When To Take Step 3 ?

[IMGforNeuro]

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Congratulations to all who matched.
When do you think is the best time to take step3 ?
Should it be taken before starting residency (in states that allow) or after 1 or 2 years of residency?

 

[jackjinju]

As a peds intern who took it in February (after maybe 7 months of residency), I think I took it at the right time. It's kind of a primary care exam, with a lot of adult medicine, which I forget a little more every day. It's not too hard, but not cake either. If you're doing IM, family med, or a transitional year, it's right up your alley. I am glad I took it and got it out of the way, while most of the rest of my class is just starting to schedule their exams, and the associated stress it comes with.


Just my 2cents

 

[dwstranger]

Originally posted by jackjinju
It's kind of a primary care exam, with a lot of adult medicine, which I forget a little more every day. ... If you're doing IM, family med, or a transitional year, it's right up your alley.

This is my feeling, too. If you're doing any kind of specialty, the longer you wait to take the exam, the farther away from the "general" medicine you get. And IMHO, that makes it harder to remember (the "use it or lose it" phenomenon).

I plan to try to take it before the end of the year (after starting PGY1 in July).

 

[all41]

Most of the recommendations I've got were to take step 3 before residency begins, if you have the time. It is a pain during the long and tough working hours of the internship.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I don't know if its necessarily a pain to take during residency (frankly I rather enjoyed the two days off to take the test during the week) but as others have stated, unless you're doing IM or Peds, you will forget more and more and have to study harder for the exam the farther away from medical school you are. A few months of residency will give you some clinical insight which can be beneficial to you for the exam, but don't wait too long...

 

[all41]

Do the programs consider the 2 days of the step 3 as a part of your vacation time, or do you get extra 2 days off for taking it?

 

[BassDominator]

I would take it as soon as possible after Step 2, if your state allows you to. Most interns/residents I have spoken to recommend this.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Do the programs consider the 2 days of the step 3 as a part of your vacation time, or do you get extra 2 days off for taking it?

Can speak about other programs but I wasn't docked any vacation time for it.

 

[Pegasus]

So what if you are going into EM? Do you think i will get enough 'primary' care issues throughout the year with only one month of medicine, one month of ob/gyn, 5 EM, including peds EM?

Pegasus

 

[BassDominator]

So what if you are going into EM? Do you think i will get enough 'primary' care issues throughout the year with only one month of medicine, one month of ob/gyn, 5 EM, including peds EM?

Pegasus

I think you'll be really well prepared.