have seen. He was always asking me for feedback to improve our sessions and checking in on me regularly to see if I felt I was on track. He tutored me at a rate much lower than any tutor with his experience and credentials, including countless hours of free tutoring. This is the tutor you must work with if you're serious about achieving your goals.

JL
John L.
Step 1 → Step 2 prep

An academic advisor referred me to Dr. Avarbock when I was struggling with Step 1. He helped me pass the exam while I was pregnant and always went out of his way to accommodate my situation. He has been tutoring me for the shelf exams and the success I have had on them will make it possible for me to apply to a competitive specialty. His sessions were always challenging and they honed my critical thinking. If there is a modality that can make you learn better, he has used it or has made it. He uses so many unique approaches to master the material. There isn't a more experienced and effective tutor out there.

JR
Jennifer R.
Passed Step 1 · shelf exams

A classmate referred me to Dr. Avarbock. As a foreign medical student who wanted a competitive specialty in Boston, I knew I needed a significant advantage. Dr. Avarbock tutored me through the shelf exams achieving multiple honors, over 260 on Step 2, and over 250 on Step 3. His sessions are so efficient and comprehensive, never a minute wasted. His ability to sit for hours straight, asking hundreds of questions without a break was the most unique and valuable thing for my preparation. He always knew how test writers would try to trap me. I'll be forever grateful to him for helping me achieve my dreams.

RP
Richard P.
260+ Step 2 · 250+ Step 3 · IMG

Dr. Avarbock tutored a friend from my medical school in India. Dr. Avarbock helped me pass Step 1. As a foreign medical student who didn't take the shelf exams, I knew I would have to do a lot of work in order to get a high score on Step 2. Dr. Avarbock helped me achieve a 245 on Step 2, much higher than I expected, and opened the door for a residency in the city I wanted to live in. Dr. Avarbock was such a patient and clear communicator. He could explain any topic at any moment I asked in the simplest of manner, and the material he presented always showed up on the exams. I'm grateful to him for securing the opportunity to practice in America.

PK
Priyanka K.
245 on Step 2 · IMG

My sister referred me to Dr. Avarbock after he tutored her for several years and helped her achieve success. Dr. Avarbock helped me pass Step 1 and is now tutoring me for the clinical shelf exams. This is the teacher you see if you want a high score and want to find out if you really know your stuff and are prepared for test day. The level of attention and resources he provides you with is unparalleled. Almost every day he sent me special notes and home-made questions; he check-in calls you on exam days. I always felt like everything was going to turn out right because he was looking out for me.

EM
Elizabeth M.
Step 1 → shelf exams

I was a physician practicing in Ukraine and I needed to pass the U.S. licensing boards to practice in the U.S. There was a lot of pressure on me and my family. A friend's daughter had been taught by Dr. Avarbock and had high praise. He helped me pass Step 1 and Step 2 in a short period of time, and I am very grateful to him. English is not my first language, but Dr. Avarbock presented the material very clearly and concisely. He was always generous with giving me extra time. When I had some financial difficulty, he didn't let that interrupt my preparations and continued to tutor me until I was able to pay him back. He is the most knowledgeable medical educator I have come across.

AY
Anna Y.
Step 1 & Step 2 · IMG

My fiancé referred me to Dr. Avarbock while we were in medical school. Dr. Avarbock kept me focused and motivated through the highs and lows of Step 1, clinics, and Step 2 preparation. He had so much energy and enthusiasm during our sessions. No matter how tired I felt he invigorated me. Dr. Avarbock has the most creative way of linking medical topics I've ever seen. He had a more profound impact in helping place me in the residency of my choice than anyone during this long process.

MS
Megan S.
Step 1 → Step 2 · matched

An academic advisor referred me to Dr. Avarbock after I failed Step 2; this was going to force me to delay my residency application, so I had to take it again and pass in a short period of time. He helped me battle my anxiety, giving me everything from music to relax to techniques to improve my sleep. His sharp sense of humor always put me at ease. I needed his disciplined approach. Dr. Avarbock gave me the best strategies to organize and get a handle on the massive amount of content; he made me understand how the content was going to be tested, rather than simply giving me more. He gave me reminders of what we had covered in past sessions and areas we had not gone over that he felt I should focus on. He seemed to know exactly what would be on every test, and he saved me countless mistakes on test day.

