How long did you study for Step 2 CS?

[DoctorWannaBe]

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There are some old topics about this, but I was just looking for some more recent opinions on how long people studied for Step 2 CS. Thanks!

 

[deleted113029]

5 days & FA --> Pass

 

[WatchingWaiting]

There are some old topics about this, but I was just looking for some more recent opinions on how long people studied for Step 2 CS. Thanks!

From people I've talked to (including myself), I'd say reading through first aid for cs in the day or two prior to the test is the extent of most US students' preparation. If you're taking it and haven't done a clinical rotation in a while you'd probably want to give yourself two or three days to work through all the cases. I think you'd have a hard time spending much more time than that on it (unless you're doing half days or on a rotation at the time you're taking it, etc.). Most of the stuff is pretty bread and butter--lower back pain, pregnancy, appendicitis, depressed, etc.

 

[cdp]

If there are IMGs out there, how long did it take them to go through the First Aid for CS?

 

[mikedc813]

From people I've talked to (including myself), I'd say reading through first aid for cs in the day or two prior to the test is the extent of most US students' preparation. If you're taking it and haven't done a clinical rotation in a while you'd probably want to give yourself two or three days to work through all the cases. I think you'd have a hard time spending much more time than that on it (unless you're doing half days or on a rotation at the time you're taking it, etc.). Most of the stuff is pretty bread and butter--lower back pain, pregnancy, appendicitis, depressed, etc.

Entirely agree.

 

[DocMighty]

If there are IMGs out there, how long did it take them to go through the First Aid for CS?

I'm yet to appearfor my cs on aug 30...but some of my friends told me that two weeks would be enough...but as for me may be i'l give a month of reviewing my SOAP and since m an img maybe communication skills as well. Im not sure if you are doctor in your country who is currently working but if you are then two weeks would be enough since you are very much familliar with patient's cases already...goodluck to us🙂

 

[missbonnie]

Non IMG here, like someone else said, I barely even made it through the first aid cs book (the inside cover has suggestions in how to prepare) and thought it was cake.

I felt like 80% of the exam was about your "soft" skills. Knocking, introducing yourself..and just being nice and empathic! Didn't get any difficult patients.

Thought overall the test day was run very well/organized. Ended by 3:15pm!

Bonnie

 

[achybrachy]

Is it just me, or does first aid suck? I feel like when they give you all the clinical scenario it is easy to ge the right answer, but I may not have thought to ask all those questions. I guess I should study with a practice person with the checklist in front of them.

 

[flights]

Is it just me, or does first aid suck? I feel like when they give you all the clinical scenario it is easy to ge the right answer, but I may not have thought to ask all those questions. I guess I should study with a practice person with the checklist in front of them.

After studying with FA for CS for 2 days, I felt reasonably confident. But the real thing turned out to be very different from what I expected, and I made a lot of blunders, etc.

For getting down the differential and learning which questions to ask, I found going over the FA/CS book a few times adequate. But there were some scenarios during the exam that really threw me for a loop.

Also, the notes and physical exams in FA are WAY too thorough. I tried to follow the format during the exam and constantly found myself running out of time.

 

[scrapper]

Hey,

I'm an IMG. Took about 2wks. to study, about 2-3 cases daily (First Aid). Exam seemed pretty straight forward. No unusual cases/surprises.
I think the exam wanted to see if you have any clue on how to communicate, and carry out a organized HPI and physical.
I recommend at least 1 wk. of studying a few cases daily if time permits. No need to chance such an expensive exam. I guess it can't hurt to know to much on this exam!!

 

[DoctorWannaBe]

Do most people take Step 2 CK first, so you can refresh your memory on all the differentials? I've scheduled Step 2 CS before CK, and am wondering if I should reschedule it since I haven't had a primary care rotation since February and will be rusty on differentials and diagnostic tests. Or is the FA Step 2 CS book good enough to study from on its own?

 

[LaurieB]

Studied for 2 hours from FA. I had just finished a Family rotation and I think that helped more. I thought FA was OK, but got a better idea of the test from watching the orientation videos online.

Hope this helps!
Laurie

 

[QuinnB]

Being a US med school student, I studied for about 6-8 hours out of FA, memorized what I could but didn't break my back. This may have been excessive, but I spent 1005 dollars and didn't want to have to do it again.

 

[lord_jeebus]

Maybe 4 or 5 hours. It felt about right.

 

[cbass1350]

I didn't study for it at all. Just looked at the video that they send you the night before. You don't need to study for it as long as you didn't sleep through 3rd year 😉.