What to bring to Step 2 CS?

[Hassler]

Getting close to my CS date and getting nervous. Just want to make sure I'm bringing all the necessary things to the exam. I'm thinking:

- Scheduling Permit
- Driver's License
- White Coat + Professional Attire
- Stethoscope
- Pens

Anything else I'm missing?? Thanks!

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[SeaBreeze12]

That sounds right. They won't let you use your own pens during the test, they will be provided for you. You cannot wear a watch and your stethoscope cannot be electronic in anyway. You are allowed to bring water, food, medicine, snacks, mints if you want. You just have to leave these items at your assigned desk during the test. I took mine in Atlanta during the 3pm session and they provided us with dinner. They ask you to carry your govt ID in your white coat during the exam. Everything else you bring with you (car keys, cell phone, wallet... ) will be locked up during the exam.

Good Luck!

 

[Knicks]

What about things like tuning fork, pen-light, and other tools used during P/Es?

 

[SeaBreeze12]

Any instruments you might need in the encounter (other than your stethoscope) will be provided in the room.

 

[Peds1]

I thought we were supposed to wear a suit? Are we supposed to wear the white coat instead? What about our hospital badge? Thanks!

 

[Knicks]

Any instruments you might need in the encounter (other than your stethoscope) will be provided in the room.

Oh, ok.

Thanks.

 

[Keg]

I thought we were supposed to wear a suit? Are we supposed to wear the white coat instead? What about our hospital badge? Thanks!

White coat, no suit. No hospital badge.

 

[kaboodle]

1. Just wear what you would on rotation at your own hospital; white coat, dress pants, shirt & tie.

2. The only difference is don't wear a watch, no pens, and no notes.

3. Everything your allowed to bring, but can't take into the patient rooms will be stored in a locker or remain at your desk.

4. DO NOT FORGET ABOUT THE TIME CHANGE AT YOUR TESTING CENTER!!!

5. Most important of all and I can't stress it enough is...........RELAX!!
You will be nervous because it is normal, but it is also necessary. You are the doctor and the patient needs your help. Actually, if you think about it every patient you encountered to get to this point in your education has evaluated you. The only difference now is that you will see what they say. So, in every pt encounter act like their your dad, mom, brother, sister, niece, nephew, friend, etc. You would want them to like you wouldn't you? So, make sure your nice, and while doing so, show them what you know so their neighbor would want to come see you...

6. GOOD LUCK, TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND BE CONFIDENT...nobody wants to go to an insecure doctor..

 

[Hassler]

4. DO NOT FORGET ABOUT THE TIME CHANGE AT YOUR TESTING CENTER!!!

What's the time change? Are you referring to the different time zone the test center is in compared to your own time zone? Or is there an actual change to the original start time?

 

[kaboodle]

Yes....the "time zone" change of your testing center.

 

[m250]

Do they have a place to store a few bags, such as a carry-on plus a briefcase/backpack? I am planning on going straight from the testing center in Chicago to O'Hare after my exam is over, and won't have a place to store my bags during the exam other than at the testing center. Also, if my exam starts at 8am, it will be done by 4:00pm correct? I am planning to fly out around 6:45pm, and figure that should be plenty of time to get to O'Hare after the exam.

 

[AFDuck]

I was just at the Chicago center last week, and I would imagine they would allow you to store a carry-on + a bookbag. The locked storage room there is pretty big. However, the official language on the USMLE website says that this will not be allowed and that test-takers should make other arrangements for bag storage. You're call... I agree that you should be able to get to O'hare in time, assuming reliable transportation.

 

[m250]

How far is the Chicago testing center from O'Hare in terms of transit time? On mapquest, it appears that the testing center is not more than a few miles from O'Hare and only a 10-30 minute drive depending on traffic. I was just thinking I could take a taxi for less than $20...does this sound reasonable?

 

[AFDuck]

Yeah, it sounds reasonable to me, make sure you've got the taxi lined up

 

[ChocolateKiss]

Do they have a place to store a few bags, such as a carry-on plus a briefcase/backpack? I am planning on going straight from the testing center in Chicago to O'Hare after my exam is over, and won't have a place to store my bags during the exam other than at the testing center. Also, if my exam starts at 8am, it will be done by 4:00pm correct? I am planning to fly out around 6:45pm, and figure that should be plenty of time to get to O'Hare after the exam.

Mine was done by 3:15 pm. However, we had no delays. If all goes well, you should be done in plenty of time.