April - June STEP 3 DISCUSSION GROUP

[thind]

Hello Everyone!

Lets all gather here for preparation and discussion for doubts in Step 3.
I Started with mtb 2 and mtb 3 along with ck notes. Please feel free to join and give your inputs and lets all help each other

Good Luck!!

[Gikson]

Originally Posted by thind

Hello Everyone!

Lets all gather here for preparation and discussion for doubts in Step 3.
I Started with mtb 2 and mtb 3 along with ck notes. Please feel free to join and give your inputs and lets all help each other

Good Luck!!

It is a great idea! Count me in! my exam is in the beginning of May. Done with Uworld already. I want to go one more time through Uworld and MTB 3 doing the CCS cases at the same time.
Also I have to take assessment exam, may be next week, to figure out where I am.
By the way, is there any other assessment exam except Uworld's?

[abeer]

Originally Posted by thind

Hello Everyone!

Lets all gather here for preparation and discussion for doubts in Step 3.
I Started with mtb 2 and mtb 3 along with ck notes. Please feel free to join and give your inputs and lets all help each other

Good Luck!!

Good that you made this thread

[Oldgradandmom]

Originally Posted by abeer

Good that you made this thread

count me in

[Nixy]

Count me in

[neuralcrest]

hi, what is considered a good average score in UW qbank? Thanks!

[Gikson]

Originally Posted by neuralcrest

hi, what is considered a good average score in UW qbank? Thanks!

Good question. I finished Uworld timed/random mode with average score of 65%.

[neuralcrest]

Originally Posted by Gikson

Good question. I finished Uworld timed/random mode with average score of 65%.

Thanks for the reply.

[Nkcc]

Hello everyone,

Count me in too! planning to get over with step3 by june end, before residency starts.

starting with MTB3 today.....

Good luck guys

[thind]

Originally Posted by Gikson

It is a great idea! Count me in! my exam is in the beginning of May. Done with Uworld already. I want to go one more time through Uworld and MTB 3 doing the CCS cases at the same time.
Also I have to take assessment exam, may be next week, to figure out where I am.
By the way, is there any other assessment exam except Uworld's?

Good luck for self assessment and let us know! Apart from that I guess NBME for step 3 are the other assessments although I dont have nay idea about its co-relation to exam.
Did you use anything else for prep apart from mtb and uworld?

[Gikson]

Originally Posted by thind

Good luck for self assessment and let us know! Apart from that I guess NBME for step 3 are the other assessments although I dont have nay idea about its co-relation to exam.
Did you use anything else for prep apart from mtb and uworld?

I did Kaplan qbank before starting Uworld and MTB3. In my opinion it was low yield material. And I think it was pretty outdated as well. Now I really regret the time I spent for it.
Also I am reading Biostats by Lipincot. Although there are some irrelevant materials in it, I think the book is good. It is a pdf version.

[M.Tayeb]

I am in. I did UWORLD random and timed and cumulative score is 61. finished mtb 3 and did UW assessment and got 213. Will revise again. any suggestions how that predict my outcome at this stage?

[Rani Kumar]

Count me in..just starting preparation..any tips for reading MTB3 like where to focus more ..thanks

[thind]

Originally Posted by neuralcrest

hi, what is considered a good average score in UW qbank? Thanks!

Hey! there is another post here on step 3 forum which shows co-relation of UW and final scores. I guess people who had 60-70% scored good marks ranging 205-230.

[thind]

Originally Posted by Rani Kumar

Count me in..just starting preparation..any tips for reading MTB3 like where to focus more ..thanks

Good luck for prep! I also started a while ago did IM from both mtb2 and 3, i find mtb 3 to be missing on some relevant details.

[thind]

Originally Posted by M.Tayeb

I am in. I did UWORLD random and timed and cumulative score is 61. finished mtb 3 and did UW assessment and got 213. Will revise again. any suggestions how that predict my outcome at this stage?

Thats a good score. At this point, I think you should focus more on your weak subjects. Probably solve biostats questions as it forms 15% of the exam now and perfect yourself in CCS as they make or break the deal!

