Core Concepts for USMLE STEP 2 CS: A focused and goal-oriented approach

I wrote this book, because I could not find a book that carefully integrates core clinical concepts with the content of CS Exam. Sure, there are many books on the market, but these books are crammed with every possible detail and present a strategically unbalanced approach of preparing for the USMLE Step 2 CS. If you ask me what kind of book I personally like, my favorite book is simplified, concept-oriented, and focused on passing the exam. I cannot emphasize enough that CS exam has three components that you need to pass separately. Try to balance your preparation so that you are not tipped over to one aspect while leaving loopholes on others. You are welcome to use the mnemonics if you are comfortable with, but exam circumstances can subtly change making your mnemonics planned time wastage. You should empower yourself with a wealth of knowledge and skills in such a way that you do not flap over with common clinical encounters tested in CS Exam. This book is written in the form of lectures and practice sessions. The intent of the lecture format is to speak to you directly, as if we were in the classroom together. What I have written in this book is a reflection of what I heard from you during the exam preparation and after the actual exam. I have spoken to quite a few candidates who have failed the exam, even though they believed everything went smoothly. Finally, what you do as a medical student transitioning to become a physician makes me proud. I have spoken to several of you in the classroom, wards, cafeteria, and pubs. The journey you have ventured earns great respect and does not deserve a tearful approach to prepare for any exam. Do not read this book-just enjoy it! Remember to keep the big picture alive while details get filled in. Go to your favorite park or a café and start reading this book. Have a pencil handy, as I will make you write some patient notes. Again, I wish you the very best and look forward to working with you. Chapter 1 is a lighthearted approach to introduce the basic structure of CS Examination.Chapter 2 focuses on explaining how the exam is set up for you and the exam etiquette you are expected to demonstrate.Chapter 3 discusses some important case scenarios that constitute a major chunk of our day-to-day practice. Chapter 4 largely focuses on assisting you to make a good workup plan. Chapter 5 explains the unique words or terminologies used by SPs that can pose challenges to some candidates, especially International Medical Graduates. Chapter 6 is about applicable health screening questions. Chapter 7 is self-explanatory. In my opinion challenging questions is a misnomer because your SPs do not intend to challenge you with difficult and hard-to-answer questions. These are the questions you would ask your doctor if you were your SP’s patient. Chapter 8 is about pediatric patients and telephone calls Chapter 9 is about pregnancy and menopause. Chapter 10 is devoted to teaching you physical examination skills. Chapter 11 sets you up in an auto-correction mode. This chapter helps you instantly correct some of small errors you might make during the exam. Chapter 12 is unique in the sense that it emphasizes a common sense approach to history taking. Chapter 13 includes Mega Stations. Mega Stations are snapshots of your entire encounter, including case scenario, history taking, physical exam, case closure, and counseling skills. Chapter 14 constitutes the biggest chunk of this book. This chapter provides 61 case scenarios presented in a USMLE-like format. Chapter 15 provides you some examples of patient notes. Finally, you have the right to use this book the way you want. Realize that I wrote Core Concepts for USMLE Step 2 CS especially for you.