My step 2CS theory

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jake2

Radiology Attending
20+ Year Member
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Sep 12, 2003
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Here's my thinking, in order to ensure passing, if you're an AMG, all you really have to be able to do is ask a good review of systems and know a few physical exam moves. If the scoring is anything like it is in first aid for step 2cs, you just get checked off for every question you ask/physical exam maneuver you do with no negative points for asking stupid things.

So here's my newly patented go to method for passing: 1) Memorize a good review of systems ask as many questions off of it as possible with a focus on the part of the SP's body that going wrong in rapid fire succession. 2) Act like you care when they ask a "challanging" question. 3) Do a quick half-assed physical exam. 4) Write down all the patient's answers and transcribe them on the note. 5) Come up with a list of things that can go wrong with the part of the body that the patient is having problems with. Boom, I think you've passed, even if you actually haven't put any thought into the patient to come up with a differential.

This certainly isn't revolutionary, but hopefully will relax some anxious people wondering what to do to pass. It really is that easy.
 
Here's my thinking, in order to ensure passing, if you're an AMG, all you really have to be able to do is ask a good review of systems and know a few physical exam moves. If the scoring is anything like it is in first aid for step 2cs, you just get checked off for every question you ask/physical exam maneuver you do with no negative points for asking stupid things.

So here's my newly patented go to method for passing: 1) Memorize a good review of systems ask as many questions off of it as possible with a focus on the part of the SP's body that going wrong in rapid fire succession. 2) Act like you care when they ask a "challanging" question. 3) Do a quick half-assed physical exam. 4) Write down all the patient's answers and transcribe them on the note. 5) Come up with a list of things that can go wrong with the part of the body that the patient is having problems with. Boom, I think you've passed, even if you actually haven't put any thought into the patient to come up with a differential.

This certainly isn't revolutionary, but hopefully will relax some anxious people wondering what to do to pass. It really is that easy.

This is exactly what I did and I think what most people do... how else would you do it?🙄😕
 
This is exactly what I did and I think what most people do... how else would you do it?🙄😕

Fair point. The alternative, which some type A people at my school did was study, you know, actual medicine for a week or two like you would for ck. Then, proceed to treat the SPs like real people, thinking during the encounter for intelligent questions to ask. This is unnecessary and even counterproductive as you are graded primarily on your ability to get as much info as possible in 15 min. The best strategy in my mind (not that one is really needed to be fair) is just to ask as many memorized mindless questions as possible quickly, and move on.
 
Here's my thinking, in order to ensure passing, if you're an AMG, all you really have to be able to do is ask a good review of systems and know a few physical exam moves. If the scoring is anything like it is in first aid for step 2cs, you just get checked off for every question you ask/physical exam maneuver you do with no negative points for asking stupid things.

So here's my newly patented go to method for passing: 1) Memorize a good review of systems ask as many questions off of it as possible with a focus on the part of the SP's body that going wrong in rapid fire succession. 2) Act like you care when they ask a "challanging" question. 3) Do a quick half-assed physical exam. 4) Write down all the patient's answers and transcribe them on the note. 5) Come up with a list of things that can go wrong with the part of the body that the patient is having problems with. Boom, I think you've passed, even if you actually haven't put any thought into the patient to come up with a differential.

This certainly isn't revolutionary, but hopefully will relax some anxious people wondering what to do to pass. It really is that easy.
Not to derail this thread (because I really am not), but I just wanted to say:

Instead of using the term, "AMG", it would be better to say "foreign grads who don't really have a firm grasp of the English language". (Yes, more wordy, but also more accurate).

Heck, even some "AMGs" don't even speak English with enough proficiency to be able to conduct an interview, but let's not even get into that.

Many "IMGs"/"FMGs" are U.S. citizens who just, for a slew of possible and legitimate reasons, attended an off-shore school.


Not here to start an ego-debate, just felt like adding these measely 2 cents.

Carry on. 🙂
 
Fair point. The alternative, which some type A people at my school did was study, you know, actual medicine for a week or two like you would for ck. Then, proceed to treat the SPs like real people, thinking during the encounter for intelligent questions to ask. This is unnecessary and even counterproductive as you are graded primarily on your ability to get as much info as possible in 15 min. The best strategy in my mind (not that one is really needed to be fair) is just to ask as many memorized mindless questions as possible quickly, and move on.
oh god, assuming you have done H&Ps during third and fourth year, you really shouldnt have to do much more than review first aid, memorize a good review of systems, memorize ddx and diagnostic procedures for each organ system. The key during the history is just have a routine- you can ask a lot of the same questions to every patient. I learned most of this stuff in my rotations though and found not much studying was required for the exam. Just making sure I had the routine down to get "As much info in 15 mins".
 
Not to derail this thread (because I really am not), but I just wanted to say:

Instead of using the term, "AMG", it would be better to say "foreign grads who don't really have a firm grasp of the English language". (Yes, more wordy, but also more accurate).

Heck, even some "AMGs" don't even speak English with enough proficiency to be able to conduct an interview, but let's not even get into that.

Many "IMGs"/"FMGs" are U.S. citizens who just, for a slew of possible and legitimate reasons, attended an off-shore school.


Not here to start an ego-debate, just felt like adding these measely 2 cents.

Carry on. 🙂

the princiPAL is your pal :laugh:
 
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