USMLE provides an outline of the USMLE Step 1 Content. The outline breaks down the exam into systems.  This page will review the human development section of the USMLE Step 1 outline as it relates to pharmacology.

Obviously, the human development section includes many topics and disorder that do not have close relation to pharmacology. This outline summary only applies to the pharmacology component of the USMLE Step 1 outline.

Human Development

There’s not a lot of pharmacology to test in this section; however, as sample questions illustrate, the test makers can be creative. 

The outline indicates preventative and travel medicine as a test topic for human development.  Foreseeable questions could include:

  • Malaria prophylaxis for travel to endemic countries
  • Treatment of Chagas disease after travel to endemic areas or emigration from endemic areas
  • Treatment of conditions endemic to certain areas of the United States including: tick-borne illnesses (Lyme disease, Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis), histoplasmosis, and Rickettsial infections such as rocky mountain spotted fever).
  • Traveler’s diarrhea
  • Giardia

Nutrition related pharmacology: folate, B12, iron deficiency, calcium related disorders, metabolic disorders

Many other potential conditions that relate to human development have cross-application to other areas such as endocrine (menopause), fertility, and aging-related conditions such as dementia.

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USMLE Pharmacology Content Sections

Human Development
Immune System
Blood & Lymphoreticular System
Behavioral Health
Nervous System & Special Senses
Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue
Musculoskeletal System
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Gastrointestinal System
Renal & Urinary System
Pregnancy, Childbirth, & the Puerperium
Female and Transgender Reproductive System & Breast
Male and Transgender Reproductive System
Endocrine System
Multisystem Processes & Disorders