USMLE Forum Archives - USMLE Step 2 CS - Got A Plan for Step 2 CS???
Got A Plan for Step 2 CS???
TheOne - 12-27-07 20:54
Hi There,
The CS test is quite "Easy" and "Different" from the others.
"Easy" means you won't need so much time to prepare for it. You will have 10-12 patients, actually "simulated" ones, where you are supposed to take histroy from, examine, discuss a couple questions they may ask and explain what kind action you will take to manage their complain. You will walk out the examination room and find a nice booth where you have to either type or write short, but releavent, notes about your patient, list up to 5 differentials and 5 investigations you might order to approach your patient's complain. Now you will ask again, is it easy? and the answer is Yes.
"Different" means it's not an MCQ test. I asume you're getting out of your Step 2 CK test, dragging yourself, thirsty and bleeding from all kinds of wounds these bullits "MCQs" caused you and asking yourself "Will this thing end?"
Well, you're almost there, one more battle "test" and you're done.
This one needs some really good "Doctor" skills to pa ss it. If you're a confident, good communicater and have a good control over your english language, then your test will be done once you finish your 2nd patient encounter. Why the 2nd? Well. most of us screw it on the 1st one being anxious and paniced, and believe me.. we all did.
How to prepare? First Aid for USMLE Step 2 CS is almost what you need. Some may say usmleworld.com CS cases are good too or Kaplan has a good CS book.. Well, they're right. But you really need one good book and one good read to prepare well for the test.
How long? A couple weeks would be enough. I now it took me less than a half of that and it took some of my friends up to a month. So it's again you're call.
What's the "Key" to pa ss the test? Good english and good communication skills.
Good luck to you all..
TheOne - 12-27-07 20:54
Hi There,
The CS test is quite "Easy" and "Different" from the others.
"Easy" means you won't need so much time to prepare for it. You will have 10-12 patients, actually "simulated" ones, where you are supposed to take histroy from, examine, discuss a couple questions they may ask and explain what kind action you will take to manage their complain. You will walk out the examination room and find a nice booth where you have to either type or write short, but releavent, notes about your patient, list up to 5 differentials and 5 investigations you might order to approach your patient's complain. Now you will ask again, is it easy? and the answer is Yes.
"Different" means it's not an MCQ test. I asume you're getting out of your Step 2 CK test, dragging yourself, thirsty and bleeding from all kinds of wounds these bullits "MCQs" caused you and asking yourself "Will this thing end?"
Well, you're almost there, one more battle "test" and you're done.
This one needs some really good "Doctor" skills to pa ss it. If you're a confident, good communicater and have a good control over your english language, then your test will be done once you finish your 2nd patient encounter. Why the 2nd? Well. most of us screw it on the 1st one being anxious and paniced, and believe me.. we all did.
How to prepare? First Aid for USMLE Step 2 CS is almost what you need. Some may say usmleworld.com CS cases are good too or Kaplan has a good CS book.. Well, they're right. But you really need one good book and one good read to prepare well for the test.
How long? A couple weeks would be enough. I now it took me less than a half of that and it took some of my friends up to a month. So it's again you're call.
What's the "Key" to pa ss the test? Good english and good communication skills.
Good luck to you all..
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#1
Re: Got
TheOne - 12-27-07 21:09 Oh and this website below is one of the best to guide you through the test:
http://csprotocol.blogspot.com/
Copy/Paste this link on you internet explorer. Good Luck.
#2
Re: Got InSitu - 12-27-07 21:11 Thanks TheOne. In my case I prepared for 6 days and covered about 50 cases with my brother who happened to be a medical student :). The key is to get comfortable with the patient and ask the right questions. Make sure you always (these are common to forget):
1. Knock the door
2. Greet the patient and introduce yourself
3. Wash your hands before and after the examination
4. Tie the patient's gown after examination
5. Extend the leg rest in the exam table
6. Give differential and tell the patient what you are going to do next.
Of course smile, that makes a different and show compa ssion even if you know in your mind that this patient is an actor.
#3
Re: Got A Plan for Step 2 CS??? TheOne - 12-27-07 21:16 Yup, these points above are "Break-Points".. they can break you or break the ice for your celebration party!!
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