from step I

[kluverbusy]

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hey guys, just made the switch over here from step 1 and let me just say...man it feels so much better over here, it's like stepping into an A/C room over here! i mean you guys really have it good
so i am new to the step II side, and i would imagine this has been covered in excruciating detail, but maybe there's new material or news. i would love to know:
1) what are, or are there any books that are essential for step II? i know FA and Goljian are musts for I. what are the can't miss books to pass step II?
2) how soon should i start going through UWII, and should i just do subjects i'm currently rotating through or just wait until i'm ready to prep for II?
3) what books did you keep in your "short" white coats while on rotations, so you could annotate or quick ref?
4) is there any time to relax and watch a movie, basketball game or workout during 3rd yr? all i hear are horror stories, much like i did about med school yrs 1 & 2 b/f i began.
really thanks to any and all who have advice, i'll be sure to pass along the same wisdom when in your shoes

 

[Clemson Doc]

hey guys, just made the switch over here from step 1 and let me just say...man it feels so much better over here, it's like stepping into an A/C room over here! i mean you guys really have it good
so i am new to the step II side, and i would imagine this has been covered in excruciating detail, but maybe there's new material or news. i would love to know:
1) what are, or are there any books that are essential for step II? i know FA and Goljian are musts for I. what are the can't miss books to pass step II?
2) how soon should i start going through UWII, and should i just do subjects i'm currently rotating through or just wait until i'm ready to prep for II?
3) what books did you keep in your "short" white coats while on rotations, so you could annotate or quick ref?
4) is there any time to relax and watch a movie, basketball game or workout during 3rd yr? all i hear are horror stories, much like i did about med school yrs 1 & 2 b/f i began.
really thanks to any and all who have advice, i'll be sure to pass along the same wisdom when in your shoes

Welcome. I am in the middle of Step 2 prep, but I will do my best to answer your questions based on what I have learned from the posts here as well as discussions with my classmates.

1. There are not really any "essential" books for Step 2. First Aid does make a book. Some people seem to like it, others prefer another source (e.g., Crush, Step 2 Secrets, Step Up to Step 2, Boards and Wards, etc.). I think First Aid for Step 2 has a lot of info, but it's almost too much info. I started with that for a brief time, but since switched to Crush Step 2 (it's in easy-to-read paragraph form) augmented with Step 2 Secrets (by the same author as Crush, but in question-and-answer format) to review the material. Find what works best for you, as they will all help you since USMLEWorld is going to be your focus.

2. I think you can start anytime. I know a few people who have used USMEL World throughout third year to help prepare them for shelf exams. I would be sure to go over the questions within the last few weeks of my prep, just because it's easy to forget a concept you reviewed many months ago. Leave yourself plenty of time to get through all of the questions (plenty of people don't do all of them and do well, but as great as their explanations are I would hate to miss any). Some people like to have time to review the ones they missed, too.

3. None. Just study well for your shelf exams (I used Case Files for everything, and thought they were a good series). Honestly, learning throughout the year on your rotations is your best prep for Step 2. If you want to glance at First Aid or Crush here and there throughout the year, that's fine.

4. You will have plenty of time to do the things you enjoy. Third year has long hours at times. It can be an adjustment to be used to being "on" all day - with patients, with attendings, etc. But you will soon get comfortable with your routine. Study if you get some downtime during the day, and read up on your patients. For the most part, I did not feel like studying much when I got home after a long day. Get plenty of rest, continue to enjoy your hobbies, and know that third year is just one year. I found third year to be a lot more enjoyable than the first two. It has gone by very quickly, too.

Good luck! 👍

 

[kluverbusy]

hey i appreciate your help, thought if i wasn't already prepping for or already have taken the step, no one here would give a sh*%! ha fortunately i'm wrong, maybe, and i will try to learn from your experiences. Good luck on 2, you must be just about able to see a bit o light at the end of the tunnel.
anything else come to mind regarding rotations, well and you have some time, i'll appreciate it