USMLE I took a course and passed step 1, but what should I expect with clinicals?

[finally-passed]

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I studied on my own for a while, and I was improving, but I decided to take a review course.

I guess it worked, because I did pass step 1. Anyway here are my thoughts about usmleagle in Orlando. There are some good and bad things to say about the program. I really enjoyed the tutoring at this program. Before I talk about that, let me tell you about the typical day. Wake up do questions, and then be at the center for tutoring (sometimes it would be at 830 am), step 1 drills, and pharm drills. After that, class would start (class sometimes felt like it lasted way to long) then I would do questions after class. (did not add food breaks or exercise breaks, but I did do both of those).

The tutoring is 1on1 but sometimes there would be groups for concepts. I was able to learn the material and how to apply it to my uworld questions which did help. However, the bad part was that sometimes the tutoring ran a little late. For example, I would have tutoring at 1030 am and it would not start for 10 to 15 min later. I guess I can say that I learned to be a little more flexible with time.

The second thing I liked was the lectures. I felt like they went over material that was going to be tested, but some of the lectures seemed long (as stated above). The lectures were supposed to start around 1, but again they would be pushed back to 30 to 1 hour later. I used that time to do more questions, but again I had to learn to be flexible with my time.

I did enjoy the program, but now I am a little scared to go to clinicals in Chicago. Is there any advice I should know about clinicals. I have a place to live in Glen Ellen, but what should I bring for study material? Should I bring study materials? I am going to go to the Adventist system and I am starting in a place called Bolingbrook in Illinois.

 

[finally-passed]

also, when do people start studying for step 2? is it right away of did they finish a few rotations first?

 

[dushash]

Congratulations! I'm taking step 1 in 4 weeks, so I'm still in full dedicated study mode. My first rotation starts in July. I basically won't have more than a week for vacation/rest. Some of my classmates already took step 1 to have more time left for possibly last worry free month in their life lol. Unfortunately for me, I chose to study more for step 1 as for me step 1 is most important thing that will determine my future specialty options. This really sucks, but I have no choice.

From what I've heard so far about MSIII rotations (and it's just my opinion), majority uses 1 book per rotation for shelf exams (either step up book series or else - depends what style of material presentation in the book you like more) and 1 general book for whole MSIII year for Step 2 (FA or something else). Some also supplement it with additional pocket books like "Boards and Wards for step 2" or similar books. Usually 1st (and often 2nd) rotations people are getting into the routine, learning basics (how to present, how to take history etc) and focusing to pass first couple shelf exams. Starting from 3rd rotation Step 2 becomes an almost everyday routine to study bit by bit as you progress in your rotations. Of course there may be bad rotations and you have to postpone step 2 studying in those unfortunate events.

 

[finally-passed]

good luck on step 1. I felt like step 1 was one of the hardest test that I have ever taken. I will look up some of those books tomorrow when I wake up. Where are you doing your rotation at?

 

[finally-passed]

i am going to try the step up series, my first rotation is internal medicine.