kitzmau
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I am US grad who took the CS in Atlanta on September 22nd & received results December 19th (why does it take so long when the CK results took 3 weeks??). I was really nervous going into exam because I spent only 5-7 days preparing.
The staff are very friendly throughout the process. The food was OK, I didn't bring snacks or anything but all was provided in plenty. You get plenty of time to eat and take a bathroom break or two.
I subscribed to USMLEworld (which I wasted, only used the videos which were great, they helped me streamline the approach to the PE). I read through most of "First Aid CS" and browsed through "Mastering the USMLE step 2 CS" (Jo-Ann Reteguiz). I also browsed some websites like "CS tips & tricks".
My strategy: I focused on memorizing a template because I tend to blank out when I become nervous!! When we were told to begin, I wrote "my" menmonic across the top of the notepaper (throughout the FA practice, I had fine-tuned the basic "PAMHUGSFOSS" and "LOD AAA etc" to incorporate items as needed. Thus I also wrote EPPIE: Explain the findings, Prognosis, Plan, Involve patient in plan, and Educate the patient).
Before knocking and entering, I literally put a smile on my face and greeted the patient by name. I zeroed in on the patient comfort, taking care to drape patient/adjust light/whatever. Then I told patient that I would be taking notes and if that was OK...and sat down (unless patient was lying on bed in obvious distress). I always began with the open-ended question of why the patient was coming in today. Then I could glance at the mnemonic as needed and cover all pertinent questions (I used my pen to cross off those I had asked).
For the PE, I always listened to the lungs and heart, regardless, even though you apparently don't need to. Thus I didn't need to think about changing anything case by case. I did the PE the way USMLEworld suggested (can't recall the video but it worked for me). I always asked permission to do maneuvers, again this is something people may disagree with but I did it anyway. I don't think I used instruments other than the stethoscope. I didn't time myself, it just worked out for me as long as I moved at a steady pace. If I had extra time, I did NOT leave the room early. The First Aid has GREAT sample closures that I practiced. I blended that with the EPPIE mnemonic and thus covered all my bases.
I always made sure to ask patient, "did you have a question" as well as "is there something I didn't cover that you would like to share with me". There were at least 2 cases where I was given an answer that helped me pass the case. The patient's questions are not that tough, but it REALLY helps to go through the First Aid CS section on "answering challening questions".
For the written part, I immediately wrote down several possible differential diagnoses. Sometimes I had all 5, sometimes only 3. I also wrote down possible tests. Then I returned to the PE part. I think that's where First Aid CS really helped the best, it gives you all you need (I did not use the computer because my school's OSCE did not use it and I did not want to change my routine).
Hope this helps someone!
Edited by kitzmau on 12/28/07 - 04:56 PM
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Somebody told me how frightening it was how much topsoil we are losing each year, but I told that story around the campfire and nobody got scared. --Jack Handy
"Would you like some jellybabies?"--Dr. Who
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| njcjzy
Forum Guru
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Thanks for sharing your experience. It helps.
Edited by njcjzy on 03/08/08 - 11:06 AM
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| ing
Forum Guru
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Posts: 435
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You experience helps. Thanks and Good luck!
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Never give up!!
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| dr penicillin
Forum Junior
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congrates
thanks a lot for sharing your experience
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| arlete
Half way there!
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Congrats, thank you!
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Que sera sera, whatever will be will be.
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| draashna
Forum Junior
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Hey congratulations!!! Did you show empathy in every case after hearing the chief complaint....? What did u actually say?
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| draashna
Forum Junior
Topics: 11
Posts: 60
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Hey arlete..
Congrats for being done with the exam. I am sure you will pass..I had read a few of your posts and it seemed taht you were well prepared.
I had a few ques to ask from you.
How much time did you dedicate to this exam??
I am studying with my 6mnth old and all i have done is barely finished reading FA. N o practise at all.Can you advice me if it wud be possible with a kid. Given my exam is in april end ( but i wanted to get over it sooner tahn that)
Did you read the minicases in FA?? As in did you memorise them quite well. My brain is quite resistant to them and i feel they are not well written.?
Did you watch all the videos?
How did you generally proceed with the case...I mean things taht you did in all...like did you show empathy in every case like when the patient mentioned his HPI. Did you always say Ohh I am sorry to hear that.
Did you talk to them while washing hands?
What were so many I am sorry's were about??
Did you watch the UW videos?
Huhhh I think lots of questions for you. Its like another exam lol!!
Anws all the best for your result
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| kitzmau
Forum Newbie
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thanks everyone!
draashna - I definitely showed empathy. I think that besides the smiling, it is something the SPs will definitely remember about you. If you think about it, the SPs have to remember a lot of things to check off after you leave the room. I believe that when memory fails, the positive impression you made (smiling, empathy, clear speech, sitting at their level), can have a real impact. After all, research has shown that in a situation such as a job interview, it takes only seconds for someone to decide if they like you and the rest of the interview is a formality!! Also, female docs are sued less than males. Could it be that males that adopt "female" qualities like empathy might do better? :-)
The strategy is to look them in the eye, offer a tissue if they are crying, and say something like "I'm so sorry to hear that", "that must be hard to deal with", "that took a lot of courage". Also it helps to be sitting down - I know some people like to stand, but for me, the empathy comes across better when you are sitting!! Feel free to repeat empathetic statements any time, not just once.
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Somebody told me how frightening it was how much topsoil we are losing each year, but I told that story around the campfire and nobody got scared. --Jack Handy
"Would you like some jellybabies?"--Dr. Who
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| drshvetasm
Forum Elite
Topics: 22
Posts: 285
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thanks guys...i was running low on the compassion scale...i think its perked up now  just the idea of its all fake wudnt go outa my head and i cudnt do it...
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| neuroblastoma
Forum Guru
Topics: 106
Posts: 1,060
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drshvetasm --go to bookstore near to ur place and check for latest FA and spend your few hours and read it.
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| drshvetasm
Forum Elite
Topics: 22
Posts: 285
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Alright...thanx...
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