Hello Friends!
I've been wogging (very slow jogging or walking/jogging combo) lately to combat the anxiety and stress I've been experiencing since I took my Step 2 CS exam on August 14. The good news is that it has definitely helping not only my mental frame of mind, but it's been doing something quite nice to my figure - firming up and dropping some poundage! Like my new kicks that have been helping me make my laps in Lincoln Park? Black with just that touch of pink ... er, okay, a bold touch;) The better news is that I found out I passed my exam on Wednesday this week. Results are always announced on Wednesdays. So Tuesday night I found myself unable to fall asleep until 3 a.m. When I woke up around 8:30, I checked my email and there was a notification that my results were available. I was excited, nervous, anxious... you name it. I couldn't seem to log into my account soon enough. When I was able to pull up my results, I squealed with delight when I found out I passed! I was sooooo relieved. You are graded on 3 components on this exam, and if you fail one section, you fail the whole thing. That means you will need to sit through another 8 hour ordeal. Fortunately, I will never have to take this exam ever again...phew!
Some students say it's the easiest among the board exams. I say, don't underestimate it. Three components to the PASS/FAIL exam and you must pass each component. Fail one section, you faill the whole thing... but no pressure. Definitely review cases from First Aid for Step 2 CS. Definitely practice these cases with another student, friend, spouse. Definitely time yourself! Also, practice on the software provided on the USMLE website to familiarize yourself with the patient note format. You have 15 minutes for H & P and 10 minutes to write your PN - and it must now be typed. So if you are rusty on your typing skills, that could definitely alter your scores because of the time constraints and additional information required now. The new format does require that you list your reasons to support your differentials. You may only list 3 differentials (before it was 5, so now you need to be more precise!), support your differentials, provide the diagnostic testings, and type it (formerly you had the choice to type or write it out).
I studied the First Aid book back and forth and practiced with my classmate a couple of times running through the H & P and writing out the patient notes. I knew the 40 plus cases in the book very well. I rehearsed out loud, even by myself... just to build my confidence for the actual exam day. It was the only book I used, and it was enough to help me pass the exam. I'm glad I will never have to take that exam again! My classmate told me to burn my books and notes right when it was over... I'll just keep them to remind me of one more Step exam completed... definitely something to smile about and remember on the more challenging days. Work hard and keep reaching for your dreams! I am so happy when I remember what it felt like to open up the email and found out I passed... well done, well done indeed!
XoX,
Marikym
P.S. My new running shoes are amazing - more comfortable than the Nike's I tried on that day... so I was sold! Try a pair of Saucony, it just may work for you too... the price tag was nice since I ended up getting them at Marshall's for short cash: $34.99! Love, love, love a good deal!
