hitesh
Forum Senior
Topics: 42
Posts: 160
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So, I took my first USMLE step. Hadnt prepared too well and it showed in my poor time management 
I was the first to reach the center. Got there at 2.25pm and had to wait 5 mins before i could enter. The real thing started off at around 3.45 pm. My first case was a Respi case and I was happy since I am pretty comfortable with those. But oh well, I had barely finished auscultating the chest when it said "this encounter is now over".. I left the SP with her gown down and chest exposed!!  Then I tried to ease my nerves , telling myself that everyone messes up their first case. and I moved on. It went on pretty smooth for the next few cases. I was able to finish my encounters and the PNs just in time, except for one PN for which i wished I had 30 more seconds.
Anyways, on my 8th case or so, I forgot to wash my hands.. and the SP said ( with a disgusted look on his face) "Dr. Will you please wash your hands before you touch me" OUCH! But I was happy to get a pediatric case as my last. And we all know how relaxing those can be. You always have ample time for both the encounter and the PN.
So, all in all, it wasnt a kind of experience that I'd be too stressed about but it surely wasnt my best. I was far off from it. Now, 'cos I have seen some people summarise their experience like this I'd do it too : 
Things That i did right :
1. Had no probs with SEP 2. Talked to patients all the time 3. Took permission for everything, even sitting on the chair! lol 4. Pushed in a smile whenever it was appropriate 5. Struck a non-medical conversation when apropriate. 6. Dont think i missed a lot on the history 7. Did a good closure on most.
Things that went wrong:
1. Running totally out of time in my first case 2. forgetting to wash my hands in another 3. Wasnt sure of my D/Dand work up in 3-4 cases. 4. Couldnt finish a PN 5. The P/E was just average and definitely not thorough 6. I Touched a patient with cold hands and she almost jumped off the bed , ( It was funny)
Well, I could keep going on.. i will come up with a very detailed post on how to prepare for the test and how to take it, once I have my result back. 'Cos ofcourse none of it would make sense if I fail.. 
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| hitesh
Forum Senior
Topics: 42
Posts: 160
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But here's a suggestion for those who havent applied for it yet, Go for the morning session! I felt too tired and fatigued for my last three cases..
And for those who are preparing, FA alone is enough. But do read everything on www.csprotocol.blogspot.com
The most unexpected thing for me in the exam was that almost all the SPs asked the 'challenging question' WHILE I was taking the history or just before I began the P/E. The answer to my question "Is there any question or concern that I could address'' during the closure was invariably NO... So, basically, what i am trying to say here is that when u plan your closure you do not need to save some time to answer another question from the SP in the end.
All SPs will ask only one question (usually much before your closure) but they all will ask one.
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| arlete
Intern in 2009!!!!!
Topics: 24
Posts: 1,787
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hitesh:
Don't worry, you don't need to be perfect to pass. Let's wait for the result, but I think you passed. 
___________________
Don't charge for what you've received for free!
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| ganesha123
Forum Junior
Topics: 6
Posts: 102
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m in the same boat as you...all the best for results..!!!
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| hitesh
Forum Senior
Topics: 42
Posts: 160
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Thank you arlete for all your help during my prep. I really owe you.
Ganesha: thank you and wish you luck as well!
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