If the journey is tiring, exciting, and interesting as you learn something fascinating every time, you won’t feel the pressure. In case you have heard such statements in the past, then understand that everyone is not the same. Many are overwhelmed by the different transitions from preclinical to clinical training. This is also the time when M3 students start USMLE Step 2 tutorials for the next stage of boards. 

Managing clinical rotations, regular classes and study time for Step 2 will be cumbersome unless one opts for a light elective. If you choose an elective that allows research and early departure, then you can dedicate time for board preparation earnestly. An internship might look great on a CV later on and appeal to most students. However, the demanding shifts will deviate an aspirant from a focused study routine. It is imperative to develop a solid strategy for the step 2 exam. Here are a few pointers that will help you come up with an effective study plan:

• Prioritize Resources

Trying twenty resources and not mastering even one of them will lead to poor results. Choose high-quality resources that are either time-tested like the Uworld questions banks or smart solutions like the Lecturio medtech platform that imparts content through animated videos for problem-based learning. Anki flashcards help in long-term retention with the flexibility to design your deck or use the existing topic-wise deck. 

• Shelf Exams Are Important

Giving weightage to board preparation should not undermine your efforts for the shelf exams. Practice questions solved as per the weightage of the topic will help you cover all the scoring content. While solving these practice questions, think critically and critically to extend the scope of your learning. The questions will test on clinical assessment qualities of the aspirant and the treatment modalities that they intend to apply to check their critical thinking prowess. You can take practice or shelf exams from NBME for step 2 to test your readiness for the main exam. 

• Time Management

You have to follow a dedicated routine where time is set aside for preparation. This period can be at length or truncated, based on what suits you. If you are a morning person, spend the first-hour solving critical thinking or problem-based learning. 

• Notes From Rotations

Clinical rotations are a crucial part of your M3 and preparation as the test intends to check your medical knowledge and decision-making approach based on clinical skills. You will find this recommendation useful long beyond the boards in your residency.

• Self Care

You must remember that you are a human being first and then a prospective physician. Respecting the limitations and needs of your body is critical to your preparation. You can’t afford downtime because of ill health. Practice eating a clean diet and exercising enough.

Conclusion:

Doctors are saviors. Although there are many professions to earn money, they choose one that deals with life-and-death uncertainties to provide patients with better outcomes. If you are one of them, everyone will be grateful for your hard work.