1,800+ Step 1 Anki cards — tagged by organ system, updated for 2025-2026

Step 1 Anki Deck

Master Step 1 in Less Time

1,800+ concept-based Anki flashcards built by a Stanford MD who scored 270 on Step 1. Stop memorizing. Start applying concepts — the way the NBME actually tests.

Loved by students at 100+ medical schools worldwide

Get the Step 1 Deck — $189 Instant download · Works with Anki (free)

Students from top programs trust Yousmle

Harvard Stanford Johns Hopkins Mayo Clinic Columbia

Real students. Real results.

228 → 253

NBME to Step 1

"I began my dedicated with a baseline of 228 on one of the newer NBMEs. And I finished after nine weeks with a 253."

— Colin Goodman

197 → 243

NBME to Step 1

"In my first NBME, the first week into dedicated was a 197. And then by the end of dedicated on test day, I scored a 243!"

— Cole Beal

243

Step 1

"I ended up with a 243 after months of really pure dedicated focus studying question interpretation and it is the best feeling in the world."

— Anna

UCSF

Resident

"Dr. Palmerton's advice showed me how to study efficiently and think critically about every question. Even now, as an anesthesia resident, I still use what he taught me."

— Jonathan Kim, UCSF Resident

Step 1 scores shown are from before the exam became pass/fail.

Memorization Is the Enemy

The USMLE doesn't test recall. It tests application. So why are you studying with cards designed for memorization?

Free / Reddit Decks

Cloze-deletion trivia that tests recognition
20,000+ cards you'll never finish
No clinical reasoning or integration
Written by students, not tested experts
Outdated content nobody maintains

Yousmle Step 1 Deck

Every card designed to build clinical reasoning
1,800+ high-yield cards you can actually finish
Concepts applied the way NBME tests them
Built by a Stanford MD who scored 270
Continuously updated with new content

Pass Step 1 the First Time.

Pass/Fail

A failed attempt stays on your record for residency applications. And the concepts you master for Step 1 are the foundation of your Step 2 CK score, the one programs read first.

See What Mastery Cards Look Like

Every card is crafted to teach you why, not just what. Two examples from the deck:

Cardiology — Step 1

A patient with a stroke has a BP of 210/110. Why is this acute hypertension protective in the short term?

In ischemic stroke, downstream tissue is hypoperfused. The body raises systemic BP via the baroreceptor reflex to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure across collaterals. Aggressively lowering BP can extend the infarct — which is why most guidelines tolerate up to ~220/120 in ischemic stroke.

Endocrine — Step 1

A patient with primary amenorrhea has a palpable mass in the inguinal region. What's the diagnosis — and what's the genotype?

Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS). Genotype 46,XY. The "mass" is a testis. Despite normal testosterone production, target tissues can't respond — so external phenotype is female, but internal genitalia (uterus, upper vagina) are absent because Mullerian inhibitory factor still works.

Representative examples. The actual deck contains 1,800+ cards covering all organ systems.

Built by Someone Who's Been There

Dr. Alec Palmerton graduated from Stanford Medical School, scored 270 on USMLE Step 1, and was ranked to match at his top choice — Harvard-MGH in Anesthesiology — just 3 days after his interview.

He's spent years tutoring 1,000+ students to top USMLE scores. Every card in this deck reflects that experience.

270Step 1 Score

1,000+Students Tutored

100+Med Schools

As Easy As 1-2-3

Upload

Purchase, download the file, and import it into Anki (free for Mac, PC, and Android).

Master

Cards are tagged by organ system — cardio, renal, biochem, more. Study alongside class or during dedicated.

Repeat

Anki's spaced repetition keeps Step 1 content locked in. 15-20 minutes a day is all it takes.

Choose Your Deck

One-time purchase. No subscription.

Step 1 Deck

$189

1,800+ Step 1 flashcards
Indexed by all major organ systems
Concept-based, not cloze trivia
Works with Anki (free)
Up to 4 download links for updates

Buy Step 1 Deck

Best Value — Save $189

USMLE Mastery Pack

$378

$567 if purchased separately

Everything in Step 1 Deck
Step 2 Deck included
Pharmacology Deck included
All 3 decks at a 33% discount
Best for dedicated study period

Get All 3 Decks

Want a 1-on-1 plan for Step 1 from Dr. Palmerton and the Yousmle team?

Apply for a Free Consultation →

Frequently Asked Questions

As early as possible. Spaced repetition rewards starting early. Even first-years can study by organ system alongside classes. If you're in dedicated, the full deck is designed to be completable. The earlier you start, the deeper your retention.

Most free decks are built around cloze deletions that test recognition — "Drug X works on {{ receptor }}." That's trivia. Our cards are built to develop clinical reasoning — the same thinking the NBME actually tests. Every card teaches you the "why" behind the fact.

Yes. Every card is tagged by organ system — cardiology, renal, respiratory, biochemistry, and more. Study alongside your classes or tackle all systems during dedicated. You're in control.

Over 1,800 cards covering high-yield Step 1 topics. We intentionally keep the count manageable — unlike decks with 20,000+ cards that nobody finishes. Every card earns its place.

Yes, but Anki is completely free for desktop (Mac/PC) and Android. The iOS version is $24.99 (one-time). Anki is the gold standard for spaced repetition.

Do QBank questions first, then search the deck for cards related to topics you missed. The deck is tagged by subject, so you can quickly find exactly what you need to reinforce. Even in a short time, targeted review with these cards can fill critical gaps.

Yes — we offer free sample cards so you can see the quality and style before purchasing. Download sample cards here.

Stop Memorizing. Start Mastering.

Join thousands of med students who chose a smarter way to study Step 1.

Get the Step 1 Deck — $189 Instant download · Works with Anki