Unlike
other exams are related to medical fields, the USMLE thoroughly measures how
accurately you can apply your skills, values, and attitudes to real life,
patient-focused scenarios. It is not only a valuable practice for you as a
future physician; but it also shows licensing authorities how you will behave
on the job, both on and off the table. Now put on those mental scrubs and show
them what you’re made of.
THE USMLE STEP 1:
The
USMLE Step 1 is a one-day computer exam taken by most medical students at the
end of their second year or 1st professional part 2 of their medical school. It
is also taken by a large number of international medical graduates (IMGs) who
wish to practice medicine in the United States. The Step 1 includes no more
than 280 multiple-choice questions and spans 8 hours of testing, broken down
into seven 1-hour blocks of 40 questions each.
The
USMLE Step1 comprises of basic science subjects, specifically anatomy,
behavioral science, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and
physiology. Interdisciplinary areas e.g genetics, immunology, and nutrition are
also tested.
The
test is administered by appointment on a year-round basis. When planning your
USMLE prep, factor in 6 to 9 months for Step 1 review.
THE USMLE STEP 2 CK:
The
USMLE Step 2 CK is a multiple-choice exam just like step 1 but having different
syllabus, designed to determine whether the examinee possesses the medical
knowledge and understanding of clinical science considered essential for the
provision of patient care. The Step 2 CK includes approximately 318 questions
and time duration of 9 hours of testing,
divided into eight 1-hour blocks of about 40 questions each.
The
USMLE Step 2 CK will consist of two multiple-choice formats:
- Single Best Answer
- Single Answer
Matching
The
exam may also contain patient-centered vignettes with a series of associated
questions. Topics are presented randomly. For example, there is no unique
pediatrics section. You'll face the challenge of having to switch from one
topic to another without skipping a beat.
The
test is administered by appointment on a year-round basis. When planning your
USMLE review, factor in 4 to 6 months for Step 2CK prep.
THE USMLE STEP 2 CS:
The
communication skills, component of the exam are evaluated through the following
areas:
- Fostering the
relationship
- Gathering information
- Information provision
- Making decisions
- Supporting emotions
- Enabling
patient behaviors
In this section of USMLE step, more advanced functions will
be incorporated. Applying this model will alter how standardized patients (SPs)
are trained as well as broaden the range of attitudes on which candidates will
be evaluated. This evaluation process eliminates the history checklist formerly
used by SPs to evaluate whether certain examinee behaviors occurred. SPs are
now trained on a particular personality profile, thus allowing them to respond
in a more natural manner to candidates questions. The NBME's decision to refine
the CS examination was based on the ever-increasing awareness of the importance
of communication skills and changes in the nature of the doctor-patient
relationship.
The USMLE Step 3:
The USMLE Step 3:
The USMLE step 3 is a 2-day computerized examination with 500 multiple-choice questions, as
well as computer-based case illustrations (CCS) which assess your ability to
evaluate history and physical exam information, order diagnostic tests, select
initial therapies, and manage the patient.
The
USMLE Step 3 mainly focuses on patient management (45-55% of questions). Other
topics include history and physical; lab and diagnostic studies; diagnosis;
prognosis; and pathophysiology—each section containing about 8-12% of the exam
questions. In addition, each question falls into one of three clinical
encounter frames: initial workup; continued care; and emergency care.
The
test is administered by appointment on a year-round basis.
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