SA
Stephanie A.
Retook & passed Step 2

After I failed Step 1 twice, a school administrator referred me to Dr. Avarbock. I had convinced myself I would never pass this test. Dr. Avarbock believed in me and helped me overcome my self-doubt. He has ingrained in me better study habits. He tutored me during my clinical rotations and Step 2 and I've successfully passed all of these exams. No matter how weak you are at the material, Dr. Avarbock encourages you, boosts your self-esteem and confidence. He is an encyclopedia of every question written over 25 years and there was rarely a fact that he presented that didn't appear on an exam.

SL
Steven L.
Passed after two Step 1 fails

I was a graduate of a foreign medical school. I failed Step 1 three times and had one more chance to take it. My dream of practicing in America seemed to be slipping away. An acquaintance had been tutored by Dr. Avarbock and was in a similar position to mine, and he helped him pass. Dr. Avarbock finally helped me pass. If Dr. Avarbock had tutored me the first time, I never would've failed. I tried every resource and high-intensity program. But this is a different level of intensity and preparation. He helped me understand in a few months what I couldn't understand after two years of medical school. He made me push my brain faster and for longer than I thought I could, and made me understand how the material would be tested, and how question writers would try to confuse me. I'll never forget what Dr. Avarbock has done for me.

MO
Maria O.
Passed Step 1 on final attempt · IMG

Dr. Avarbock tutored me through Step 1 and recently through my first shelf exam where I got a high pass. As a former college athlete, I related to his approach of how he trains athletes for 4 years for the Olympics, getting up each day with the mindset of making big improvements, and reflecting at the end of the day whether I was productive enough. He had high standards for each session, and it felt like I was preparing for the real test each time before I met him. His concise notes and unique vignettes were the best materials I have used. I feel very fortunate that he is guiding me along this difficult journey.

KB
Kim B.
Step 1 → high-pass shelf

As an accomplished student at a top 5 medical school, I'm not used to somebody questioning me until I cracked. I'd never used a tutor, and I was skeptical whether I would find value when my friend suggested I use Dr. Avarbock to ensure that I get honors on shelf exams and over the 80th percentile on Step 2 in order to have my choice of a top ENT program. But I wanted to leave no stone unturned. Dr. Avarbock helped me achieve all these goals. His relentless pace of questioning was like facing that computer on test day. If I had a weakness, he seemed to find it. Dr. Avarbock also provided me with excellent life advice and I appreciated his judgement on how to deal with teachers and difficult preceptors in the clinics.

BP
Brian P.
Honors shelf · top ENT program

My goal from the beginning of dental school was to get into an oral surgery program. I knew that I would need a high score on the CBSE to get accepted into a program. I was scoring in the low 60's on self-assessments when I started with Dr. Avarbock. My score on my first CBSE attempt was 74%. I wanted to score higher, and he continued to tutor me until my second attempt, when I scored an 82%. This was instrumental in helping me get accepted into an oral surgery program. The intensity of his sessions is unparalleled, and on several occasions he tutored me at almost 1 A.M.!

RR
Rebecca R.
82% on CBSE · oral surgery

I was on my fourth attempt to pass the CBSE to be eligible to take Step 1 when an administrator referred me to Dr. Avarbock. He helped me pass the CBSE, then successfully helped me pass Step 1, and is assisting me in the clinics. He seemed to know when I only partially grasped a concept, and how I was leaving myself exposed on test day. I've sent him over 100 NBME questions I couldn't figure out, and he always responds the same day.

CD
Chika D.
Passed CBSE & Step 1

As a former corporate lawyer who went back to medical school in her late 30's, I needed a mature tutor. I'm very demanding, and Dr. Avarbock always was patient and responded to my needs. He tutored me from the end of subject exams, Step 1, clinical shelf exams, and Step 2. I probably texted him at least 3 times a day and he always responded. He was so systematic in his approach. He didn't miss a session in over 2 years and tutored at times that I knew weren't convenient for him because he knew it was important to me. I expected good results on my USMLE exams and I got them.

AD
Alexandra D.
Subject exams → Step 2

Dr. Avarbock tutored me for Step 1, shelf exams, and Step 2. I have a Ph.D. and I went back to medical school after a career in biomedical research. I never had a great memory and I was never a strong test taker. Dr. Avarbock helped me address both of these things. He helped me get the most out of the assets I did possess, like strong analytical skills and a good work ethic. When I struggled with material, he always seemed to come up with innovative ways to help me learn. Dr. Avarbock is a consummate professional.

