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Know More About Medsmarter

Empowering Future Physicians on the Path to Excellence

A pioneering approach to personalized medical education founded on mentorship & real-world expertise. Explore how our comprehensive, student-centric system guides aspiring doctors from MCAT prep through residency readiness, providing the tailored support, engaging curriculum, & clinical training to ensure you become a skilled, confident physician.

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Meet Our Tutors

Our team of MD’s and Professionals is devoted to assisting pre-med, medical students, IMGs and physicians succeed in their journey on becoming practicing physicians in the United States.

Untara Shaikh Headshot 2026

Untara Shaikh, M.D, PhD

PRESIDENT / PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Hema Gujarathi Headshot 2026

Hemalata Gujarathi, M.D.

INSTRUCTOR

Phyl Igman Headshot 2026

Phyl Igman, M.D.

INSTRUCTOR

Frank Navarrete Headshot 2026

Frank Navarrete, M.D.

INSTRUCTOR

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Jason Colip, M.D.

INSTRUCTOR

Tiara Calvo Leon Headshot 2026

Tiara Calvo Leon, M.D.

INSTRUCTOR

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Syed N. Kamal, M.D.

INSTRUCTOR

Naheed Mann

Naheed Mann, M.D.

INSTRUCTOR

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This Could Be You

LIFE CHANGER

Meet our Team

Our team of MD’s and Professionals is devoted to assisting pre-med, medical students, IMGs and physicians succeed in their journey on becoming practicing physicians in the United States.

Untara Shaikh Headshot 2026

Untara Shaikh, M.D, PhD

PRESIDENT / PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Hema Gujarathi Headshot 2026

Hemalata Gujarathi, M.D.

INSTRUCTOR

Phyl Igman Headshot 2026

Phyl Igman, MD

INSTRUCTOR

Frank Navarrete Headshot 2026

Frank Navarrete, MD

INSTRUCTOR

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Jason Colip, MD

INSTRUCTOR

Tiara Calvo Leon Headshot 2026

Tiara Calvo Leon, M.D.

INSTRUCTOR

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Syed N. Kamal, M.D.

INSTRUCTOR

Naheed Mann

Naheed Mann, M.D..

INSTRUCTOR

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This Could Be You

LIFE CHANGER

Why MedSmarter Is the Smart Choice

When considering a USMLE preparation program, MedSmarter stands out for several reasons. Our comprehensive video-on-demand resources offer high-quality content that caters to various learning styles

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Comprehensive Resources

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Expert Level Mentorship & Guidance

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Flexible Learning

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Smaller Class Sizes to Build Confidence

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Accessibility and Convenience

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Tailored Sessions with Disciplined Accountability

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Hybrid of Tutoring & Classroom Learning

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High-Yield Resources & Materials

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98% Pass Rate Post MSTP Course

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Study Anywhere with Online Access

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Practice Quizzes

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Complimentory USMLE Prep Trial

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Question Breakdowns

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Videos On Demand

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Exclusive Webinars & Lectures

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Support for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) & US MED Students

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Personalized Study Plan

What Our Students Say About Us

​​Read what some of our previous students are saying about their experiences with MedSmarter’s instructors and programs.

  • Medsmarter was a phenomenal experience. Before starting the program, I was trying to juggle several different resources and unsure how to approach studying for Step 1. Once the program started... read more

    Jay Avatar Jay
    April 2, 2021
  • Before I took my USMLE step 2 CS, I thought I was not ready for the exam and I needed help. I made the right decision to take a prep... read more

    jimmy JOSEPH Avatar jimmy JOSEPH
    April 2, 2019
  • I highly enjoyed my experience at Medmsarter. They had fast-paced reviews, and they made sure to only emphasize the high-yield material. I also really appreciated the personalized attention and camaraderie... read more

