Step1 during clerkship?

[Mike59]

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Hey everyone,

For those that have been through both step1 and part/all of clerkship, what are your thoughts on waiting until the end of core rotations to take Step1? Because I goto school in Canada, I'm in a unique situation and can essentially take the test whenever I want since we don't have to take it unless we want to.

Knowledge-wise, wouldn't one be better prepared after their core rotations like surgery/IM etc. since you'd spend so much time applying and rehashing the pathology, pharmacology and relevant anatomy we all learn as preclinical students? I figure I can take it in the winter or something after having a few weeks to study. I'm not gonna memorize details like crazy anyway since I just care about passing, is this conceptual/practical approach to the USMLE ok?

Any advice is much appreciated! 🙂

 

[bigfrank]

If passing is your goal, as you stated, I think this approach is very reasonable.

Taking the test later, you'll probably forget some points about biostatistics, immunology, microbiology, histopathology, biochemistry, molecular biology, embryology, some of the more "classic" (i.e., rare) side effects of meds & their subtle MOAs, etc., because the M-3 year is all about taking care of patients and less involved with "basic science," which is what the Step I is designed to test.

But I wouldn't want that albatross hanging around my neck all year. In fact, at my school, the Step I must be taken before graduation, but zero students in my class chose to take it after clinical rotations began.

In any case, I think you're right about becoming sharper on patient presentations, pathology (but not Histopathology), and general indications of drugs.

Best of luck

 

[KidDr]

IMHO, it's a very bad idea to wait until after rotations to take step 1. The knowledge gained in years 1/2 compared to years 3/4 is actually pretty different. Being a resident now, I see this in the students I work with. Their knowledge of 1st/2nd year kinds of things (things highly tested on step 1) is often better than mine. But that knowledge gets buried deeper as you work to learn all the clinical skills/knowledge you need during 3rd/4th years, which are central on step 2. That's not to say that what you learn 1st/2nd year isn't tied to the knowledge you gain in 3rd/4th year, just that it is different.

Plus, trying to study for step 1 while in clinical rotations (esp those w/night call) wouldn't be any fun.

Having said all that, it's normal for FMGs to study for and then take steps 1, 2, and 3 within a short amount of time in anticipation of applying for U.S. residency spots, so it can be done. Just doesn't sound like fun to me.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

 

[nuclearrabbit77]

duke students most often take it during their 3rd year. but then...they do all their bookwork 1st year, finish core clerkships 2nd year and have a research thing-a-mah-bob-during 3rd year...which is when most students take the oh-so-fun step1. as long as you can get a month off to study i think you'll be fine doing it after your clerkships

 

[Carm]

Make sure you take time off to study for it regardless of when. I would personally want to get it over with so you can learn "medicine" and forget about all the finer points of molecular biology etc. Time is at a premium 3rd year. Take a month or 6 week block off to devote yourself to the test.