About the ExaminationThe USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) is a group of examinations given in three stages, requiredfor licensure as a doctor in the USA. The examination is held under the sponsorship of the Medical Licensure Boardsof each state in the United States, and enables them to compare candidates. Registration for Students and medicalschool graduates from outside of the United States takes place through ECFMG (the Educational Commission forForeign Medical Graduates).Content and Structure of the ExamThe USMLE is given in English, and tests the candidate’s medical knowledge. Each step tests different aspects ofmedical studies.
Step 1 – The examination tests understanding of concepts and basic principles in medicine and implementation ofthese concepts. It tests the knowledge accumulated in the first two years of preclinical studies in American medicalschools, which is parallel to the knowledge acquired first four years in Israeli medical schools. Most of the questionson the examination test clinical application of the theoretical knowledge.
Step 2 – The examination tests the application of medical knowledge, understanding and expertise in clinicalscience, as needed in the treatment of patients. It tests the knowledge accumulated in the two clinical years inAmerican medical schools. The exam is split into two parts:Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) tests clinical knowledge, and is taken on a computer, in the same way asStep 1.Step 2 CS (Clinical Skills) tests clinical abilities, including communication, taking anamnesis, physicalcheckups, distinguishing and planned diagnoses. The examination takes place with the help of actors whosimulate patients. The examination takes place in the United States only.
Step 3 – The examination tests application of medical knowledge and patient management as required of licenseddoctors. It is taken on the computer, and takes place in the United States.
ACE THE USMLE:
5 mental tips for the USMLE step 2:
The exam was developed for human- believe in yourself!
the TIME PERIOD you take for studying is less important than the QUALITY of the studying
Understand the material! only memorizing questions or details is most of the time useless.
Take time to investigate which disciplines or organ systems high yield in the exam and which are less high yield. know perfect those very high
Choose the books you're studying from carefully. Use other people 's experience from you're own university. Differences between univerisities may be reflected in the differences between the books which are most popular in the respective medical school.
5 recommended preparation material for USMLE step 2:
First Aid for USMLE step 2- last edition
Kaplan Qbook
USMLE world Qbank
NBME self assessments
Dr Goljan lectures
5 useful website for all steps:
www.ECFMG.org (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates)
www.usmle.org (United States Medical Licensing Examination)
