Step 2
Step 2 is composed of two parts, CK (Clinical Knowledge) and CS (Clinical Skills). Step 2 CK is very similar to Step 1, the main difference lies in the content that is much more focused on clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic questions. I thought it was easier than Step 1. Same format with this time 8 blocks of 40 questions and one hour break, 9 hours of exam in total. In terms of resources, I mostly used UWorld and took the exam 2 weeks after my French national board exam (very similar) so I did not need more than that. SketchyMicro videos are also very useful for this Step. There is a book "Step up 2 medicine" but it is not as complete as the one for Step 1.
The Step 2 CS is a practical part and has to be taken in the United States. For now the 5 available centers are located in Houston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, LA. This part lasts a whole day during which you will have to see 12 patient-actors. You have 25 minutes per patient. 15min maximum for the interview and physical exam then 10 min to write a note. The software for notes is standardized, you can train here. Some fairly common abbreviations are allowed and can save you precious time.
The purpose of this exam is to verify your empathy and communication skills:
- Practice your English, obviously
- Be kind to the patient, be receptive to his symptoms (pain, nausea ..) and tell him that you will give him something quickly to relieve him
- Do not insist on the painful parts of the physical exam, do it once if you need
- Wash your hands EVERY TIME!
The cases are very typical, the diagnoses will not be your main concern. My 3 tips: 1.Train yourself to manage your time, especially to write a note in 10 min, 2.Learn and use the abbreviations, 3.Be prepared to use a qwerty keyboard!
Similarly, allow 3-4 weeks to receive the results.
Good luck!
The Step 2 CS is a practical part and has to be taken in the United States. For now the 5 available centers are located in Houston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, LA. This part lasts a whole day during which you will have to see 12 patient-actors. You have 25 minutes per patient. 15min maximum for the interview and physical exam then 10 min to write a note. The software for notes is standardized, you can train here. Some fairly common abbreviations are allowed and can save you precious time.
The purpose of this exam is to verify your empathy and communication skills:
- Practice your English, obviously
- Be kind to the patient, be receptive to his symptoms (pain, nausea ..) and tell him that you will give him something quickly to relieve him
- Do not insist on the painful parts of the physical exam, do it once if you need
- Wash your hands EVERY TIME!
The cases are very typical, the diagnoses will not be your main concern. My 3 tips: 1.Train yourself to manage your time, especially to write a note in 10 min, 2.Learn and use the abbreviations, 3.Be prepared to use a qwerty keyboard!
Similarly, allow 3-4 weeks to receive the results.
Good luck!
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