step 2 before surgery

[adaptation1]

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Hi,

I know this question has been raised. But the responses were limited.

My scheduling is a bit messed up. It seems that I have to take Step 2ck before my surgery rotation.

So asking the people who already took step 2 and finished rotations,

Is this going to put me at a great disadvantage? Is it possible to study the relevant material on my own? I mean, I only saw 159 questions on the Uworld bank.

Thanks for your help,

 

[swamprat]

Disadvantaged? Maybe.. some of surgery knowledge you pick up being on surgery and reading the books for the shelf, not just u world. That being said, a lot of what I saw on the wards was "wrong" for the test. I thin you could get away with it surgery isn't that high yield for CK you just really need the basic concepts. You should really be asking yourself though if its necessary to take CK this early why not hold off most residencies only require it for the rank list not necessarily for interviews.

 

[adaptation1]

Thank you, Doxy. I appreciate your response. It's mainly to take care of some family stuff during this time, and I'm trying to work out a schedule.

 

[adaptation1]

Anyone else have any input? Is there specific area of surgery that I have to study extra hard for?

I really appreciate it.

 

[link2swim06]

Anyone else have any input? Is there specific area of surgery that I have to study extra hard for?

I really appreciate it.

Surgery questions on step 2 rarely are about specific surgeries (they exist, but they are lower yield).

Common topics are:
Steps in trauma (i.e. bullet to the abdomen goes straight to ex. lap)
General pre-op stuff (i.e. what cardiac conditions need ppx antibotics?)
General post-op stuff (i.e. post-op fever causes)

Smaller topics include:
Hernias
Skin Cancers diagnoses and treatment
Breast Cancer diagnoses and treatment

HOWEVER, note that the surgery shelf is mostly medicine questions and only a minority contains the above stuff unique to surgery (if you end up taking it).

 

[adaptation1]

link2swim06 - Really appreciate your reply. Thanks for taking the time to write that out.

Any other takers? I'll stop bumping this thread soon, as my schedule will be set tomorrow. Nothing I can do about it. At the same time, any more words to put me at ease, or any cautionary wisdom to spur me to study more surgery -- both are appreciated.

 

[WaylonS]

What the hell kind of school are you at that would make you take step. 2 before doing surgery?

Part of the value of surgery isn't just about learning when and when not to operate, but the rotation reinforces your understanding of medical management and diagnostic imaging.

If I were you, I'd make a bug fuss: not having surgery before step 2 is less than ideal.