[M.Tayeb]

Originally Posted by thind

Thats a good score. At this point, I think you should focus more on your weak subjects. Probably solve biostats questions as it forms 15% of the exam now and perfect yourself in CCS as they make or break the deal!

Thanks Thind. I did CCS part very well and I don't think that I have issue with this. I am trying to do uworld again focusing on my weak parts. Do you recommend doing something else, like MTB2 or UW ck questions ?

[aminsbt]

Hey Guys,

I have a quick question, I'm going to take step 3 in July-Aug. Since I took CK 5 yrs ago, I wonder if I should read Kaplan CK notes beside of the step 3 resources ( MTB 3, UW, Kaplan q bank) ?

What would you do ?

I'll really appreciate your help.

[thind]

Originally Posted by M.Tayeb

Thanks Thind. I did CCS part very well and I don't think that I have issue with this. I am trying to do uworld again focusing on my weak parts. Do you recommend doing something else, like MTB2 or UW ck questions ?

I can suggest doing Mtb 2 for IM with ck notes. I feel like mtb3 is not enough and lack in certain topics.

[Boatox]

Taking step 3 in the first week of May. Using MTB 3 (reviewed once already) + my UW Step 2 CK notes + UW Step 3 (Qbank + CCS). UW Qbank avg = 76% first run. Plan to do it a second time while I review MTB 3 again and all my UW notes. Still need to hammer the CCS cases. Good luck to everyone

[Nkcc]

i want to discuss infectious diseases chapter from MTB3 tomorrow at 9.pm pakistan time.

anyone interested can add me on skype: mmbhaty

[john_214]

Count me in! I'll start my studying this week. I plan on taking it late June.

Did anyone already submit the application through FSMB? How long did it take?

[xialvi]

Hey guys I also planning on giving step 3 in a couple of months. I wanted to know:
1. How man questions are there in total in step 3 UW?
2. I gave my ck about 8 months ago using mtb 2 for IM and the previous edition of mtb 3 for the other subjects. How useful is the new mtb 3?

[kamidi]

Hi friend,

You mentioned you did kaplan q bank, is it step 2 kaplan q bank or step 3,

I am planing to do kaplan q bank, but i am not having step 3 kaplan q bank.

Can you please send me Step 3 kaplan q bank if you have one.

This is my email id: [email protected]

Thanks in advance.

[Nkcc]

@zia

some body at facebook step3 thread posted that there are less then 1500 questions in uworld + 52 CCS cases and 44 readout CCS cases

those who have started uworld, please let us know

[Gikson]

Originally Posted by Nkcc

@zia

some body at facebook step3 thread posted that there are less then 1500 questions in uworld + 52 CCS cases and 44 readout CCS cases

those who have started uworld, please let us know

There are 1545 questions in the Usmle step 3 qbank.
Recently they added 5 q in Neurology section, so it is being continuously updated.

[Boatox]

Does anyone know if repeated patient updates is a sign you're taking too long to manage their symptoms / lower your score? For example, in the panic attack case, if you don't give alprazolam with your big batch of orders, you get two pop-ups saying "pt continues to complain about palpitations" while advancing to get your results back. If you then gave alprazolam when you've reviewed their enzymes, urine tox etc, would this still be considered poor management?

Thanks

[dr.baig22]

hi guys... I plan to take exam if my prep is good in the first wk of june before i move and prepare for residency... am doing uwrold and MTB... first round of doing cases and qbank havent finished yet...

[Nkcc]

welcome dr.baig....

ur in the same boat as i am, hopefully we will push step3 out of the way before we start our residencies...

good luck

[M.Tayeb]

Originally Posted by Boatox

Does anyone know if repeated patient updates is a sign you're taking too long to manage their symptoms / lower your score? For example, in the panic attack case, if you don't give alprazolam with your big batch of orders, you get two pop-ups saying "pt continues to complain about palpitations" while advancing to get your results back. If you then gave alprazolam when you've reviewed their enzymes, urine tox etc, would this still be considered poor management?