CP
Caroline P.
Step 1 → Step 2 · PhD

I was referred to Dr. Avarbock by a friend and he tutored me for COMLEX Level 1. I was amazed by how quickly the scores on my assessments went up after I started working with him. I lacked a comprehensive study plan and outline, which he provided me with, and he helped narrow down the resources I should use to study. I knew I was going to leave each of his sessions much more knowledgeable, and I would find out if I really understood the material. Dr. Avarbock is one of the funniest people I have met, and his dark sense of humor reflected in his mnemonics and teaching style. He gave me a lot of extra time and he wouldn't cut off a session even if our time was up and I wasn't grasping the concept. He also assisted me with my application for a master's in public health. I'm very fortunate to have him as a teacher.

AP
Arjun P.
COMLEX Level 1

I was referred to Dr. Avarbock by a classmate after I failed my surgery shelf exam and scored low on my OB/GYN shelf exam. I struggled with Step 1 as well and I've always had trouble scoring high under pressure. Dr. Avarbock's sessions desensitized me to the pressure of test day and forced me to work at a faster pace than I was used to on my own. I got high-passes on medicine and pediatrics shelves and passed the other shelf exams. He then helped me get 242 on Step 2. His command of the science tested on USMLE exams allows him to question you on any topic at any time and he doesn't let you get too comfortable on a subject area before transitioning you to another, like the test. Dr. Avarbock is very down-to-earth and approachable and was always upbeat and energetic during our sessions. If one approach to learning the material isn't working, he comes up with another until you are prepared to answer a tough USMLE question on test day. Any student that has Dr. Avarbock by his side during medical school has a remarkable advantage over others.

AG
Alex G.
242 on Step 2 · honors shelf

An advisor referred me to Dr. Avarbock because I was frustrated at not scoring as high on USMLE self-assessments as I thought I should. I felt I had a good grasp on the material but failed to understand the subtleties of questions. Dr. Avarbock has a keen insight on how to dissect the vignettes and which details are critical and which are distractors. Knowing my strengths and weaknesses, he taught me strategies of what questions would consume too much time and I should skip. He taught me how to manage my time so I didn't have 5 questions left to do in 2 minutes at the end of a section, and if I did, how to answer them quickly and correctly. I'm relieved to have passed all my USMLE exams on the first attempt with his assistance, including honors on the pediatrics shelf, my area of interest, and a 250 on Step 2 which he pushed me so hard to achieve. Dr. Avarbock always has an amazing, structured outline he gives you when he begins preparing you for any test, as well as unique Excel spreadsheets laying out the concepts most statistically tested over the years so you know where to focus your study time. Dr. Avarbock has generously assisted me with my personal statement and helped me prepare for my residency interviews. You won't find another teacher who makes such a big impact on your achieving your lifelong dream.

MF
Mariana F.
250 on Step 2 · honors peds

Dr. Avarbock began tutoring me when I was struggling with subject exams during the first two years of medical school. He then tutored me successfully through Step 1, my clinical shelf exams, and Step 2. I'm currently applying for internal medicine residency, and he assisted me with my personal statement and application process. Dr. Avarbock was such a patient teacher, and I learned so much in the short period of each session. Almost everything he taught showed up on the exams. But he was more than a teacher over the years: he was a true friend, supporting me during some tough times. I couldn't have made it this far without his dedicated efforts and I'll be forever grateful.

AP
Andrea P.
Subject exams → Step 2 · IM residency

As a mother of two children who went back to medical school later in life, it was challenging for me to excel on NBME exams. Dr. Avarbock began tutoring me while I was struggling with Step 1. He tutored me through my shelf exams and Step 2, and I exceeded my expectations on all of them. He has been assisting me with my residency application for internal medicine. I always appreciated his maturity, passion for the material and clarity in presenting it, and the extraordinary lengths he would go to to help me succeed. I'd check my email eagerly to see what kind of interesting notes he would send me. I look forward to working with him again for Step 3.

