USMLE Preparation

Its United States Medical Licensing Examination conducted to achieve residency in U.S in various specialties.

It should be completely planned of we have goal to achieve residency in U.S.

It will be really really good if we start the process in House Surgeon. Where many students plan to do clerkship during their House Surgeon. Where the students develop good relationship with professors and they can even give their CS during this period.

Which is a practical exam to test clinical skills of medical student.

After their House Surgeon they can start preparing for usmle step 1.

Usually students start preparation at the end of House Surgeon.

Preparation for Step 1

Usually takes six months or eight months. We can get books for Step 1 and videos also. It would be better if we first give one reading and then listen to CDs.

After two reading - subscribe some USMLE World (U world) depending on our capacity for one month or two month.

Assess yourself and then repeat the bits.

Note important points in your books itself not in separate notes where sometimes we forget to read them. Give one NBME before you complete your third reading. That is in the middle of third reading and now at the end gives one more NBME exam and then gives your final exam.

If you score less in your NBME better postpone the exam for not less than 40 days(depends on each individual) to give one more reading. Revise first AID at least depending on your time.

Then give final exam.

Don’t take long breaks in between preparation because it gives you lot of disturbance and you will loose grip on preparation.

Preparation for Step 2 CS

Its up to you.

You can go for step 2 ck or step 2 cs

Visa processing

• Student visa
• CS visa
• Dependent visa

If you are planning to give CS Exam then plan for getting good partner. Best method is try to do observership or externship and then give clinical skills examination. Because English fluency is must and should learn about how to interact with patients. Because its entirely different from India and some other countries.

If you are in search of partner then keep your ID in usmle buddies website. 2 to 3 months before your exam. You can even ask regarding accommodation. You can search in forums and in orkut like social networking sites also.

But partner is must for preparation and US clinical experience is also must. It will help you lot with your preparation.

You can even go to private clinics for preparation and interaction with patients.

You must read first AID and U.world requires atleast one and a half month for preparation.

Try to complete cases within 14 minutes. Try to get coaching centers(Kaplan) CS books available near students who goes for Kaplan coaching for CS. You should learn how to give commands for patients learn some short cuts how to write patient notes in time. No need to read everything in coaching books. You can give CK and then CS or CS then CK.

CK also follow same method as step 1 and then prepare for Step 3.

Try to complete all including Step 3 with good scores by August ending with results in hands gain US clinical experience in the interested branch for atleast 6 months that will be really helpful and has its importance.