USMLE Step 2 CS

 

Major Points of Focus to Assist You in Passing the USMLE STEP 2 CS EXAM

 

For the past 10 years I have trained over 200 candidates for the USMLE Step 2 CS exam. As I tell my students, this is an exam that requires an understanding of the American medical culture. You may already be an excellent physician but knowing "medicine" is simply not enough!  Understanding how Americans expect their doctors to behave and react is one of the most important parts of this exam. The nuances are not emphasized enough in the preparation guides that most USMLE candidates work with. 

I can help you understand what is expected in order to pass this exam. Of great importantance are the role-playing the scenarios.  I will evaluate all aspects of your performance, isolate any mistakes and help you correct them.  After my first meeting with you I will provide an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses.  Together we will create a tailored strategic plan for preparation.  

The number of sessions a candidate needs varies. After an assessment I may tell you quite honestly that you have nothing to worry about!  Other candidates may have challenges that cause me to tell them to delay their exam in order to maximize their performance.

I will be honest.

 

There will be emphasis on all three sub-components of the exam: CIS, ICE and SEP.

• English skills required for successful completion of the exam.

• Writing skills for taking the patient history notes, recording your evaluation, composing the differential diagnoses, explaining  justification for the diagnoses and recommended tests.

• The quality of documentation.

• Evaluation and suggestions for communicating with the patient which will cover speech clarity, vocal emphasis, pronunciation,
  cadence, appropriate vocabulary, terminology and idioms.

• Evaluation and suggestions regarding all aspects of the physician/patient relationship and interaction.  How to establish rapport, communicate respect for the patients cultural values, sensitivities, feelings, concerns and fears. How to create an environment of trust and confidentiality.

• Using open ended questions to help the patient describe their health issues in their own words.

• Speaking in terms which suit the patients ability to understand, the utilization of nonverbal communication methods, verifying that the patient understands what you have said and determining their level of agreement plus their ability to follow through with your recommendations.

• Tips for guidance and counseling to help the patient make the best decision and respond to their questions.  How to handle their emotional reactions and the display of appropriate sympathy.

• Proper hygienic procedures during the physical exam.

• Efficiency, how to maximize utilization of time during the examination.

 

FORMAT

Preparation sessions are usually individual.  However it is possible to arrange small group sessions.  During the sessions all 3 components of the Step 2 CS Exam are reviewed {Communication and Interpersonal Skills (CIS), Spoken English Proficiency (SEP), and Integrated Clinical Encounter (ICE)}.

 

A 'Note' about the PATIENT NOTE

Every medical culture has unique ways of summarizing the information our patients give us.  Strategize to gain maximum points on the patient note.  Learn the "Americanisms" that are different from the way you write your notes today. 
 

SUPPORT and FOLLOW-UP

Following the training sessions follow-up by e-mail, phone and Skype is provided until you take the Exam.