while FA and UW are the resources that everyone uses and loves (And you should DEF use them) there is another underrated resource out there and IT'S FREE! They are called "dokidok notes" just google them and a page will come up....D/L them and enjoy. There are some minor issues with the english but it takes what is in the FA and makes it practical. I mean that the FA is a great guide but is, to some extent, not realistic to implement on this new exam. The pt's don't have checklists for the hx. anymore just for the PE and you shouldn't try to ask these crazy in depth details (in a perfect world you would but not when the clock is ticking). essentially your HX is for you...if you can get the dx and evidence to support it by asking two questions you got it...you hx is graded by the note you write. so this "dokidok notes" helps you come up with and move around standard mnemonics "LIQORAAA" for any case, even those that do not have pain.
The UW is essentially the top dog for physical examination videos although it does have practice cases and such like the FA.....so in summary
first look at the FA so you know that the exam is about and what you must accomplish during each encounter (knocking, intro, draping, hx,summary, hand washing, FOCUSED pe, counseling and impressions, q & a w/ challenging question, closing). then watch the UW videos to see the PEs in action...esp the longer ones...full Neuro/CV exam. Use the "dokidok notes" to turn all of that info into a practical delivery system with your SPs (mnemonics and such) and go to the USMLE official site and start typing your notes in the free online templates they give you...you will find that there isn't much space so you should be prepared for that on test day....try going through your FA cases and writing the note in the USMLE template while timed. with these four resources (FA, UW-videos, dokidok notes for summary/implementation, and USMLE template for familiarity) i'd say you will be able to put your best effort forward...if english is not your first language practice with someone who does speak it as a native. GOOD LUCK! relax you'll do great...you made it this far now crush it!
