Third-Party Resources: The New Wave of Medical Education

High-stakes examinations are an integral part of medical education. To practice in the United States, students must pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE). The heightened emphasis on teaching and learning in accordance with USMLE-style examinations presents a challenge for both medical educators and students. There has been a surge in third-party resources that entice students with shortcut methods, such as flashcards and videos, to help them pass these exams. Medical school curricula continue to evolve aiming to prepare students for their increasingly technology-filled world. These innovations continue to go beyond those offered within the traditional curriculum, and with that, the manner in which students expand their knowledge base has evolved. Medical students ubiquitously access third-party resources out of a perceived necessity to use them to perform well in board exams. This perception has been prompted by studies demonstrating their efficacy in increasing USMLE Step scores. These third-party resources are replacing the use of textbooks for learning. They offer various benefits that may seem more attractive to most students than the presented medical curriculum. This article highlights some of the advantages and drawbacks of third-party resources, offering insight into why many medical students may gravitate towards them.