In 1980, Tony Hannaman, a young physician beginning his residency at what is now the University Medical Center Brackenridge in Austin, Texas, started down the long road of studying for the ABIM board exam. Frustrated by the lack of concise and relevant study materials then available to physicians learning Internal Medicine, Hannaman set out to transform the way residents study for the Boards.
In 1991, MedStudy released its first Core Curriculum.
In creating the Internal Medicine Review Core Curriculum over two decades ago, Hannaman revolutionized the method of study with a product that focused purely on the basics—with an easy-to-understand conversational tone. This year, MedStudy celebrates 25 years in the business of creating integrated study systems that support medical professionals throughout their careers.
“At MedStudy, we are dedicated to making the best study materials for physicians to learn and maintain competency,” states Hannaman. “Every two years, we publish new editions and each edition surpasses the previous one with up-to-date content, better writing, clearer explanations, and pitch-perfect coverage—just what you need to know without the fluff. We keep all aspects of content development and product production in-house, giving us tight control over all aspects of our learning materials. MedStudy is driven by an amazing team of both fanatically committed employees and top physician educators from around the nation.”
Hannaman notes that MedStudy prides itself on listening to their “students” to deliver exactly what they most need. Using evidence-based learning techniques, MedStudy ensures the best use of the physician’s learning time while developing a durable and easily recalled knowledge base of medicine.
Teri McClintock, an employee who’s been working with MedStudy’s Customer Service, Accounting, and Inventory departments for more than 14 years, states, “while the company has seen significant growth in its product portfolio the past 25 years, our underlining emphasis has gone unchanged: we listen to our customers! Their feedback has led to products the customers rave about and that are customized to a variety of learning styles. Our customers are not one-size-fits-all.”
Over the years, the biggest impact to product development has certainly come by way of technology, a change driven by tech-savvy consumers.
“All of our products have evolved to include a digital platform, beyond print editions. No more VHS tapes, which I’m thrilled about as those things weighed a ton and took up a lot of space,” states Peggy Dahl, Director of Customer Service for MedStudy. “It’s hard to believe that when I started 14 years ago, all orders were faxed or called in, we did not have a website or online ordering.”
Since then, MedStudy’s products have expanded to include fully “integrated study systems” for both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency programs and physicians. These products are built on the same principles that drove the company’s inception 25 years ago: easily-digestible content that drives better recall.
“What hasn’t changed over the years is our commitment to quality products and service to our customers,” adds Dahl. “We understand what a stressful, uncertain time this can be so our goal is to move alongside our customers throughout their journey—listening to their stories, their needs, and their fears. We do all we can to put them at ease and set them up for success at exam time.”
When asked what inspires MedStudy to move into its next 25 years, Hannaman responds, “The happy feedback from our ‘students’ has been and will continue to be our most important motivator. Working with both our physician educators and the docs that buy our material is a day-to-day pleasure. Also the really cool enhancements and products we are developing now is intensely exciting. At the end of the day, we feel good thinking that we at MedStudy are doing our best to help create a healthier, happier world.”