    Luvika Gupta Avatar Luvika Gupta
    April 2, 2021
  • I'm so appreciative and grateful with Dr Untara and Med Smarter team for helping me with Step 1 prep. I was lost to prepare me for this test but they... read more

    Wendoly M Vazquez Oliveras Avatar Wendoly M Vazquez Oliveras
    April 2, 2022
  • Thank you to the owner Don for his patience and efforts, by helping me out with Proctoring on my final exam. I will be returning to do a one... read more

    Paula Coleman Avatar Paula Coleman
    April 2, 2020
  • Medsmarter has truly been a blessing in disguise. I was completely lost in my step 1 prep, one of my friend recommended me to try Medsmarter and it was the... read more

    Priyanka Pradhan Avatar Priyanka Pradhan
    April 2, 2023
  • Medsmarter is a great prep program if your interested in a focused and more individualized approach to studying for your USMLE Step exams. I am a detail oriented individual... read more

    Melanie Rookwood Avatar Melanie Rookwood
    April 2, 2017
  • “I started with Medsmarter last fall after 2 failed attempts to take Step 1 in the previous year. The atmosphere in the class was more family friendly so that everyone... read more

    Moh Shawkat Avatar Moh Shawkat
    April 2, 2021
  • Dr. Untara has helped me pass my Step 1 after my second year and my Step 2 at the end of my third year of medical school . The testing... read more

    Perla Jimenez Avatar Perla Jimenez
    September 2, 2023
  • Excellent, well thought out and well designed. This is a MUST-HAVE review program for anyone aspiring for USMLE.  Being a part of this program was most definitely a breath of fresh... read more

    Prashant Karkal Avatar Prashant Karkal
    April 2, 2017
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Get To Know

The MedSmarter Story

MedSmarter was founded in 2004 by the husband and wife team of entrepreneur Don Mahmood and Dr. Untara Shaikh, two individuals deeply passionate about making a difference in medical education. What started as a one-on-one tutoring service to help struggling students has grown into a comprehensive, student-centric system for medical training success.

Coming from diverse backgrounds, Don and Dr. Shaikh recognized the challenges students faced in navigating the intense demands of a medical career path. They were driven by a vision to create a new approach that would provide quality, personalized guidance missing from traditional medical curricula.

Starting in their home, they began tutoring pre-meds and medical students, taking the time to truly understand each individual's needs. This allowed them to develop tailored strategies that fostered mastery of concepts rather than just memorization. Their student-centered philosophy of going the extra mile for every learner attracted more students seeking their innovative methods.

Our Mission

The MedSmarter Difference

As the business organically grew through word-of-mouth referrals, Don and Dr. Shaikh assembled a team of physicians and industry professionals to establish MedSmarter's comprehensive training system. They pioneered a hybrid model blending one-on-one tutoring with interactive classroom learning tailored to all learning styles.

Small class sizes utilizing visual, auditory, and kinesthetic practices create an engaging, high-yield curriculum. With over 150,000 hours of coaching for 1,800+ students from 95+ universities worldwide, MedSmarter courses produce phenomenal results - a 98% lifetime pass rate and an average 170 point increase on NBME exams.

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Our Vision

The MedSmarter Impact

MedSmarter is much more than an educational company - it's a community built on mentorship and lasting relationships. Our mission is to provide students with start-to-finish support on their journeys to becoming skilled, confident physicians.

From MCAT prep through residency readiness and clinical experience training, we are a guide dedicated to each student's comprehensive preparation. As practicing medical professionals who have been in their shoes, we understand the demands of this path intimately. Our student-centered approach empowers aspiring physicians to reach their full potential.

Want to join us?
We're Hiring

We'd love to have you in our Team click the button below to view Open position.

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News, Blog &

Important Updates:

Keeping You in the Know

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Explore MedSmarter's Blogs & Insights page, your source for valuable information on medical education, exam preparation, and career insights. Our articles, written by experts in the field, provide the latest trends, tips, and advice for excelling in your medical journey.