If we learn the pathology of an organ system early in year 1 does that impact how someone would prep for the boards during the second year?
Nope...a question bank plus a few choice review texts is how to approach Step 1. Granted the systems you study at the end of the first two years will be more fresh. I would actually glance over Goljan path during first year so I made my own integrated curriculum.
Unsolicited review book advice:
Biochem - Goljan's RR biochem or Kaplan. I had both and each had its strengths. Biochem was a weak subject for me though.
Cell Bio - the infamous 1st edition of High Yield (later editions became bloated) if you can find it...if not no biggie
Phys: BRS Phys
Pathology: must have Goljan RR. supplement with BRS
Anatomy and Embryo: sections in 1st aide
Pharm: no specific book...q banks get you the gist of these questions
Bugs: Micro Made Rediculously Simple (best book ever)
First Aid of course for an overall review book.
Others would have a different book list, but mine's the best.
For step 2CK: UsmleWorld questions plus Kaplan's QBook (plus busting your tail during 3rd yr) and a single read through Crush Step 2 or Step 2 Secrets (same book author, different format) I actually didn't study much for CK. Maybe half of those questions in my weak areas and a two day read through crush and I netted a 3 pt increase over my Step 1.
Step 2CS: just go take it, it's a joke
Step 3: I'll let you know. You know the old adage: study 2 months for Step 1, 2 weeks for Step 2, and just bring a number 2 pencil for Step 3. (loses some of its luster with computer testing)