Exploring Lesser-Known Resources for Step 2 CK

Intro to the USMLE Step 2 CK

You’ve conquered USMLE Step 1 and are now navigating the challenges of medical school clerkships and shelf exams. Next on the horizon is the USMLE Step 2, a critical exam for medical professionals seeking licensure in the US. As you balance excelling in your clinical responsibilities with preparing a strong residency application, you’re also looking for the most effective ways to prepare for this crucial exam. In this post, we’ll explore some lesser-known USMLE Step 2 CK resources that can give you an edge, including podcasts, video resources, and textbooks. Read on to discover some new resources, and some tips on how to use them effectively!

What is the Best Resource for Step 2 CK?

To succeed on the USMLE Step 2 CK, you need to utilize resources effectively. Medical students and graduates use various materials to prepare. But what works best for one person may not work for another. Your learning style, knowledge base, study time, and score goal all play a role in determining the best resource for you. Beyond online question banks like UWorld and AMBOSS, which are great for active learning and test-taking practice, there are many other resources available, including podcasts, videos, books, and more. The key to effective preparation is finding a combination of resources that fit your learning preferences and needs.

A word of caution: don’t try to use too many resources at once. Find what works for you and stick with it. Typically, a solid question bank and one or two additional resources are all you need. You likely will have a short period of trial and error as you learn what works best for you. Keep reading to learn more about some of my favorite lesser-known resources for USMLE Step 2 which are worth exploring.

What is the Best Way to Study for Step 2 CK? How Many Hours a Day Should I Study for Step 2 CK

That all being said, active learning through question banks should be considered a non-negotiable component of every study plan for USMLE Step 2 CK. Unlike passive study methods like reading, watching, or listening, question banks allow you to apply your knowledge, identify weaknesses, and reinforce understanding of key concepts. By using QBanks, you can simulate the exam environment. This will challenge you to analyze clinical scenarios, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Frequent exposure to various question formats and topics will also help you become familiar with the exam’s nuances. Over time, this can reduce test anxiety and build confidence.

To make the most of your study time, integrate question banks into your daily study plan. In addition to question banks, select 1-2 supplementary resources, such as podcasts, videos, books, or tools like UpToDate or Anki flashcards. These resources can help fill knowledge gaps in weaker subject areas and solidify the information you encounter during your practice question blocks.

High-Yield but Lesser-Known Resources for USMLE Step 2 CK

USMLE Step 2 CK Podcasts

Listening to podcasts can be a highly effective and time-efficient way to prepare for Step 2 CK. Unlike traditional study materials, podcasts offer flexibility and convenience. You can review clinical scenarios and communication skills on-the-go, which is especially useful for those still in clinical rotations with limited downtime.

I personally found it helpful to integrate podcast listening into my daily routine. I’d listen to 3-45 minute episodes while taking a walk or on the treadmill, focusing on areas where I needed improvement. Since podcasts can be accessed anywhere, you can maximize your study time by incorporating listening sessions into your daily routine. For example, during commutes, downtime, or workouts. This allows for continuous reinforcement of key concepts and skills, ultimately boosting confidence and readiness for the Step 2 CK examination.

Summaries of some useful podcasts are listed below.

• The Divine Intervention Podcasts: This podcast covers high-yield topics concisely and comprehensively, focusing on common areas of confusion for students. These podcasts are best utilized directly from their website, where you can search by topic. There is even an exam topics list, which is regularly updated with new podcasts and breaks down major subject areas for the USMLE exams.
• InsideTheBoards: This podcast has a mission to teach you to “think like a question writer” so you can study more efficiently, meet your target scores, and feel less anxious and more confident when taking the boards. A unique feature of this resource is its Audio QBank app, which allows students to study on-the-go with USMLE-style practice questions. Throughout the year, look for the special ‘Study Smarter’ series. In the Spring it’s USMLE Step 1 and COMLEX Level 1. Early Summer it’s Step 2. In the late fall, they will help you Match Smarter in your chosen specialty.
• USMLE Step 2 Secrets: This podcast features an audio-optimized version of USMLE Step 2 Secrets and high-yield USMLE and COMLEX-style question dissections. While listening, you can learn how the experts approach exam questions. This podcast is the perfect on-the-go study companion for your USMLE, COMLEX, and shelf exams.