Thanks

No it won't consider poor management. in cases like Panic attack it won't make a difference, it will take some time to subside. But if you delay treatment in other conditions, for example patient is presented with abdominal pain and you were busy doing exams and ordering investigations and you forgot to write pain killers, this will affect your marks.

[jenny7990]

can anyone pleas tell me how imporant is to read first aid 3rd edition for step 3??

[dr.baig22]

Originally Posted by jenny7990

can anyone pleas tell me how imporant is to read first aid 3rd edition for step 3??

i am only using it for 100mini cases at the end...

[neuralcrest]

Originally Posted by dr.baig22

i am only using it for 100mini cases at the end...

Do you find the 100 mini cases helpful? Thanks.

[dr.baig22]

Originally Posted by neuralcrest

Do you find the 100 mini cases helpful? Thanks.

yes. i do for me atleast... cuz its quick revision...

[kamidi]

Hai friends, if any one has kaplan step 3 q bank, please can you attach to my mail ,

[email protected]

Thanks a lot in advance.

[jenny7990]

guys, i heard that step 3 asks a lot of geriatrics and sports medicine questions...is there any specific books for these topics......

Also step 3 uworld do not cover pedia and surgery......Is MTB 3 suffecient for pedia and surgery??

Pleas help!!!

[Nkcc]

hey, i a registering for step3.

what state is best for step3, in terms of less paper work. Connecticut was the all time favourite before the new pattern, should i get registered to connecticut too? i have no preferences.

the CiD form , now, no longer needs your prefered centre right?

[Boatox]

Originally Posted by Nkcc

hey, i a registering for step3.

what state is best for step3, in terms of less paper work. Connecticut was the all time favourite before the new pattern, should i get registered to connecticut too? i have no preferences.

the CiD form , now, no longer needs your prefered centre right?

The new step 3 isn't registered to a state like the previous ones were

[mdsoon]

also prepping for Step 3 before july 1. doing mtb 3 and u world at the moment. need help in approaching CCS.

anyone have sequence or template in which you use to approach every ccs case?

[john_214]

Applied for the July - September period. But I will actively take part in this group and try my best to take the exam in the first week of July.

I am starting to study this Monday, April 13th.

79 days to go till June 30th. Starting with MTB 3 and DIT Step 2 videos. Will start 1 block of UW per day as well.

Anyone else in the same boat as me and just starting to study? Feel free to message me and we can keep each other accountable to study. Thanks

[jenny7990]

hey guys, I have older version of mtb (2009)....is there any changes in the new edition...does any1 hV a pdf format of newer version of MTB than I do?? I would really appreciate if you can send me at [email protected]
Thanks

[M.Tayeb]

Originally Posted by jenny7990

hey guys, I have older version of mtb (2009)....is there any changes in the new edition...does any1 hV a pdf format of newer version of MTB than I do?? I would really appreciate if you can send me at [email protected]
Thanks

How can you read a book for a licensing exam that is outdated 5 years ago? get the new book and save your time and your score.

[jenny7990]

Originally Posted by M.Tayeb

How can you read a book for a licensing exam that is outdated 5 years ago? get the new book and save your time and your score.

Thanks M.Tayeb...u r right!!!!

[usmle1981]

hello everyone...count me too. planning to give exam in july. have completed ck video lectures,reading MTB 3...

[Tosyk]

hello guys! Count me in!
I've started studying 1 month ago. Have finished MTB 2 and 3. Recently started classroom anywhere step 3 and lecture notes step 3. I'm wondering why u don't use step 3 lecture notes? why do you use step 2 ck lecture notes?
hope to finish classroom and lecture notes at the end of april and will begin UW.
Planning to take my exam in the mid of june

By the way, don't u guys know how long does it take to get results after step 3?

[kamidi]

Hai, my dear friends,

I have one doubt,

Do we need to know, duration of treatment for each disease for step 3 exam.

For example: Uncomplicated cystitis 7 day of ciprofloxacin, ect,

do we need to know for all the diseases. like Lung abcess, pneumonia, meningitis, osteomylitis. ect.

