AAAAA
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 156
Posts: 1,991
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As a foreign born person who was very lucky to get into US medical school, I found the UMLE Step 2 CS is somewhat very biased.
1. The major issue is they really teat you for style, I mean how you presents yourself to the SP.
Be calm, speak softly and kind and nice. I have many opportunities to speak with my colleagues. 100% of all SP thinks I am a IMG international medical graduate, but my 2 white friends from Unversity of washington, who are 100% white, tall, beautiful have no trouble to pass. Even we went to US schools together, but our fate in the USMLE step 2 CS is totally different.
2. 75% of all SP in Atlanta or Chicago are black. 25% are elderly, only 2 SP are relatively young and only 1 SP is a white young female. This is not the true representation of American medical patient population in which over 50% are elderly and the majority in suburban area are white. So speak softly, try not to repeat the questions, and think the diagnosis and questions even before entering the room.
3. Remember the SP grades you 1/3 of the scores and the SP can fail you. Stay calm, don't act hastily and don't act impulsely and force a lot of questions. They want style, they want a Ms. America Doctor not an IMG doctor. So in order to pass, use style, dress nice and present in a manner in an American doctor way.
4. Don't repeat the questions. Remember the reason WHY YOU CAN NOT GO BACK TO THE ROOM IS BECAUSE THE SP OPENS THE COMPUTER SCREEN TO SCORE YOU AND GIVE YOU A MARK FROM 1-10. ANY MARK BELOW 5 MEANS FAIL !
Remember 1/3 CIS is scored by the SP, so wash your hand, introduce yourself and sit down and prersent with empathy and act as a nice doctor to speak softly and kindly.
they are not really testing for medicine but how you present and talk to a SP from a female white American doctor prespective. Sure my two friends from U of Washington passed !
It is unfair but that's life !
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seeking study partner in USMLE, Canadian MCC OSCE examination
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| arlete
Attending in 2012!!!!!
Topics: 42
Posts: 2,972
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Hmmmmm...  I'm not sure...
"Be yourself" is easier and safer than trying to be what they want you to be (and you'll never be) in my opinion. I mean, even the shiest people are able to be good doctors, when they learn how to interact properly during a medical encounter. And you have to do the basics they want you to do: washing hands, smiling, empathising, draping, counseling, etc. Not acting as an american doctor (I'll tell you, american doctors not always do those things we do in CS).
I'll tell you: I am white, but in three words everybody knows I am a foreigner. And I am 100% sure every single SP in that center would be my patient if they had a chance. And believe me, I was purely my very Brazilian self. 
I think if we believe the SPs are biased, prejudiced and we are going to this test half way ahead in the failure direction, we would better save the $1200 and all the rest of our money, because that's what we are going to get after a few weeks of waiting. And we are going to have the same attitude from patients. I have more faith in USA than that. 
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Que sera sera, whatever will be will be.
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