As announced by ECFMG, effective last January 30, 2012, a fee of $50 will be charged for submitting an Application for ECFMG Certification.

The Application for ECFMG Certification is a requirement for international medical students/graduates pursuing ECFMG Certification. International medical students/graduates must submit an Application for ECFMG Certification before they can apply to . . . → Read More: Fee to be Implemented for Application for ECFMG Certification]]>

As announced by ECFMG, effective last January 30, 2012, a fee of $50 will be charged for submitting an Application for ECFMG Certification.

The Application for ECFMG Certification is a requirement for international medical students/graduates pursuing ECFMG Certification. International medical students/graduates must submit an Application for ECFMG Certification before they can apply to ECFMG for examination.

Once an Application for ECFMG Certification has been submitted to ECFMG, it typically remains valid throughout the certification process. For more information on the Application for ECFMG Certification, check out the ECFMG 2012  Information Booklet on their website.

Fee Increases for USMLE Examinations

Last December 16, 2011, ECFMG also announced that effective January 1, 2012, the fees for those applying to them for USMLE Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK), and Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) will increase.

The examination fees for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK will increase from $780 to $790 for each exam registration.

The examination fee for Step 2 CS will increase from $1,355 to $1,375 for each exam registration.

The new fees will be assessed for all USMLE applications submitted to ECFMG on or after January 1, 2012.

For more information on the fees associated with applying for USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS, you can refer to Exam Fees in the ECFMG 2012 Information Booklet.

Related Posts:

• Changes to the Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) Examination

• High Yield Fast Facts for the USMLE

• Guide to Self-Evaluation in USMLE Prep

• Congratulations, Masuma. USMLE Step 1 Score 99/230

• Congratulations Lilibeth, USMLE Step 1 Score 206

To further enhance the testing methods used in the Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) examination, changes will be introduced in Step 2 CS for examinations and will be delivered beginning June 17, 2012.

The reporting schedule for examinees testing from June 17, 2012 through November 3, 2012 will be 2-3 weeks longer than . . . → Read More: Changes to the Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) Examination]]>

To further enhance the testing methods used in the Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) examination, changes will be introduced in Step 2 CS for examinations and will be delivered beginning June 17, 2012.

The reporting schedule for examinees testing from June 17, 2012 through November 3, 2012 will be 2-3 weeks longer than for examinees testing during other periods.

Below is the Step 2 CS Score reporting Schedule for 2012:

Changes to the assessment of Communication and Interpersonal Skills (CIS)
The CIS subcomponent of Step 2 CS has been redesigned to assess a fuller range of competencies.  The new approach divides communication skills into a series of functions. These functions have been further divided into sub-functions. Beginning June 17, 2012, the Communication and Interpersonal Skills (CIS) scale will focus on five functions:

1. Fostering the relationship
2. Gathering information
3. Providing information
4. Making decisions: basic
5. Supporting emotions: basic

Several additional functions are still under development; these include making decisions: advanced; supporting emotions: advanced; and helping patients with behavior change. A list of the functions and sub-functions is available.

Changes to the patient note
Also beginning June 17, 2012, a new patient note will be introduced. The patient note is completed by the Step 2 CS examinee after the encounter with the standardized patient. In the new note, examinees will continue to be asked to document relevant history and physical examination findings and to list initial diagnostic studies to be ordered. Examinees will also be asked to create a reasoned, focused differential (maximum of three diagnoses) listed in order of likelihood and to indicate the evidence obtained from the history and physical examination that supports (or refutes) each potential diagnosis. The new patient note provides examinees with an opportunity to document their analysis of a patient’s possible diagnoses. A sample of the new patient note is available for review.

Practice materials
Updated practice materials for Step 2 CS will be posted to the USMLE website in March 2012. These include the Step 2 CS Content Description and General Information Booklet, onsite orientation video, sample patient notes, and a simulation of the program for typing patient notes.

*You can also visit the ecfmg website for information on usmle news.

Related Posts:

• Askdoc’s USMLE Step 2 CS Prep Course Now Open for Enrollment

• Preparing for the USMLE Step 2 CS – Part III

• Preparing for the USMLE Step 2 CS – Part II

• Preparing for the USMLE Step 2 CS – Part I

• What to Study for the USMLE – Part I

• High Yield Concepts and the USMLE.

Related Posts:

• Advice for the . . . → Read More: Congratulations Lilibeth, USMLE Step 1 Score 206]]> I would like to congratulate Lilibeth for passing the USMLE Step 1 with a score of 206  which she took last October 28,2011. Lilibeth is a member of Askdoc’s USMLE Step 1 Prep Course. We wish her well as she prepare for the USMLE Step 2CK.

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• Advice for the Old IMG taking the USMLE

• Why You Need Three Phases in USMLE Prep – I

• Is the USMLE getting tougher every year?

• What to Do on the Day of the USMLE Exam

• Other AskDoc Student’s who Passed the USMLE

I would like to congratulate Masuma for passing the USMLE Step 1 with a score of 99/230  which she took last July, 2011. Masuma is a member of the April, 2009 batch of Askdoc’s USMLE Step 1 Prep Course. This was a long and arduous process for her and her score is well . . . → Read More: Congratulations, Masuma. USMLE Step 1 Score 99/230]]>

I would like to congratulate Masuma for passing the USMLE Step 1 with a score of 99/230  which she took last July, 2011. Masuma is a member of the April, 2009 batch of Askdoc’s USMLE Step 1 Prep Course. This was a long and arduous process for her and her score is well deserved. We wish her continued success in the future.

