How to Prepare for USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills

Get an SP, can be a friend or family or colleague., Practice, practice, practice., Time all your cases and patient notes. ,Memorize DDs of all possible symptoms and mnemonics for the history and exam , Work on clear layman language. , Be polite...

27 Steps 1 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Get an SP

    Ideally a doctor.

    First Aid for step2 CS or USMLE world subscription for the cases.
  2. Step 2: can be a friend or family or colleague.

    Your SP should be ruthless and criticize at every point. ,,,,, It will help prevent skipping any vital questions. ,, What made you come in today? ,,,,, DEATH Dressing Eating Ambulating Toileting Hygiene.

    SHAFT Shopping Housekeeping Accounting Food prep Transportation. ,, ORIENTATION:
    Which state or city are u in ? REGISTRATION:
    Mention three objects slowly and clearly
    - ask the patient to repeat once you are done. (e.g.

    Pen, Watch, Ball) ATTENTION AND CALCULATION:
    Ask patient to say "WORLD" backwards.

    RECALL:
    Now ask the patient to repeat again those 3 words u told him before.

    LANGUAGE:
    Show him your pen
    - ask him what color it is.

    COMMAND FOLLOWING:
    On a piece of paper, draw intersecting pentagons, each side about one inch and ask him to copy it exactly as it is.

    To score correctly, all ten angles must be present AND two must intersect.

    Tremor and rotation are ignored.
  3. Step 3: Practice

  4. Step 4: practice

  5. Step 5: practice.

  6. Step 6: Time all your cases and patient notes.

  7. Step 7: Memorize DDs of all possible symptoms and mnemonics for the history and exam

  8. Step 8: Work on clear layman language.

  9. Step 9: Be polite

  10. Step 10: even excessively.

  11. Step 11: Read doorway info

  12. Step 12: write pt name and formulate and jot down a quick DD.

  13. Step 13: Knock with a quick 3 tap and walk in.

  14. Step 14: Greet the SP "Mr __ Hello I am Dr __.

  15. Step 15: Although this mnemonic is made for pain it can help in every history.COP LIAAAR PF SHOT

  16. Step 16: Character Onset Progression Location Intensity Aggravating factors Alleviating factors Associated symptoms Radiation Pain anywhere else Functional impact on Sleep Home Occupation Trauma history.

  17. Step 17: For a case of seizures or headache go with AT&T WIRELESS

  18. Step 18: Aura Timing nausea/vomiting Tearing/red eye Weakness/numbness Injury Running nose Estrogen(OCP) Leg(joint)pain Energy level Stress Speech.

  19. Step 19: For a case of Abuse do not forget to ask SAFEGARD

  20. Step 20: Safety at home Afraid of partner Family/ friends in the know Emergency plan Gun Alcohol Relationship Drugs.

  21. Step 21: For depression go with FACE SLIPS SM

  22. Step 22: Feelings(guilt

  23. Step 23: worthlessness) Appetite Concentration Energy levels Sleep Loneliness/libido Interests/hobbies Psychomotor symptoms Suicidal ideation Support group Memory.

  24. Step 24: Older person with 'Confusion' remember to ask about Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) DEATH and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)SHAFT.

  25. Step 25: For past history the familiar PAM HUGS FOSS is adequate.

  26. Step 26: Mini Mental State Exam; practice

  27. Step 27: it should not take over a minute.

Detailed Guide

Ideally a doctor.

First Aid for step2 CS or USMLE world subscription for the cases.

Your SP should be ruthless and criticize at every point. ,,,,, It will help prevent skipping any vital questions. ,, What made you come in today? ,,,,, DEATH Dressing Eating Ambulating Toileting Hygiene.

SHAFT Shopping Housekeeping Accounting Food prep Transportation. ,, ORIENTATION:
Which state or city are u in ? REGISTRATION:
Mention three objects slowly and clearly
- ask the patient to repeat once you are done. (e.g.

Pen, Watch, Ball) ATTENTION AND CALCULATION:
Ask patient to say "WORLD" backwards.

RECALL:
Now ask the patient to repeat again those 3 words u told him before.

LANGUAGE:
Show him your pen
- ask him what color it is.

COMMAND FOLLOWING:
On a piece of paper, draw intersecting pentagons, each side about one inch and ask him to copy it exactly as it is.

To score correctly, all ten angles must be present AND two must intersect.

Tremor and rotation are ignored.

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