Using USMLE step 2 Secrets for rotations?

[TheGreatestDoc]

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I'm pretty sure some of you will think that I am totally crazy for even suggesting this but I'm gonna ask anyway. What do you think of using USMLE step 2 Secrets for your rotations? I'm currently on my IM rotation and I've already finished reading through Blueprints Medicine and the IM section of Boards and Wards. I still feel that my knowledge is kind of fuzzy. I've been doing some Kaplan qbook questions and I haven't been doing too hot.

I know that USMLE step 2 Secrets is a USMLE review book but I was looking through it the other day and I was quite impressesed. It seemed to cover the main disorders and I seeemed to be able to remember the things I've read. Does anyone think that the IM sections (cardio, endo, nephro, etc.) would be enough for the end of rotation exam (shelf)?

And what would you say about using Boards and Wards for my other rotations (Psych, Peds, Gyn, Surg)? I'm not trying to be a slacker but it seems like these review books are quite good (especially the ob/gyn section of Boards and Wards) and I'm wondering whether it would be better to read those rather than going through huge textbooks.

 

[MilkmanAl]

I used Crush Step 2, basically the same book plus a lot of pictures, and it worked just fine. In any event, I would NEVER read a text for third year. There's just not enough time, and there are enough excellent review books that you're just taking in a bunch of extra info with those tomes.

 

[MossPoh]

I used Crush Step 2, basically the same book plus a lot of pictures, and it worked just fine. In any event, I would NEVER read a text for third year. There's just not enough time, and there are enough excellent review books that you're just taking in a bunch of extra info with those tomes.

I've already read most of Step 2 secrets during surgery and psych rotation...it is a really short book.

 

[MilkmanAl]

Yeah, it is, but it has most of the high points in it.

 

[septoplasty]

So what books are to be used for rotations?

I think in the end, Step 2 is the most important goal, so I would think any book that particularly focuses on this would be key?

 

[turkeyjerky]

So what books are to be used for rotations?

I think in the end, Step 2 is the most important goal, so I would think any book that particularly focuses on this would be key?

it's prolly a better idea to go into more depth during your rotations, you are studying for the rest of your career as well, you know. Also keep in mind that clerkship grades are more important than step 2 in residency apps (generally speaking).

 

[PokerDoc]

What worked for me may not work for u but:

*Used pretest at the beginning of the rotation for every rotation, marked all my wrong answers, did wrong answers in the final week or week and a half
*Used UW for every theme but didn't touch it until the end, did wrong answers twice

Surgery: NMS case book and Pestana
Peds: Case files (the only rotation that this book truly excels imo)
Family Med: no book helps for this rotation, just study the ambulatory section of step up for medicine, blueprints is an option but I found it woefully inadequate, this was the shelf i was least prepared for
OBGYN: case files is pretty solid, blueprints is ok but not necessary
Psych: first aid was amazing and absolutely the only book you need for this rotation
MEdicine: Step up to medicine

 

[TheGreatestDoc]

it's prolly a better idea to go into more depth during your rotations, you are studying for the rest of your career as well, you know. Also keep in mind that clerkship grades are more important than step 2 in residency apps (generally speaking).

Actually I'm an IMG so I think for me that Step 2 will probably be more important but I'm not sure.

 

[turkeyjerky]

Actually I'm an IMG so I think for me that Step 2 will probably be more important but I'm not sure.

Well I guess that does change things.

 

[septoplasty]

Actually I'm an IMG so I think for me that Step 2 will probably be more important but I'm not sure.

Well this is true for the regular guys well, I would think Step 2 CK > MSPE?

 

[septoplasty]

What worked for me may not work for u but:

*Used pretest at the beginning of the rotation for every rotation, marked all my wrong answers, did wrong answers in the final week or week and a half
*Used UW for every theme but didn't touch it until the end, did wrong answers twice

Surgery: NMS case book and Pestana
Peds: Case files (the only rotation that this book truly excels imo)
Family Med: no book helps for this rotation, just study the ambulatory section of step up for medicine, blueprints is an option but I found it woefully inadequate, this was the shelf i was least prepared for
OBGYN: case files is pretty solid, blueprints is ok but not necessary
Psych: first aid was amazing and absolutely the only book you need for this rotation
MEdicine: Step up to medicine

Is it actually possible to go through the entire book thoroughly when you're pretty occupied especially with rotations like Surgery?

 

[TheGreatestDoc]

Is it actually possible to go through the entire book thoroughly when you're pretty occupied especially with rotations like Surgery?

MossPoh posted that he's already read most of the book in his surgery rotation so I guess the answer would have to be yes. Although I would like to hear what others have to say.

 

[olemissbabydoc]

I use it. Not as my primary source, but its a good adjuvant.