I shared your question with Dr. Samir Mehta, author of Step-Up, A High-Yield Systems-Based Review for Step 1. Here is his response:
there are pros and cons of both studying methods ...
the biggest pros of studying systems-based are:
1) that's the way the exam is
2) synthesis of all information
the cons of systems-based is:
1) many schools don't teach that way
2) paucity of resources that are systems based (with the exception of Step-Up and a few other titles)
the pros of subject-based:
1) many people are familiar with this technique
2) LOTS OF RESOURCES (both and good and bad)
3) likely, this is the way you were taught in medical school
the cons of subject-based:
1) too compartmentalized
2) no synthesis of info
3) not the way the exam is
Ultimately, I think that students have to find a combination of systems-based and subject-based studying ... they shouldn't focus on just one way -- try and see and read things from many different perspectives.
I hope this helps.
Scott
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
[email protected]