doctor_img
Forum Newbie
Topics: 9
Posts: 23
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Hi everyone,
Here is my step 2 CS experience. I took the exam on May 16th 2006. I took it in Houston.
Of course, I can't post the cases I got, but as far as I can remember all the cases were in USMLEWORLD and FA.
So, I had 11 cases (including 1 phone SP). They were not complicated at all, and most of the patients were very friendly, 3 or 4 were not quite so friendly. Like I said, all the cases were listed in the usmleworld course. Believe me, this actors are just SO good, you will really think they are in distress or have the illness they seem to have.
Things I did right:
-- Knocked on door all times;
-- Washed my hands all times;
-- Always made sure the patient knew what I was going to do or ask next;
-- Always asked if they had any doubts or questions;
-- Always made a quick mental list of differentials before I walked in the door;
-- Always explained the possible differential diagnosis and further workup;
-- Always addressed patients doubts and concerns.
-- ALWAYS start with the differentials and labs, THEN write the rest of the note.
Now, things I did wrong:
-- I didnt practice the cases enough, so I was a bit uncomfortable with the time, especially in the first case. I could have learnt the differentials more thoroughly. My sugestion: PRACTICE/LEARN before!!!
-- In one neuro case, I didnt have time to ask everything I needed, perform all the examination maneuvers I should, and write down the mini mental.... I actually mis-diagnosed this.... Makes me feel crappy -In one case (pt with MI), did not do a fundoscopic exam.
-- And of course, I always forgot to ask one thing here and there. I hope that these are not much of a big deal as I got the main things done I think.
Like all USMLE exams, I HONESTLY have no clue if I will pass or not!!!!
Also some advice:
1) Manage your time well!!! Time is your worst enemy here. The cases are very simple and common, but the time is cruel. So if you can, practice practice practice!!!
2) Not all SP's are co-operative and friendly, do not expect this. Go in with an open mind and u will be OK. If pt does not smile don't worry.....
3) Be professional and courteous with every SP, irrespective of how they are.
Hope this helps someone.
Ann
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| doc179
Forum Guru
Topics: 67
Posts: 1,217
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thanks for sharing and good luck for the results..
I am taking CS on 27th June and CK later on. not sure whether step1 will be before CS or after that as it all depends on NBME. But do you feel that one should always take CK before CS or it just does not matter?
Thanks
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| som
Forum Guru
Topics: 59
Posts: 308
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Hi,
Thanks for the useful tips. May I know how many days u prepared for the exam? n did u get any child cases?
good luck with ur results.
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| doctor_img
Forum Newbie
Topics: 9
Posts: 23
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Hi,
I actually finished step1 in January, took CS and am now preparing for CK in August.
Total time for CS prep approx 30 days, with emphasis on role playing practice towards the last 15 days.
Ann
Edited by doctor_img on 06/01/06 - 08:52 PM
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| reliable_26
Forum Junior
Topics: 14
Posts: 43
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Thank U very much doctor_img...
doc 179...where are u taking ur exam
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| bertheart
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 1
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hi im new in this
any way i wanted to thank you doctor img for these tips ,and i hope u ll pass
i took my step 1 in jan 2006 and i had 90
step 2 ck in may 2006 my mark is not reported yet
and i m now preparing for step 2 cs which it will gonna be on 26th of june 2006 in houston,im now in houston,
wish me luck guys
im studying cs from just 1st aid is that enough???????????????????????????
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| doc179
Forum Guru
Topics: 67
Posts: 1,217
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reliable_26 I was scheduled for CS in Chicago. but I have postponed it and as no more dates are available in Chicago for the month I want , I have scheduled my exam in Atlanta now.
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| ciap2211
Forum Junior
Topics: 7
Posts: 42
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hi there....a question...do we have to use layman's term when we explain the diagnostic possibilities? I 'll have my exam on june 16 and i'm really confused about this.
Thankssss
___________________
" Carpe Diem "
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| mytimenow
Forum Senior
Topics: 12
Posts: 209
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DOCTOR IMG
I AM SURE, YOU WILL PASS. IN FEW WEEKS YOU WILL BE SHARING THIS NEWS WITH US.
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| New to USMLE
Forum Elite
Topics: 67
Posts: 135
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Helle Ann (doctor_ img)
Where did you stay in Houston and which airport is the best to come to Houston.
Is this center near airport or downtown? I can't tell from the address if this location is near some attration or famous place. Is there good public transportation (taxi) in order to go to the center.
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| doctor_img
Forum Newbie
Topics: 9
Posts: 23
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Hi Everyone,
I passed my CS. Oasis confirmed it today 
Exam Date: May 16. Report Date : Jun 21 Time for result: 35 days!!!!!!!!