If we will know just what drugs to use for each disease, then what's the diffference btw step 2 ck and step 3 exam, in this point.

[dr.baig22]

hi all... I have a ques.
18 yo male has fever and pain in left foot. it is red and itchy. He is active in sports plays baseball, basket ball and football. On examination left foot big toe is erythematous swollen also involving web spaces. Right foot also has dry fly web spaces. Also has swollen tender lymph node in left groin.
a. staphlococcus
b. pseudomonas
c. trichophyton rubrum
d. e.coli

[Tosyk]

Hey guys! How long does it take to go through uworld ccs if studying schedule is ~ 8 hours a day?

[Tosyk]

Originally Posted by dr.baig22

hi all... I have a ques.
18 yo male has fever and pain in left foot. it is red and itchy. He is active in sports plays baseball, basket ball and football. On examination left foot big toe is erythematous swollen also involving web spaces. Right foot also has dry fly web spaces. Also has swollen tender lymph node in left groin.
a. staphlococcus
b. pseudomonas
c. trichophyton rubrum
d. e.coli

I think it's Athlete's foot - trichophyton rubrum

[jenny7990]

Originally Posted by john_214

Applied for the July - September period. But I will actively take part in this group and try my best to take the exam in the first week of July.

I am starting to study this Monday, April 13th.

79 days to go till June 30th. Starting with MTB 3 and DIT Step 2 videos. Will start 1 block of UW per day as well.

Anyone else in the same boat as me and just starting to study? Feel free to message me and we can keep each other accountable to study. Thanks

hi john_214.....can u please tell me what is DIT? I am also planning my exam by june end. m currently doing mtb 3, uworld. Started mtb step2ck today itself...keep me posted about your study progress....

[dr.baig22]

Originally Posted by dr.baig22

hi all... I have a ques.
18 yo male has fever and pain in left foot. it is red and itchy. He is active in sports plays baseball, basket ball and football. On examination left foot big toe is erythematous swollen also involving web spaces. Right foot also has dry fly web spaces. Also has swollen tender lymph node in left groin.
a. staphlococcus
b. pseudomonas
c. trichophyton rubrum
d. e.coli

i answered trichophyton too... but it came out wrong in nbme... dnt knw what is the real answer... i want to know how to differentiate staph from pseudomona cuz someone wrote its pseudomona but it doesnt make sense to me.. cuz not diabetic not immunocompromised no nail puncture or anything like that.. how it can be pseudo??? atleast for staph evidence is present fever and tender lymph node... Can anyone explain how its pseudomona????? thnxs...

[gamabunta0727]

hi Guys!

Do u think NBMEs are necessary and helpful to prepare step 3? I just finished uworld qbank (66%) and CCS. Im repeating the incorrect questions and reading MTB 3.

thanks

[john_214]

Originally Posted by dr.baig22

i answered trichophyton too... but it came out wrong in nbme... dnt knw what is the real answer... i want to know how to differentiate staph from pseudomona cuz someone wrote its pseudomona but it doesnt make sense to me.. cuz not diabetic not immunocompromised no nail puncture or anything like that.. how it can be pseudo??? atleast for staph evidence is present fever and tender lymph node... Can anyone explain how its pseudomona????? thnxs...

I thought it was staph. I remember encountering a similar ques in UW step 2 qbank. I think the patient has athletes foot and because of the excessive itching, he likely fissured his skin which caused the BACTERIAL infection to spread all the way to his lymphnodes.

[john_214]

Originally Posted by jenny7990

hi john_214.....can u please tell me what is DIT? I am also planning my exam by june end. m currently doing mtb 3, uworld. Started mtb step2ck today itself...keep me posted about your study progress....

Hi, DIT = Doctor's in Training. I am not too sure how many people rely on this source but since I don't have access to any other step 2 or 3 videos, I am going to watch these along with MTB 3.

