NIMSA TalkExams and Electives

Topics

• North American Exams– Timeline– Step 1 course– Step 2CK and EE tutorials– CS and NAC OSCE tutorials?

• North American Electives:

USMLE Step 1

4

RESEARCH vs. VACATION

USMLE STEP 1

USMLE STEP 2 CK CS + ELECTIVES

GRADUATION!!INTERVIEWSAPPLICATIONS DUE MARCH – MATCH!

ELECTIVE MCCEE

NAC

Registration Process

1. https://iwa2.ecfmg.org/appforcert/onlinedocs/afcoverview.aspx

2. https://secure2.ecfmg.org/emain.asp?app=iwa

3. Instructions all on this page: https://iwa2.ecfmg.org/overview.asp

The Fees

Timeline

• Register account now (allows you to obtain a USMLE/ECFMG ID number)

• In December/January get documents (form 186) signed by the Health Science Programe Office and sent on your behalf

• Once you are notified (typically between January and March), register for USMLE Step 1 examination

• Select a date and location to write the exam

When to Sit the Step 1

• After finishing your theoretical/basic sciences in your medical education.

• Almost all American Graduates sit the exam between 2nd and 3rd year.

• Graduate Entry Medicine– after 2nd year (before res-year).

• Undergraduate Entry Medicine– after 3rd (5 year program) or after 4th year (6 year program).

When to Sit the Step 1

• Try and write the exam during summer

• Writing after the summer is difficult due to clerkship rotations and res-year exams

• Fine line between feeling ready and deferring

UCD Step 1 Course Feedback 2014Survey Results: 17 respondents • Was the USMLE course helpful: 94% yes (16)• I would recommend the same lecturers return: 93.75% yes (15)• I liked the format of the course: 76.5% agree (13), 3 neither, 1 disagree• The course should include the following method of learning:

– *post review quizzes, regular intervals– biochem Holloway format: 30min lecture, 30min questions followed

by summary slide– *clickers to answer questions rather than calling out answers (or use

google test)• Content of lectures at a good level for my USMLE prep stage: 82% yes

(14), 2 detailed• Questions and quizzes should be made available throughout the course,

rather than at the end: 70.6% agree (12)• *Start reading the USMLE first aid early 93.75% (15)

UCD Step 1 Course Con’dComments:• Do course in baby res (hard to do course during exams)• MAKE FIRST AID part of the UCD reading list• Many did not attend or only attended first one and then did not return

– Not what they expected• more active learning components not just lecture

– quizzes– home work– marked and reviewed stuff in subsequent class– draw things out while lecturing similar to Jones for his headache

lecture (neuro)– the longer the duration the more interactive it needs to be

• Tough to fit in quizzes and intense material while we have exams going on• Google test questions to anonymously answer USMLE style questions as a

group during classes

MCCEE

Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE)

• 180 MCQs – 4 hours• More straightforward than the CK

• Write it IN MARCH of 3rd year to be able to sit the NAC OSCE

• http://physiciansapply.ca/

RESEARCH vs. VACATION

USMLE STEP 1

USMLE STEP 2 CK CS + ELECTIVES

GRADUATION!!INTERVIEWSAPPLICATIONS DUE MARCH – MATCH!

ELECTIVE MCCEE

NAC

USMLE Step 2 CK/CS

USMLE Step 2 - Clinical Knowledge (CK)

• 352 MCQs over (8) hour blocks

• Start studying during electives (maybe even during 3rd year Med/Surg)!– All about management & clinical acumen –

stuff you learn during Res year• Wont have done Family med/psychiatry/Obs/Gyn/Peds!!!

– USMLE World Q-bank (again)

USMLE Step 2 - Clinical Skills(CS)

• 12 OSCE Stations – Simulated patient encounters

• Actors, writing notes, DDx, management• 25 minutes/case - 8 hours total

• Apply for the CS early, get your ticket etc.– Only a 5 US cities offer, so choose early and

wisely » Atlanta, Georgia » Chicago, Illinois » Houston, Texas » Los Angeles, California » Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Get it done early!

RESEARCH vs. VACATION

USMLE STEP 1

USMLE STEP 2 CK CS + ELECTIVES

GRADUATION!!INTERVIEWSAPPLICATIONS DUE MARCH – MATCH!

ELECTIVE MCCEE

NAC

NAC OSCE• Apply the same was as MCCEE• Only eligible after you pass the MCCEE

RESEARCH vs. VACATION

USMLE STEP 1

USMLE STEP 2 CK CS + ELECTIVES

GRADUATION!!INTERVIEWSAPPLICATIONS DUE MARCH – MATCH!

ELECTIVE MCCEE

NAC