Considering the mistakes I made, I guess this is an exam of english/speech/communication then, rather than a medical knowledge exam.
Thanks for all the responses.
Ann
Edited by doctor_img on 06/22/06 - 04:07 PM
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| doctor_img
Forum Newbie
Topics: 9
Posts: 23
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Answering to "New to USMLE", I Gave my exam in Houston. Landed in George Bush International Airport. Exam center is 5 miles from the airport, stayed in Amerisuites hotel which is also roughly the same distance from airport. This hotel had a taxi service, everyday morning the taxi drops CS examinees at the center and picks up in the evening even though its walkbale distance. Just ask at the hotel desk if u decide to go this hotel. Hope this helps.
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| New to USMLE
Forum Elite
Topics: 67
Posts: 135
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Thanks Img doctor.
What is best,
Knock, introduce, shake hand (or not shake hand), history taking, WASH then physical Exam OR
Knock, introduce, WASH hands, shake hand (yes or no), history and physical.
Reason for asking this is
In UW it is suggested to shake hands but in usa it is not very common to shake hands,
Any suggestions here.
Now if you shake hand then probably you are carrying bugs from previous subjects.
Please help me here.
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| doctor_img
Forum Newbie
Topics: 9
Posts: 23
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New to USMLE, First regarding shake hand, from what i gathered its not advisable, but if they offer then you have to. Anyway i did not shake hands. One patient offered,so i responded. What i did for each patient was read instructions on the door(wrote quick DDs,imp points which i seem to forget)then Knock, Introduce, Drape, History taking, wash hands, physical examination.
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| doctor_img
Forum Newbie
Topics: 9
Posts: 23
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HI NEW,
yes, I wrote in pen all the mneumonics for the pt note very quickly, jotted down the imp points from the paper on the door and then filled in the blanks during the pt encounter.
I adapted the mnemonics from the excellent Digital Doc & FA to make it more systematic for me.
Opthalmoscope was easy to use, but I only used it in maybe 2-3 cases.
I did not take any lunch. It was provided sandwiches and salad etc....
On my exam day there were 24 candidates.
take care
Ann
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| New to USMLE
Forum Elite
Topics: 67
Posts: 135
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Sorry Ann to bother you again,
Few sp. questions.
I watched the USMLE vedio carefully. In the vedio people were using blue sheets for their notes and white color sheet for PN (In that white sheets has 3 segments, Histoy, PE , D/D and work up.
Where are the white sheets located? Are the available on the desk once you come back from room or you get 11-12 sheets in advance? Do you have to type your ID or name and pt's name (do pt's have name only or they are code as well like pt. smith in room 12) on each PN or it is printed?
Blue Sheets. Where do you get them? Again do get bunch of blue sheets or you get blue sheet for each SP. Do they take blue sheet along with PN? If yes, in this case do you write your USMLE ID and name on blue sheets too? Are these blue sheets used for evaluation too? or just a trash.
SP data sheet outside the door. In the vedio there was sheet outside the door and one copy in the room.. Do that sheets stays there or you are allowed to take these sheets with you when yor are writing PN.
SP data sheet has 3 parts.
1. SP name and senario like 46 years old male with cough
2. vitals
3. Insturctions ( In the vedio one of the instuructions was not to do certain exams)
Do these insturctions vary from SP to SP or these are standard instructions. I guess I am asking this, do we need to spend time on reading those instructions.
Sorry to keep bothing you with questions.
Regarding Opthalomscope and otoscope,
Do light come up as soon as you pick up the instrument or there is button? Are these instrument similar looking as shown in UW?
Thanks again. I am taking my exam in 2 weeks. Kind of nervous.
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| doctor_img
Forum Newbie
Topics: 9
Posts: 23
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Hey New, before you begin the exam, you will be given exam instructions, time to look and get familiar with the ophthalmoscope, otoscope and other instruments.
They give blue sheet(where you can use it for rough note and you can take it in to the room) and white sheet where u have to write PN. PN paper is exactly like the one which is given in FA. After you complete your PN the proctors take the blue rough sheet and the PN for that particular patient. You should read instructions for all the patients, takes only few secs.
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| Cedrick
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 320
Posts: 1,928
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I ca see clearly now the rain is gone !!!
Thanks for the advice doctor_img { Ann}
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| New to USMLE
Forum Elite
Topics: 67
Posts: 135
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thanks Ann,
Are you allowed to take white sheets to the SP room too or you only get it after the encounter.
Do you have to write your name and ID on each sheet (blue and white) or it is already printed?
Thanks again with helping me lots of naive questions
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| mytimenow
Forum Senior
Topics: 12
Posts: 209
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CONGRAT
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