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

Gastrointestinal System

Here is a look at a summary of USMLE outline for the gastrointestinal system section with a focus on pharmacology related topics.

Infectious, Immunologic, and Inflammatory Disorders, Including Microbiologic and Host Response to Insult
  • Pseudomembranous colitis (Clostridium difficile)
  • Enteritis/Enteric infections
    • S. Aureus
    • E. Coli
    • L. Monocytogenes
    • Shigella
    • Traveler’s diarrhea
    • V. cholerae
    • Salmonella
    • Yersinia enterocolitica
    • Campylobacter
  • Viral Infections
    • Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E
  • Fungal Infections
    • Thrush
  • Parasitic Infections
    • Cryptosporidium
    • Cyclospora
    • E. histolytica
    • Giardia
    • Strongyloides stercoralis
Disorders of the Oral Cavity, Salivary Glands, and Esophagus
  • Esophagitis/Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Disorders of the Stomach, Small Intestine, Colon, Rectum, and Anus
  • Dyspepsia/hyperacidity
  • Gastric ulcer
  • Gastritis
  • Peptic ulcer
  • H. pylori
Disorders of the Liver and Biliary System, Non-infectious
  • Hepatic encephalopathy
  • Cholangitis
Adverse Effects of Drugs on the Respiratory System
  • Drug-induced changes in motility
    • Chronic laxative use
    • Opioids
  • Drug-induced gastritis, duodenitis, and peptic ulcer disease (NSAIDs)
  • Drug-induced hepatitis
    • Acetaminophen
    • Isoniazid
  • Drug induced pancreatitis
    • Thiazide diuretics