EM
Ellen M.
Returning student · Step 1 → Step 2

A friend referred me to Dr. Avarbock because I wanted to achieve high scores on Step 1, the shelf exams, and Step 2 for a competitive residency specialty. He helped me achieve multiple honors on the shelf exams and a 256 on Step 2. Dr. Avarbock continued to tutor me in my anesthesiology residency, successfully helping me pass Step 3. His sessions were always well structured and he kept meticulous track of what we had covered in the past so we were always making improvements. I don't think we ever did a session where he didn't give me an extra 15–20 minutes to make sure we got through the material. I wouldn't have made it to where I am without his dedication and support.

AC
Angela C.
256 on Step 2 · Anesthesiology

Dr. Avarbock tutored me from Step 1 through shelf exams, where I've had more success than I anticipated. He will be preparing me for Step 2. As an ex-college athlete, he communicated with me like a coach and it felt different from other teachers; it was a style I could relate to. It was sometimes tough, but always honest and direct, and he forced me to get the best out of myself. His sessions always gave me a realistic idea of how I would do on NBME exams because every question he asked came from his 25 years of recall of past exams. His dedication to your success is amazing. I remember him tutoring me through a session when he was in the middle of one of the worst hurricanes in Miami.

CK
Craig K.
Step 1 → shelf exams

I hired Dr. Avarbock because I wanted every possible advantage to get my top residency choice after investing a fortune for college and medical school and thousands of hours of my life studying. I feel Dr. Avarbock has given me that edge. He helped me pass Step 1, achieve mostly honors on shelf exams, and we are currently preparing for Step 2. His teaching methods and materials are more sophisticated than anything I have seen. He was always asking me for feedback to improve our sessions and checking in on me regularly to see if I felt I was on track. He tutored me at a rate much lower than any tutor with his experience and credentials, including countless hours of free tutoring. This is the tutor you must work with if you're serious about achieving your goals.

JL
John L.
Step 1 → Step 2 prep

An academic advisor referred me to Dr. Avarbock when I was struggling with Step 1. He helped me pass the exam while I was pregnant and always went out of his way to accommodate my situation. He has been tutoring me for the shelf exams and the success I have had on them will make it possible for me to apply to a competitive specialty. His sessions were always challenging and they honed my critical thinking. If there is a modality that can make you learn better, he has used it or has made it. He uses so many unique approaches to master the material. There isn't a more experienced and effective tutor out there.

JR
Jennifer R.
Passed Step 1 · shelf exams

A classmate referred me to Dr. Avarbock. As a foreign medical student who wanted a competitive specialty in Boston, I knew I needed a significant advantage. Dr. Avarbock tutored me through the shelf exams achieving multiple honors, over 260 on Step 2, and over 250 on Step 3. His sessions are so efficient and comprehensive, never a minute wasted. His ability to sit for hours straight, asking hundreds of questions without a break was the most unique and valuable thing for my preparation. He always knew how test writers would try to trap me. I'll be forever grateful to him for helping me achieve my dreams.

RP
Richard P.
260+ Step 2 · 250+ Step 3 · IMG

Dr. Avarbock tutored a friend from my medical school in India. Dr. Avarbock helped me pass Step 1. As a foreign medical student who didn't take the shelf exams, I knew I would have to do a lot of work in order to get a high score on Step 2. Dr. Avarbock helped me achieve a 245 on Step 2, much higher than I expected, and opened the door for a residency in the city I wanted to live in. Dr. Avarbock was such a patient and clear communicator. He could explain any topic at any moment I asked in the simplest of manner, and the material he presented always showed up on the exams. I'm grateful to him for securing the opportunity to practice in America.

PK
Priyanka K.
245 on Step 2 · IMG

My sister referred me to Dr. Avarbock after he tutored her for several years and helped her achieve success. Dr. Avarbock helped me pass Step 1 and is now tutoring me for the clinical shelf exams. This is the teacher you see if you want a high score and want to find out if you really know your stuff and are prepared for test day. The level of attention and resources he provides you with is unparalleled. Almost every day he sent me special notes and home-made questions; he check-in calls you on exam days. I always felt like everything was going to turn out right because he was looking out for me.

EM
Elizabeth M.
Step 1 → shelf exams

I was a physician practicing in Ukraine and I needed to pass the U.S. licensing boards to practice in the U.S. There was a lot of pressure on me and my family. A friend's daughter had been taught by Dr. Avarbock and had high praise. He helped me pass Step 1 and Step 2 in a short period of time, and I am very grateful to him. English is not my first language, but Dr. Avarbock presented the material very clearly and concisely. He was always generous with giving me extra time. When I had some financial difficulty, he didn't let that interrupt my preparations and continued to tutor me until I was able to pay him back. He is the most knowledgeable medical educator I have come across.

