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Got my CS result today!! PAssed!!! Woo-hoo!! 
OK so I wanted to share my experience of the exam ( NOT the cases ), coz I know how valuable this stuff can be. I used tips that other people posted in usmle-forums.com. I think some of u may find this useful too.
Firstly, I had only 30 days to study for CS after CK. I really think if one takes CS close to CK, u need to only concentrate on the 'communication' part of the exam. But in any case, please use your time to read and reread First Aid. (this was a mistake I made, I used the Kaplan book throughout, and first aid only in the last 4 days.)
Use FA as much as u can. I recommend going thru the cases 3 times, and then u will get the hang of it very well.
I also used UW. but I only used the videos, they are good but do not depend on them to teach u everything u need to know for CS.
Practicing Cases-
I did not have a study partner or anyone to practice with. Many people don't. Don't worry about it. After u r done reading the FA cases once, simulate the encounter with urself, saying both ur's and the pt's lines (strongly advice u to do this alone, coz ur relatives/friends may think ur losing it!)). Time these encounters, and physically do the actions like knocking on the door, examining the pt etc. this helps a lot.
About the exam itself-
You DO NOT have to be perfect to get through CS. I messed up a few times. For my first case, I came out of the room in only 7 minutes! I could not finish the closing in about 3-4 cases. I mistakenly poked a patient with the otoscope...( she moved!) the trick is never to let one bad case affect the rest of ur performance. forget it and move on.
About time for case and pt note-
Usually u can finish the case in 15 mins easily. it is better to close with a couple of lines and ask if the pt has any questions, rather than give a prolonged lecture and miss the pt question. if u have spare time, u can continue ur advice after the pts questions. usually they just ask one question.
the pt note is to be written in 10 mins. I found it very difficult to finish in 10 mins. I would advice that u practice writing the pt note as much as u practice the encounters. and pls choose typing or writing beforehand, and practice that form only. also, in the exam, pls type the DDs and diagnostic tests first, and then write notes , so even if u run out of time, at least they know u know what ur talking about.
About interpersonal skills-
Walk in like u are a calm competent doctor, speak in a soft but steady voice, smile, shake the patients' hand, and never lose eye contact ( but do not stare at the patient!).
About the test centre-
The people who conduct the exam are very pleasant and professional. they will put u at ease. the lunch is good too! ( wish I had eaten some of it. was too nervous)
Anyway guys, hope this helps. please practice hard, be calm and you can get though this too.
Oh, and enjoy urself while u study and during the exam too!
OK so I wanted to share my experience of the exam ( NOT the cases
), coz I know how valuable this stuff can be. I used tips that other people posted in usmle-forums.com. I think some of u may find this useful too.Firstly, I had only 30 days to study for CS after CK. I really think if one takes CS close to CK, u need to only concentrate on the 'communication' part of the exam. But in any case, please use your time to read and reread First Aid. (this was a mistake I made, I used the Kaplan book throughout, and first aid only in the last 4 days.)
Use FA as much as u can. I recommend going thru the cases 3 times, and then u will get the hang of it very well.
I also used UW. but I only used the videos, they are good but do not depend on them to teach u everything u need to know for CS.
Practicing Cases-
I did not have a study partner or anyone to practice with. Many people don't. Don't worry about it. After u r done reading the FA cases once, simulate the encounter with urself, saying both ur's and the pt's lines (strongly advice u to do this alone, coz ur relatives/friends may think ur losing it!
)). Time these encounters, and physically do the actions like knocking on the door, examining the pt etc. this helps a lot.About the exam itself-
You DO NOT have to be perfect to get through CS. I messed up a few times. For my first case, I came out of the room in only 7 minutes! I could not finish the closing in about 3-4 cases. I mistakenly poked a patient with the otoscope...( she moved!) the trick is never to let one bad case affect the rest of ur performance. forget it and move on.
About time for case and pt note-
Usually u can finish the case in 15 mins easily. it is better to close with a couple of lines and ask if the pt has any questions, rather than give a prolonged lecture and miss the pt question. if u have spare time, u can continue ur advice after the pts questions. usually they just ask one question.
the pt note is to be written in 10 mins. I found it very difficult to finish in 10 mins. I would advice that u practice writing the pt note as much as u practice the encounters. and pls choose typing or writing beforehand, and practice that form only. also, in the exam, pls type the DDs and diagnostic tests first, and then write notes , so even if u run out of time, at least they know u know what ur talking about.
About interpersonal skills-
Walk in like u are a calm competent doctor, speak in a soft but steady voice, smile, shake the patients' hand, and never lose eye contact ( but do not stare at the patient!).
About the test centre-
The people who conduct the exam are very pleasant and professional. they will put u at ease. the lunch is good too!
( wish I had eaten some of it. was too nervous)Anyway guys, hope this helps. please practice hard, be calm and you can get though this too.
Oh, and enjoy urself while u study and during the exam too!
