Learning Support

Tutoring

The Washington University School of Medicine offers tutoring for medical students in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Gateway Curriculum and Legacy 3rd Year. Tutors serve as facilitators of the learning process, filling content gaps as needed and developing the tutee’s reasoning and problem-solving skills. Tutors can help you:

  • Determine how to study for modules; each may require a different approach
  • Decipher what is most important in a course and how to obtain that information
  • Search out answers to questions
  • Reproduce what you have learned in order to fully assimilate information

Each tutoring session is scheduled for at least one hour. Students may request a single session or arrange for ongoing tutoring. Tutoring is available free of charge to enrolled medical students. Students enrolled in other School of Medicine graduate programs should seek support services from their program.

Questions about tutoring? Contact OMSE Curriculum Support at omsecurriculum@wustl.edu.

Phase 1

Medical students and recent graduates are available to tutor students one-on-one in specific content areas. Students interested in Phase 1 tutoring should fill out a Tutor Request Form.

Phase 2

House officers in the relevant field are available to tutor students one-on-one to solidify core clinical concepts in the clerkship experiences and in preparation for the NBME Subject Exams and to develop key clinical skills, including talking with patients, team communication, and physical examinations.

Students interested in Phase 2 tutoring should fill out a Tutor Request Form.

Students interested in Legacy 3rd Year tutoring should email omsecurriculum@wustl.edu to make arrangements.

Phase 3

Tutoring is not currently available for students in Phase 3 of the Gateway curriculum.

Tutoring FAQs

Students Interested in Tutoring

Who is eligible for tutoring?

Tutoring is available to WUSM students enrolled in the MD program.

What is the cost to use tutoring services?

Tutoring is offered free of charge (although tutors are paid for their services).

Should I see a tutor?

Anyone can benefit from tutoring, regardless of their academic status. So give it a try!

Who would my tutor be?

All tutors have successfully completed the modules for which they are tutoring and remain in good academic standing. They are recommended for the position by faculty.

How often would I meet with my tutor?

Some students work with a tutor only once or twice. Others meet with a tutor regularly for the duration of a specific module. Scheduling is arranged between you and your tutor.

How do I sign up for tutoring?

Students interested in tutoring should fill out a Tutor Request Form.

Prospective Tutors

What are the benefits of tutoring for the tutor?

Tutors are paid $20/hour. Tutors also get to learn twice! The process of helping other students understand the curriculum can help the tutor strengthen their own knowledge and skills, which can be especially helpful when preparing for Step 1 of the USMLE. Finally, tutors gain teaching experience, which they can include on their CV when applying for residency.

How can I become a tutor?

If you are interested in becoming a tutor, please contact OMSE Curriculum Support at omsecurriculum@wustl.edu.

Learning Specialist

Sarah Fowler-Dixon, PhDDr. Sarah Fowler-Dixon, PhD, provides services in the areas of enhancing or developing new learning skills, overcoming academic difficulty, or diagnosed learning disabilities.  Contact 314-503-5169 or sbahdixon@gmail.com.  Sessions are 60 minutes (depending on the situation multiple meetings may be needed) and cover topics such as:

  • Study Location
  • Stress Reduction
  • Study Schedules
  • Use of videotaped lecture
  • Learning Styles & Strategies
  • Test Analysis
  • Active vs. Passive Learning
  • Goal Setting
  • Test Anxiety
  • Self-Awareness
  • Identification and Use of High Yield Test Questions
  • Test Taking Errors and Their Correction
  • Note taking
  • Reading Skills to Increase Speed and Comprehension
  • USMLE Prep
  • Routines
  • Social vs. Solitary Learning
  • Memory & Focus

Fowler-Dixon earned a doctorate from Saint Louis University in Curriculum & Instruction and Higher Education Administration and a Master of Science degree specializing in Reading from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville. Her undergraduate degree is from Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Fowler-Dixon has worked with students ranging from elementary school to professional school and adult learners re-entering the academic arena. Dr. Fowler-Dixon has developed a number of curricula and programs currently in use at Saint Louis University, Washington University in St. Louis, and other domestic and international organizations. She developed and directed Health and Human Services demonstration projects in high schools and adult education centers. Dr. Fowler-Dixon is a national presenter having garnered honors and awards from Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Delta Pi, Mensa, American Association of Medical Colleges and Health Improvement Institute.

Exam Preparation

Becker Medical Library Resources: Visit beckerguides.wustl.edu/testprep for free online exam preparation tools or contact Debbie Thomas, Becker Associate Director, at dathomas@wustl.edu or 314-362-9729.

For subject-specific preparation in clinical neurology, medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry and surgery, please visit the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) website.

The Writing Center

The Writing Center and Speaking Studio serves all graduate and professional students on both Washington University campuses. They provide one-on-one writing and public speaking support on any writing project or presentation, including application essays (especially residency applications), grant proposals, article manuscripts, dissertations, and coursework. While they will review drafts (approximately 8-10 pages per appointment), they also provide support at any stage of the process including brainstorming and planning.

This service is primarily by appointment, which can take place in-person at the Danforth Campus location in Mallinckrodt Center or online via video chat to make it more convenient for those based on the medical campus. To make an appointment for writing support, go to writingcenter.wustl.edu. To make an appointment for public speaking support, email writing@wustl.edu with your availability and timeline.

Questions? Email writing@wustl.edu