[jenny7990]

Originally Posted by dr.baig22

hi all... I have a ques.
18 yo male has fever and pain in left foot. it is red and itchy. He is active in sports plays baseball, basket ball and football. On examination left foot big toe is erythematous swollen also involving web spaces. Right foot also has dry fly web spaces. Also has swollen tender lymph node in left groin.
a. staphlococcus
b. pseudomonas
c. trichophyton rubrum
d. e.coli

hi....think answer is A.it is cellulitis..pt has fever, pain, redness, swelling.

[shahkeval]

Hello guys,
I am reading MTB 3 and trying to finish it off asap. I have already started few mcqs too....uworld will be the main point to focus. I am also going through a book named step up to step 3..kind of a nice book. I am planning to give it in july with full time research going on...will it be possible ?

[abeer]

can anyone post neeraj notes here or post the link of neeraj notes of step3 please??
Also, how helpful are you guys finding ck notes for UW step3?? I have'nt started UW step3 yet..

please reply.

[dr.baig22]

john_214

thank you...

[Boatox]

Has anyone done the UWSA? I'm finding it hard to finish 48 questions in time (always down to 2 mins with ~4 questions left) Didn't have this problem with previous steps

[Divinefavor]

Has anyone used Dr Conrad Fischer's Step 3 Medquest videos that he made to go with MTB 3? If so was it worth the money?

[dr_serge]

Hey, guys!

Does anyone have an idea about the amount of basic science (Step 1 like material) in the new test format. The avarege amount of questions per block, the depth of the material being tested?
Maybe someone was lucky to talk to anybody who have already passed the new test?

[M.Tayeb]

Originally Posted by dr_serge

Hey, guys!

Does anyone have an idea about the amount of basic science (Step 1 like material) in the new test format. The avarege amount of questions per block, the depth of the material being tested?
Maybe someone was lucky to talk to anybody who have already passed the new test?

This is what another member commented in regard to the same question that I asked him:

Day 1 was FIP and was basically Step 1/a bit Step 2 CK type questions including biostat around 8/block plus drug ads. I solely relied on UWorld and MTB 3 for my prep, try to get a feel how FIP on Uworld is like. I didnt go through Step 1/2CK books except the biostat part of First Aid Step 1 two to three days prior to exam, which is just around 3 pages. Biostat is high yield, the rest of Day 1 is UWorld plus fate , imho. Also, Day 1 felt more like a test of time management rather than knowledge because the q-stems are long, like really long making the impression that they have the intent to fool/distract you. So practice...

[abeer]

Originally Posted by M.Tayeb

This is what another member commented in regard to the same question that I asked him:

Day 1 was FIP and was basically Step 1/a bit Step 2 CK type questions including biostat around 8/block plus drug ads. I solely relied on UWorld and MTB 3 for my prep, try to get a feel how FIP on Uworld is like. I didnt go through Step 1/2CK books except the biostat part of First Aid Step 1 two to three days prior to exam, which is just around 3 pages. Biostat is high yield, the rest of Day 1 is UWorld plus fate , imho. Also, Day 1 felt more like a test of time management rather than knowledge because the q-stems are long, like really long making the impression that they have the intent to fool/distract you. So practice...

FIP?? what is it

[M.Tayeb]

Originally Posted by abeer

FIP?? what is it

Foundation of Independent Practice, lol

[abeer]

Originally Posted by M.Tayeb

Foundation of Independent Practice, lol

hehe That's OK !!

[sk588]

M plannin to take step 3 by june end . Doing u world currently. Started 5 days ago. Would love to have a serious study partner on skype or may b whats app where we could discuss.
If anyone is in the initial stages of preparation, lemme know, we could prepare together.
Thanks !

[dr.baig22]

hi guys...

am doing uworld ccs... anyone wants to do all cases practice with me.. plz msg me and let me know what time is convenient... thnxs... my skype id syeda.ameena22

[abeer]

Guys I need urgent help ,....
I just did my first ccs case and messed it up.. I could not understand how the software works,, like where to order physical exam, diagnosis and how to forward the clock.. I know I should have leanred it before starting the case.. I may sound dumb asking these questions... But please help me ... is there any tutorial on UW that helps getting used to the software??

[abeer]

Anyone ???

