I was wondering if I could get your opinions on what's the best way to spend the next 5-6 mos before starting internship as a surgery resident. Is it smarter to study and get step 3 out of the way before starting or is it better to spend the time reading up on surg with some fruity alcoholic bevarages on a tropical beach somewhere? 😉 Thanks in advance for the advice... it's much appreciated.
Take step 3 or vacations before starting internship?
- Thread starter rtc
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I don't think so, but you do have to have your medical degree, so I may just be arguing semantics with your point (that one can't take Step 3 as a medical student).
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I'm kind of wondering the same thing as well. I plan on graduating by December this year so I'll have >6 months off before residency starts. Taking Step 3 before starting seems like a real good idea so that I can just get it out of the way and focus on my training and ABSITEs without having to worry about Step 3.
But a nice back-packing trip seems like a great idea too. Who knows, maybe you can do both, take a nice long vacation after taking your Step 3?
But a nice back-packing trip seems like a great idea too. Who knows, maybe you can do both, take a nice long vacation after taking your Step 3?
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It depends on the state. Some states require that you complete a year of an ACGME/AOA approved residency before applying for Step 3.
http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_requirementschart.html
Of course, you're not limited to the state you're in. I think I registered in Nebraska, and took the test in Kansas.
At my program, Step 3 is now required to be completed before the end of your PGY-1 year (for all specialties).
Prior to that rule being enforced, I still took the test in the fall of my intern year, but I had some co-residents that were PGY-5's trying to get the test in before graduation, at which point it's probably harder to remember family medicine/psych etc.
My recommendation to the OP is that you should take it if you have a bunch of free time, because it will be a monkey on your back as an intern. However, I definitely wouldn't sacrifice any of my precious fourth year leisure time if it was in small quantities.
Thanks for the link smq. I was thinking that in the least I could start prepping for it early and try to take it asap if possible.
N
njbmd
You can register under any state to take Step 3 and thus, you don't have to spend a year in post-graduate training to take this exam. Just pick one that doesn't have this requirement.
In terms of spending that time, I certainly wouldn't waste in studying for Step3. All you need is a pass on this exam. For me, I spent about 30 minutes per day reading for ABSITE (nothing formal but regular reading) after I started my PGY-1 year which is given the last Saturday in January. After my first ABSITE, I spent two weekends studying for Step 3 (Crush USMLE Step 3) and passed it with no problems. I certainly didn't use my vacation time on this nuisance of an exam that is meaningless other than it's required for permanent licensure. In short, get your "crib" ready and take a vacation. Don't even bother reading for surgery unless you feel you are just way behind in your prep for residency.
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The way that Step 3 works is that based on the state that you are trying to get licensed in (i.e. where you are doing your residency), there are stipulations on when you can sit for Step 3. Some allow you to take it immediately upon graduating med school, some make you wait a month and some make you complete internship first. My advice to you, no matter when you are eligible to take it is that you take it as early as possible. You will be surprised how quickly you start to forget psych, OB/gyn, peds, etc. Just take it and get it out of the way. And remember, all you need to do is pass, so don't study too hard. It is exactly like Step 2CK but with an extra day semi-devoted to clinical scenarios which are cake as long as you go through the practice questions on the USMLE CD that you get with registration for the test.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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