AY
Anna Y.
Step 1 & Step 2 · IMG

My fiancé referred me to Dr. Avarbock while we were in medical school. Dr. Avarbock kept me focused and motivated through the highs and lows of Step 1, clinics, and Step 2 preparation. He had so much energy and enthusiasm during our sessions. No matter how tired I felt he invigorated me. Dr. Avarbock has the most creative way of linking medical topics I've ever seen. He had a more profound impact in helping place me in the residency of my choice than anyone during this long process.

MS
Megan S.
Step 1 → Step 2 · matched

An academic advisor referred me to Dr. Avarbock after I failed Step 2; this was going to force me to delay my residency application, so I had to take it again and pass in a short period of time. He helped me battle my anxiety, giving me everything from music to relax to techniques to improve my sleep. His sharp sense of humor always put me at ease. I needed his disciplined approach. Dr. Avarbock gave me the best strategies to organize and get a handle on the massive amount of content; he made me understand how the content was going to be tested, rather than simply giving me more. He gave me reminders of what we had covered in past sessions and areas we had not gone over that he felt I should focus on. He seemed to know exactly what would be on every test, and he saved me countless mistakes on test day.

SA
Stephanie A.
Retook & passed Step 2

After I failed Step 1 twice, a school administrator referred me to Dr. Avarbock. I had convinced myself I would never pass this test. Dr. Avarbock believed in me and helped me overcome my self-doubt. He has ingrained in me better study habits. He tutored me during my clinical rotations and Step 2 and I've successfully passed all of these exams. No matter how weak you are at the material, Dr. Avarbock encourages you, boosts your self-esteem and confidence. He is an encyclopedia of every question written over 25 years and there was rarely a fact that he presented that didn't appear on an exam.

SL
Steven L.
Passed after two Step 1 fails

I was a graduate of a foreign medical school. I failed Step 1 three times and had one more chance to take it. My dream of practicing in America seemed to be slipping away. An acquaintance had been tutored by Dr. Avarbock and was in a similar position to mine, and he helped him pass. Dr. Avarbock finally helped me pass. If Dr. Avarbock had tutored me the first time, I never would've failed. I tried every resource and high-intensity program. But this is a different level of intensity and preparation. He helped me understand in a few months what I couldn't understand after two years of medical school. He made me push my brain faster and for longer than I thought I could, and made me understand how the material would be tested, and how question writers would try to confuse me. I'll never forget what Dr. Avarbock has done for me.

MO
Maria O.
Passed Step 1 on final attempt · IMG

Dr. Avarbock tutored me through Step 1 and recently through my first shelf exam where I got a high pass. As a former college athlete, I related to his approach of how he trains athletes for 4 years for the Olympics, getting up each day with the mindset of making big improvements, and reflecting at the end of the day whether I was productive enough. He had high standards for each session, and it felt like I was preparing for the real test each time before I met him. His concise notes and unique vignettes were the best materials I have used. I feel very fortunate that he is guiding me along this difficult journey.

KB
Kim B.
Step 1 → high-pass shelf

As an accomplished student at a top 5 medical school, I'm not used to somebody questioning me until I cracked. I'd never used a tutor, and I was skeptical whether I would find value when my friend suggested I use Dr. Avarbock to ensure that I get honors on shelf exams and over the 80th percentile on Step 2 in order to have my choice of a top ENT program. But I wanted to leave no stone unturned. Dr. Avarbock helped me achieve all these goals. His relentless pace of questioning was like facing that computer on test day. If I had a weakness, he seemed to find it. Dr. Avarbock also provided me with excellent life advice and I appreciated his judgement on how to deal with teachers and difficult preceptors in the clinics.

BP
Brian P.
Honors shelf · top ENT program

My goal from the beginning of dental school was to get into an oral surgery program. I knew that I would need a high score on the CBSE to get accepted into a program. I was scoring in the low 60's on self-assessments when I started with Dr. Avarbock. My score on my first CBSE attempt was 74%. I wanted to score higher, and he continued to tutor me until my second attempt, when I scored an 82%. This was instrumental in helping me get accepted into an oral surgery program. The intensity of his sessions is unparalleled, and on several occasions he tutored me at almost 1 A.M.!

