Topics Covered in the USMLE Step 2 CS Examination

Topics Covered in the USMLE Step 2 CS Examination The United States Medical Licensing Examination, or USMLE, is one of the toughest and most rigorous exams medical students will ever take. This one exam determines whether a student can legally practice as a licensed physician within the US. The USMLE Step 2 CS exam covers students’ knowledge of clinical skills and abilities in a variety of categories.

Topics List The USMLE Step 2 CS examination will test students based on their knowledge of the following 39 topics:                      

Acute Low Back Pain Alcohol/Tobacco Alcoholism and the Housewife Angina Appendicitis Chornic Paranoid Psychosis Cocain Addiction Cough and Night Sweats Diarrhea Difficult and Manipulative Patients Domestic Violence Dysmenorrhea Ectopic Pregnancy Failure to Thrive Fatigue and Amenorrhea Gastric Ulcer HIV New Patient Education Hypothyroidism Knee Pain Mild Depression New Onset Congestive Heart Failure New Onset Diabetes

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Palpitations Paranoid Schizophrenia Parkinson’s Disease Patient Education on Contraception Pneumothorax Severe Depression Syncopal Attacks – Hyperventilation TIA Upper Abdominal Pain/Pancreatitis Upper GI Bleeding Lower GI Bleeding Urethral Discharge in a Male Vaginal Discharge Weeping Widow/Widower Weight Loss and Fatigue – Hypothyroidism

How the USMLE Step 2 CS Examination Works During this examination, students will be presented with hypothetical cases in which they will need to provide a diagnosis and plan of treatment. Each “patient” will present with a set of symptoms, and students will be given some observations, as well. The examiner will ensure that each student takes a relevant and compete patient history, performs a physical examination that is relevant to the patient’s symptoms, and discusses initial impressions with the patient. These cases signify a student’s ability to appropriately provide patient care based on the knowledge obtained throughout his or her time in medical school.

How to Prepare Because of the complex nature of this examination, students will do best to prepare in a wide variety of ways. Of course, basic classroom knowledge is always important; without it, patients cannot accurately diagnose their patients. Software that provides sample practice cases is likely the better choice as it gives students a real scenario of what they can expect on test day. Students can read these sample cases, take notes, and then compare their solutions to those provided by the software. If they are incorrect in any way, they can see why, and they can resolve the problem with more thorough study.

The Day of the Exam Students should remember to rest well the evening before the examination, though they can feel free to brush up on anything they feel unsure about. Getting a good night’s sleep is vital to their success as it will help keep them focused while going through their cases. Skipping breakfast is not advised; the USMLE Part 2 exam is difficult and takes some time, so students should eat a nutritious meal for the fuel they will need to remain focused on the task at hand.

The USMLE Part 2 CS examination can be challenging and intimidating for some students, but in the end, it’s all about preparation. With the right software and tools, and by preparing the night before their exams, students can go into their tests feeling confident and secure.