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• How to Score 99′s in the USMLE

• The Key to Getting a 99 in the USMLE

• Can I get a 99 in the USMLE?

• Mastery, Know and Familiar applied to USMLE review
• Concept of Mastery, Know and Familiar in USMLE content
• What to Do on the Day of the USMLE Exam
• Other AskDoc USMLE Students who passed the USMLE Exam

I would like to congratulate Aragon for passing the USMLE Step 1 with a score of 83  which she took last March. Aragon is a member of the January 2010 batch of Askdoc’s USMLE Step 1 Prep Course. We wish her well as she prepares for the USMLE Step 2 CK. If you . . . → Read More: Congratulations Aragon, USMLE Step 1 Score 83]]>

I would like to congratulate Aragon for passing the USMLE Step 1 with a score of 83  which she took last March. Aragon is a member of the January 2010 batch of Askdoc’s USMLE Step 1 Prep Course. We wish her well as she prepares for the USMLE Step 2 CK. If you want to read her exam experiences click on this link.

RELATED ARTICLES:

• Why You Need Three Phases in USMLE Prep – I

• Advice for the Old IMG taking the USMLE

• Which NBME Self Assessment Form to Use for USMLE Step 1

•  How to Master the USMLE Step 1 – an Introduction

• How to Create a Study Plan for the USMLE

• Guide to Self-Evaluation in USMLE Prep
• Other Askdoc Students who Passed the USMLE Exam

The USMLE Step 2 CS is probably the most neglected examination in the USMLE. It is usually taken as an afterthought, with very little preparation taken before the exam. And in relation to the other bigger exams, Step 1, Step 2 CK . . . → Read More: Askdoc’s USMLE Step 2 CS Prep Course Now Open for Enrollment]]> Click here to access Askdoc’s USMLE Step 2 CS Prep Course

The USMLE Step 2 CS is probably the most neglected examination in the USMLE. It is usually taken as an afterthought, with very little preparation taken before the exam. And in relation to the other bigger exams, Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3, maybe it is not as “important”.

Unlike its bigger cousins, USMLE Step 2 CS is a pass/fail exam. So performing really wells serves no other purpose than to feel good about yourself. Of course, over preparing can also insure that there is no chance you will fail. However, it is important to realize that although USMLE Step 2 CS is relatively simple, if you are unfamiliar with the methodology of the exam you can fail. For most AMGs this is not a problem since simulated patient exams are part of their normal curriculum. However, for most IMG’s it is a rather novel experience.

Therefore, the key to doing well in the Step 2 CS exam is to be so familiar with the methods that it becomes second nature to you. This includes doing a relevant medical interview, performing a focused physical examination and writing a legible and coherent patient note. All under time pressure. You also need to dress, act and speak in a professional manner. And all this takes practice.

The most important thing in preparing for Step 2 CS is practice. Practice, practice and more practice. Askdoc’s USMLE prep course currently consists of 30 practice cases that you can use to sharpen your mastery of the methods. An additional 30 cases will be finished in the next few days to bring the total number of cases you can practice on to 60.

You can use the course as a stand alone course for the USMLE Step 2 CS, or you can make use of the cases as additional practice if you are currently in another program. The price for 30 days access is reasonable at US$ 19.95. It is currently available at an introductory price of US$ 14.95 until June 30. If you want to check out sample cases you can go to the website and click on the sample cases section. You do not need to register to access the sample cases. If you want to enroll, you need to register first, then click on the course and enroll. You can pay for it via PayPal.

Click on the link to reach Askdoc’s USMLE Step 2 CS Prep Course.

Related Posts:

• Preparing for the USMLE Step 2 CS – Part I

• Preparing for the USMLE Step 2 CS – Part II

• Preparing for the USMLE Step 2 CS – Part III

I would like to congratulate Pouya for successfully passing the USMLE Step 1 Exam with a score of 92/222 which he took last December 1, 2009.  He is part of the April, 2009 batch of enrollees in my prep course for Step 1. He is currently continuing his medical studies and will be . . . → Read More: Congratulations Pouya! USMLE Step 1 92/222]]>

I would like to congratulate Pouya for successfully passing the USMLE Step 1 Exam with a score of 92/222 which he took last December 1, 2009.  He is part of the April, 2009 batch of enrollees in my prep course for Step 1. He is currently continuing his medical studies and will be sitting for Step 2 CK in a year or 2 after he graduates. We wish him an even higher score in that endeavor

For those who want to find out more. He has written his exam and prep experience in my forum at http://forums.askdoc-usmle.com.  The rest of the April batch is scheduled to take their exam in the first 2 months of the new year.

Askdoc

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• Other AskDoc USMLE Students who passed the USMLE Exam

I would like to congratulate Logik15 for passing the USMLE Step 1 recently with a score of 92/221. He is the first member of the February batch to report back with his scores. I wish him well in his future endeavours.

I am still awaiting the results of two other members of the . . . → Read More: Congratulations Logik15! USMLE Step 1 92/221]]>

I would like to congratulate Logik15 for passing the USMLE Step 1 recently with a score of 92/221. He is the first member of the February batch to report back with his scores. I wish him well in his future endeavours.

I am still awaiting the results of two other members of the February batch who have taken the exam and will post the results once they are out.

Related Posts:

• Mastery, Know and Familiar applied to USMLE review
• Concept of Mastery, Know and Familiar in USMLE content
• What to Do on the Day of the USMLE Exam

• Can I get a 99 in the USMLE?

• Other AskDoc USMLE Students who passed the USMLE Exam