[Nixy]

I too have no idea on CCS. I asked someone but honestly I still am clueless. I am starting CCS in two days but i just tried 3-4 sample questions. I don't know when do I forward the clock. All I am told is that I need to put in orders like I would for a real case and the case will end quickly if I am going in the right direction. I tried a dissecting aneurysm case and I did all I could then send consult for surgery but it said nothing required at this time, the patient got worse and time was up. I the feedback, I checked I had done everything they had mentioned but still nothing happened, please can anyone help me understand this?

[abeer]

Originally Posted by Nixy

I too have no idea on CCS. I asked someone but honestly I still am clueless. I am starting CCS in two days but i just tried 3-4 sample questions. I don't know when do I forward the clock. All I am told is that I need to put in orders like I would for a real case and the case will end quickly if I am going in the right direction. I tried a dissecting aneurysm case and I did all I could then send consult for surgery but it said nothing required at this time, the patient got worse and time was up. I the feedback, I checked I had done everything they had mentioned but still nothing happened, please can anyone help me understand this?

I watched the whole simulation given on usmle.org and I found it to be helpful.. and all my friends said that i need to keep doing the cases.. just practice them again and again... I am doing really bad in ccs... but will keep practicing it.. the more we'll do, the more we'll explore the software..

[Nixy]

Thanks! I also found out a tutorial on YouTube, seems helpful. I would know more once I start CCS day after tomorrow.

[usmle1981]

Nixy....can you pls give us the you tube link?..

[Nixy]

It's step by step guide to CCS

[Boatox]

Finished day 1 yesterday and felt the questions were straightforward (albeit some rather long) and left feeling rather positive. Lots of biostats as others have said. Focusing mainly on CCS now for day 2 at the end of the week and the expected "bad feeling" after day 2 mcqs.

[kamidi]

Hai Friends,

Have a question for you all.


Is it good to give step 3 exam in consecutive days, or should take a break for 1-3 days time before giving day 2 exam (ACM : Advanced clinical medicine).

Will appreciate your advice...!

[M.Tayeb]

Originally Posted by kamidi

Hai Friends,

Have a question for you all.


Is it good to give step 3 exam in consecutive days, or should take a break for 1-3 days time before giving day 2 exam (ACM : Advanced clinical medicine).

Will appreciate your advice...!

My first day will be on May 11, I scheduled the second day on May 14. I think it will give me ample time to review the whole cases before going to the exam, which makes me more confident.

[abeer]

Originally Posted by Boatox

Finished day 1 yesterday and felt the questions were straightforward (albeit some rather long) and left feeling rather positive. Lots of biostats as others have said. Focusing mainly on CCS now for day 2 at the end of the week and the expected "bad feeling" after day 2 mcqs.

Did you see the same concepts as UW??

[kalimo87]

I'm planning to give step 3 in two months. Should I complete the qbank then move onto CCS cases, or should I do them together? Also, does the UWSA include CCS cases? I took an nbme prior to starting prep, and that was only MCQs.

[Boatox]

Originally Posted by abeer

Did you see the same concepts as UW??

Yes and no. UW is still the best resource for the test, in my opinion. MTB 3 was most useful for Day 1 MCQ. Day 2 is sort of a free-for-all with UWorld concepts being helpful. Day 2 was much harder but, gladly, almost all of my CCS cases were from the 90+ UWorld cases. Now waiting for my results..

[Boatox]

Originally Posted by kalimo87

I'm planning to give step 3 in two months. Should I complete the qbank then move onto CCS cases, or should I do them together? Also, does the UWSA include CCS cases? I took an nbme prior to starting prep, and that was only MCQs.

There are no CCS cases in the UWSA

[abeer]

Originally Posted by Boatox

Yes and no. UW is still the best resource for the test, in my opinion. MTB 3 was most useful for Day 1 MCQ. Day 2 is sort of a free-for-all with UWorld concepts being helpful. Day 2 was much harder but, gladly, almost all of my CCS cases were from the 90+ UWorld cases. Now waiting for my results..

so these ccs cases were from the main UW ccs cases or from the extra printable/ written 42 cases ?? please do reply..

Thanks