RR
Rebecca R.
82% on CBSE · oral surgery

I was on my fourth attempt to pass the CBSE to be eligible to take Step 1 when an administrator referred me to Dr. Avarbock. He helped me pass the CBSE, then successfully helped me pass Step 1, and is assisting me in the clinics. He seemed to know when I only partially grasped a concept, and how I was leaving myself exposed on test day. I've sent him over 100 NBME questions I couldn't figure out, and he always responds the same day.

CD
Chika D.
Passed CBSE & Step 1

As a former corporate lawyer who went back to medical school in her late 30's, I needed a mature tutor. I'm very demanding, and Dr. Avarbock always was patient and responded to my needs. He tutored me from the end of subject exams, Step 1, clinical shelf exams, and Step 2. I probably texted him at least 3 times a day and he always responded. He was so systematic in his approach. He didn't miss a session in over 2 years and tutored at times that I knew weren't convenient for him because he knew it was important to me. I expected good results on my USMLE exams and I got them.

AD
Alexandra D.
Subject exams → Step 2

Dr. Avarbock tutored me for Step 1, shelf exams, and Step 2. I have a Ph.D. and I went back to medical school after a career in biomedical research. I never had a great memory and I was never a strong test taker. Dr. Avarbock helped me address both of these things. He helped me get the most out of the assets I did possess, like strong analytical skills and a good work ethic. When I struggled with material, he always seemed to come up with innovative ways to help me learn. Dr. Avarbock is a consummate professional.

CP
Caroline P.
Step 1 → Step 2 · PhD

I was referred to Dr. Avarbock by a friend and he tutored me for COMLEX Level 1. I was amazed by how quickly the scores on my assessments went up after I started working with him. I lacked a comprehensive study plan and outline, which he provided me with, and he helped narrow down the resources I should use to study. I knew I was going to leave each of his sessions much more knowledgeable, and I would find out if I really understood the material. Dr. Avarbock is one of the funniest people I have met, and his dark sense of humor reflected in his mnemonics and teaching style. He gave me a lot of extra time and he wouldn't cut off a session even if our time was up and I wasn't grasping the concept. He also assisted me with my application for a master's in public health. I'm very fortunate to have him as a teacher.

AP
Arjun P.
COMLEX Level 1

I was referred to Dr. Avarbock by a classmate after I failed my surgery shelf exam and scored low on my OB/GYN shelf exam. I struggled with Step 1 as well and I've always had trouble scoring high under pressure. Dr. Avarbock's sessions desensitized me to the pressure of test day and forced me to work at a faster pace than I was used to on my own. I got high-passes on medicine and pediatrics shelves and passed the other shelf exams. He then helped me get 242 on Step 2. His command of the science tested on USMLE exams allows him to question you on any topic at any time and he doesn't let you get too comfortable on a subject area before transitioning you to another, like the test. Dr. Avarbock is very down-to-earth and approachable and was always upbeat and energetic during our sessions. If one approach to learning the material isn't working, he comes up with another until you are prepared to answer a tough USMLE question on test day. Any student that has Dr. Avarbock by his side during medical school has a remarkable advantage over others.

AG
Alex G.
242 on Step 2 · honors shelf

An advisor referred me to Dr. Avarbock because I was frustrated at not scoring as high on USMLE self-assessments as I thought I should. I felt I had a good grasp on the material but failed to understand the subtleties of questions. Dr. Avarbock has a keen insight on how to dissect the vignettes and which details are critical and which are distractors. Knowing my strengths and weaknesses, he taught me strategies of what questions would consume too much time and I should skip. He taught me how to manage my time so I didn't have 5 questions left to do in 2 minutes at the end of a section, and if I did, how to answer them quickly and correctly. I'm relieved to have passed all my USMLE exams on the first attempt with his assistance, including honors on the pediatrics shelf, my area of interest, and a 250 on Step 2 which he pushed me so hard to achieve. Dr. Avarbock always has an amazing, structured outline he gives you when he begins preparing you for any test, as well as unique Excel spreadsheets laying out the concepts most statistically tested over the years so you know where to focus your study time. Dr. Avarbock has generously assisted me with my personal statement and helped me prepare for my residency interviews. You won't find another teacher who makes such a big impact on your achieving your lifelong dream.

MF
Mariana F.
250 on Step 2 · honors peds
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