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How to EASILY pass Step 2 CS

Discussion in 'USMLE Step 2 CS' started by orthopod, Mar 27, 2016.

  1. orthopod

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    Not much has been posted on this exam, and while the passing rate is >90% for US grads, it is a test you do NOT want to fail. Scheduling is a pain, and it’s very expensive. So this is what you can do to make sure you pass:

    1. Review your First Aid (Step 2ck or Step2CS will suffice) for the major topics of medicine
    You will get patients with general complaints (urinary frequency/dysuria, chest pain, cough, hip pain, ankle sprain, mood/anxiety disorders), so having a good background of these topics will make it easy to take a quick and accurate history (you need to know what to ask). FA for step 2cs has a good practice examples you can look at to make your studying easier. DON’T FORGET TO SUMMARIZE EACH CASE WITH YOUR PATIENT BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE ROOM. ASK THEM IF THEY HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

    2. Understand the general principles for your physical exam
    Do a quick physical! You will be limited in time, so you should really do a pertinent physical. This should always include a CV/Pulm exam, but you don’t need to check for JVD, for example, in a patient with an ankle sprain. Just listen to the heart/lungs, and move on to your focused exam of the lower extremity. Don’t forget to wash your hands before your exam.

    3. TAKE A LOOK AT THE FORMAT OF THE TEST.
    This is the easiest and worst way to fail this exam. Timing is everything (see above). Look at the NBME website for a template on how the exam is structured and how you will input your responses. This is crucial. Look at the maximum number of characters you can input, and look at what sorts of things they want you to say. You can even practice typing into it. So here, the best thing may be for you to take a FA practice example and type it out yourself into their template to see how it comes out.

    4. ALWAYS COUNSEL YOUR PATIENT
    Every patient will have some issue not directly related to the medical problem at hand. This may be depression, smoking, family issues, spouse issues (abuse), school issues, etc… Just ask and they will tell. These people are trained actors that have been instructed to tell you what you need to know

    5. Creating a differential is not that hard!
    Remember that someone with dysuria can have a UTI, but they can also have pyelo, or an obstruction, or one of many other things. The purpose of the exam isn’t for you to make a diagnosis. The history you get from the patient can make you confused and may be very broad but just remember all you need is a DIFFERENTIAL. Order the appropriate labs. Don’t forget to order a b-hCG in all females of menstruating age.

    6. Don’t get stressed out.
    There are many rooms for you to make up a bad room you had, or a room where you forgot to ask an important question, etc…

    That’s all I can think of right now, let me know if you have any questions
     
  2. Moises

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    appreciate the info
     
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  3. nitro lugard

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    Thanks so much Orthopod. Do I need to take a course for CS?
     
  4. orthopod

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    @nitro lugard - assuming you've already taken step1 and step 2CK, then taking a course for CS is NOT necessary.

    Make sure to look through the first aid cs book and check out the online template for how to fill in your responses (it's all free-response)

    Let me know if you have any other questions.
     
  5. nitro lugard

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    I will be taking Step CK very soon. Thanks for your prompt response. I will contact you for any further questions or assistance.
     
  6. ChinaPaw

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    Someone one this forum has a picture of my little splash slide in my backyard. I forget who it was but I thought it was cool, they would use mine. I must be a good potographer. :-
     
  7. Samueltiz

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    i have some new taillights id like to install and dont know exactly how to remove the old ones. anyone know of a link to go to where itll show me?? thanks
     

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