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Preparation For USMLE Step 2 CS Checklist

The document provides a checklist and preparation timeline for the USMLE Step 2 CS exam over a 6 month period. It includes recommended actions such as reviewing resources 6 months in advance, enrolling in practice courses 3-4 months prior, applying for the exam 3 months in advance, practicing cases in the last 2 months, and reviewing essential exam tips in the final month. The checklist emphasizes completing practice exams, reviewing feedback and common exam protocols, as well as familiarizing with physical exam maneuvers, note writing formats and communication strategies for different patient scenarios.

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Lana Korolevych
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277 views2 pages

Preparation For USMLE Step 2 CS Checklist

The document provides a checklist and preparation timeline for the USMLE Step 2 CS exam over a 6 month period. It includes recommended actions such as reviewing resources 6 months in advance, enrolling in practice courses 3-4 months prior, applying for the exam 3 months in advance, practicing cases in the last 2 months, and reviewing essential exam tips in the final month. The checklist emphasizes completing practice exams, reviewing feedback and common exam protocols, as well as familiarizing with physical exam maneuvers, note writing formats and communication strategies for different patient scenarios.

Uploaded by

Lana Korolevych
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Preparation for USMLE Step 2 CS Checklist

6 Months before Step 2 CS Exam


 Review AUC Step 2 CS FAQ 6 months before desired test date (on Canvas under Step 2 CS)
 Review USMLE reporting schedule 6 months before desired test date
 Enroll in Becker CSA – ideally, take it 2-4 months before desired test date
 Attend AUC Step 2 CS Webinar – occurs every Thursday
 Attend TCM monthly meeting about Step 2 CS Overview
 Review match and graduation timelines to ensure you will meet all requirements on time
 Download First Aid for Step 2 CS from AUC Library for FREE
 Register for GuideMD for Step 2 CS. You may visit https://www.becker.com/usmle/courses/step-2-
cs/step-2-cs-guidemd.html to learn more about the GuideMD and activate a subscription for 12 or
24 months. As long as you log in to Becker.com with your AUC student email address, the price
should change to $0 USD during the registration process. If you have difficulty, you can
contact [email protected] and a representative will verify your AUC enrollment status and
update the account so you can register.

3 Months before Step 2 CS Exam


 Review USMLE Step 2 CS Info Manual 3 months before desired test date (includes acceptable
abbreviations)
 Apply for Step 2 CS Exam at least 3-6 months before desired test date:
https://secure2.ecfmg.org/emain.asp?app=csess
 Participate in 3 TCM monthly meetings to practice Step 2 CS cases
 Write 2 Step 2 CS notes and turn them in to your Clinical Education Fellow in TCM for feedback
 Practice writing 3 timed notes on the USMLE Step 2 CS Note Entry Form.
 Review USMLE Sample Patient Notes.
 Use Step 2 CS Practice Timer from YouTube for practicing timed encounters and notes
 Complete 3 Core Clerkships including Internal Medicine
 A Family Medicine elective is highly recommended
 Complete all cases on GuideMD for Step 2 CS

2 Months before Step 2 CS Exam


 Watch USMLE Step 2 CS Orientation Video 2 months before desired test date:
https://vimeo.com/128632539
 Practice cases from First Aid for Step 2 CS in person with a partner
 Take Becker CSA 2-4 months before desired test date
 You will be receiving emails- “One Minute CS”, a series of short familiarization and revision emails
for Step 2 CS that you should utilize to keep your preparation for CS maximized

1 Month before Step 2 CS Exam


 Review feedback from CSA and incorporate into current practice
 Review any last minute physical exam maneuvers
 Make travel and lodging arrangements for CS exam
 Review checklist of essential tips
 Practice
CheckliSt - Essential Tips
 Have you sat, or will you have sat the Becker CSA prior to taking the Step 2 CS?
 Have you watched all 15 videos on the Becker GuideMD?
 Have you looked at the official video about the Step 2 CS exam on the web site,
www.usmle.org?
 Have you been the examinee on at least 3 virtual CS-styled OSCE’s on the TCM program?
 Have you read the significant parts of a reputable text book on the Step 2 CS, e.g. “First Aid”?
 Have you been examined on at least 3 OSCE’s during your core clinical rotations?
 Have you practiced a mock CS exam with other students?
 Are you familiar with the mnemonics, e.g. SOCRATES, PAMHUGSFOSS, etc., that may help
you focus your history and physical?
 Have you read all the “One minute CS” emails?
 Are you aware of the exam protocol?
o Dress code, white coat with no text (cover up med school ID)
o No luggage, phones, watches, etc.
o You will have time to familiarize yourself with the room layout prior to starting the first
station: make sure you know how to use the ophthalmoscope and otoscope and couch
adjustment (although they are usually fixed)
o Try not to drink too much as your bladder may get full at an inopportune moment!
 Are you familiar with the following essential tips?
o Spend 30 seconds at least reading and noting the doorway information
o Knock on the door before entering
o Introduce yourself, check you have the right patient
o Make eye contact
o Use spirigel, or wash hands or wear gloves (after sanitizing your hands first)
o Know how to drape a patient.
o Ask before you examine a patient, if the patient is fully clothed you are probably not
going to examine them, e.g. if you are breaking bad news or discussing a test, etc.
o Don’t auscultate through clothing
o When the 5 minute warning sounds you should be finishing your examination and about
to move to a dialogue, plan and closure with the patient
o Have a strategy to take a history from an anxious patient, an angry patient, and a laconic
patient
o Be prepared for a telephone encounter
o Ask the patient if they have any other concerns or questions and thank them.
o It is sometimes a good idea to repeat what you have gleaned from the patient to check
that you have understood
o Show empathy and compassion
o Do not use a single word in any language other than English
o Use the opportunity to advise on prevention and health such as smoking cessation, etc.
o Don’t use jargon
o Leave the room promptly when time is up, you cannot re-enter
o Concentrate on providing two or three differential diagnoses in the PN, and include data
from the H&P as well as vitals labs (if given) which supports these

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