taking medication during step 2 CS?

[somber]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I want to take a pill during the lunch break. Is this allowed?

The usmle website suggests that one would need special permission for accommodations for this.

 

[gman33]

I want to take a pill during the lunch break. Is this allowed?

The usmle website suggests that one would need special permission for accommodations for this.

Just leave it in your locker and take it on a break.
Go into the bathroom and no one will know about it.
I'm sure you could go through some official procedure, but I wouldn't bother.

 

[LMarie_MD2b]

The above advice is appropriate for CK examinations--as you are allowed access to the locker you select during breaks.

However, this is NOT the same for CS examinees!!!

When I took CS in Atlanta, we were NOT allowed access to the storage area on breaks--according to the orientation video, this is standard procedure for CS. We were instructed to leave all snacks, personal items (breath mints, tissues), medications, or other items we would need access to at our assigned seats during the test. I had a small bottle of ibuprofen that I left at my desk, and popped a couple during lunch, no problem.

 

[gman33]

The above advice is appropriate for CK examinations--as you are allowed access to the locker you select during breaks.

However, this is NOT the same for CS examinees!!!

When I took CS in Atlanta, we were NOT allowed access to the storage area on breaks--according to the orientation video, this is standard procedure for CS. We were instructed to leave all snacks, personal items (breath mints, tissues), medications, or other items we would need access to at our assigned seats during the test. I had a small bottle of ibuprofen that I left at my desk, and popped a couple during lunch, no problem.

Right, you can't get in the locker.
I left my meds on the desk as well.

 

[somber]

http://www.usmle.org/step-2-cs/#examinfo

If you believe that you have a medical condition that requires you to use medication, an external appliance, or electronic device in the secure areas of the test center you will need to request permission at least four weeks prior to your test date.

http://www.usmle.org/bulletin/testing/#step2cs

Once you enter the secure area of the test center (beginning with the orientation), you may not leave that area until the examination has been completed. The examination lasts about eight hours. Two breaks are provided (one 30-minute break and one 15-minute break). A light meal is provided during the first break; however, you may bring your own food (provided that no refrigeration or preparation is required). No special meals are available.

http://www.usmle.org/bulletin/testing/#personalitems

For Step 2 CS, the entire testing session from orientation until the evaluation is completed, including all breaks, is considered a closed and secure testing session, and the entire test center, including the orientation room and the restrooms, is a secure testing area. Therefore, the rules regarding unauthorized possession during Step 2 CS apply to the orientation room and to all breaks.

The usmle website directly states that meds are not allowed in the secure area, defines the secure area as including the lunch room, and does not list any allowed items other than self, snack, white coat, and stethoscope.

I am glad to hear that meds are allowed in the lunch break area. I was freaking out because I do not have four weeks to request accommodations, and when you click the accommodation link it suggests that your score will have an asterisk by it saying so.

 

[somber]

http://www.usmle.org/bulletin/applying-and-scheduling/#disabilities

You are not required to obtain advance permission to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses during testing, or to consume food or medication on authorized breaks. All personal items, including those permitted as an exception under this policy, are subject to inspection at the test center. If you bring an item, including an appliance or device, to your test administration without obtaining permission in advance, you may not be permitted to test, you may be required to relinquish the item, you may be investigated for irregular behavior, and/or your score may be held until you provide adequate documentation from your medical professional.

So before I missed this section where it states clearly that meds are allowed.