These podcasts can serve as valuable supplementary resources alongside traditional study materials. They provide additional context, reinforcement of concepts, and alternative perspectives on challenging topics.

Step 2 Video Resources

Video resources offer valuable visual and auditory reinforcement of key Step 2 CK topics. They provide flexibility, allowing you to pause, rewind, and replay content at your own pace. This enables you to focus on weak subject areas, targeting specific topics that require additional attention. Furthermore, many video resources feature comprehensive lectures organized by subject, facilitating a structured study approach. This approach ensures thorough coverage of all exam-relevant material.

Some helpful Step 2 video resources:

• OnlineMedEd: OnlineMedEd offers students a series of comprehensive video lectures covering various clinical topics tested on Step 2 CK. The lectures are organized by subject and provide concise explanations along with clinical pearls. All lessons include illustrated notes, whiteboard video lessons, challenge questions, and accompanying Anki flashcards. With these tools, this resource utilizes the PACE learning framework: Prime, Acquire, Challenge, Enforce.
• Dirty Medicine: This free YouTube Channel offers a focus on quick and dirty mnemonics. This allows the channel to simplify complex concepts, aiding in retention and application for medical students preparing Step 2 CK. There are videos for a variety of subjects and disciplines, with popular videos covering high-yield pharmacology, heart murmurs, ethics, spinal cord pathways, ECGs, acid-base disturbances, leukemias and bleeding disorders, as well as practice questions. Dirty Medicine has truly saved me and is something I used for Step 1 and Step 2 CK when I was in a pinch! I loved using this to nail down some tough-to-memorize conditions with basic science concepts emphasized, such as glycogen storage disorder, familial dyslipidemias, and immunodeficiencies. It is great to look through a comprehensive table of conditions like these in First Aid, then watch the Dirty Medicine video covering that topic for a creative and quick way to remember and store all that information you just learned. I still remember some of the mnemonics years later and use them to get my bearings when approaching these topics!

Video resources can be a valuable addition to your study routine, providing a new way to learn and retain information. By incorporating video resources into your study plan, you can create a more well-rounded approach to preparing for Step 2 CK that suits your individual learning style.

Step 2 Textbook Resources

We have all heard of First Aid for the USMLE Step 1. But did you know there are also many great books out there for USMLE Step 2 CK? In addition to their comprehensive coverage and exam-focused content, utilizing textbooks for USMLE Step 2 CK preparation offers the advantage of having a physical copy to reference. This tactile aspect can be beneficial, as it allows for easy navigation and quick access to specific topics of interest. You can annotate and highlight key information, facilitating active learning and retention of material. Additionally, a physical textbook serves as a constant visual reminder of your commitment to studying, helping you stay motivated and organized.

• First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CK: First Aid does it again with the counterpart to the well-known First Aid for the USMLE Step 1! With an easy-to-follow bulleted presentation of must-know diseases and disorders, this book offers an overview of all core areas on the boards. If using this book, be sure to check out the rapid review feature at the end. This can be helpful in doing a quick review of high-yield material for the exam.
• Step-Up to USMLE Step 2 CK: This book provides a high-yield systems-based review for students preparing for the USMLE Step 2 CK. It utilizes “Quick Hits” which are must-know clinical pearls for you to be sure not to miss. Another great feature is the “Next Steps” margin notes which will guide you through the workup of a patient with practical tips for exam success. 

The convenience and accessibility of a physical textbook enhance the study experience and contribute to effective Step 2 CK preparation. Though, these options are probably most beneficial for those who desire the tactile aspect books can offer.

How Many Hours a Day Should I Study for Step 2 CK?

During your dedicated study period for USMLE Step 2 CK, it’s important to commit to a rigorous schedule. Aim to dedicate at least 8 hours a day to studying, treating your preparation like a full-time job. This approach ensures consistency and accountability, helping you cover a substantial amount of material each day. As part of your regimen, include multiple question blocks, with at least one timed block. This helps you gauge your progress and familiarizes you with the exam’s time constraints. When reviewing question blocks, spend twice as long reviewing as it took to complete. Treat UWorld explanations like a textbook, thoroughly reviewing each question and explanation. This helps identify strengths and weaknesses, reinforcing learning and enhancing performance. For a more structured approach, consider following our 4-Week Step 2 study schedule to help you stay on track and make the most of your study time.

If you are looking for additional help with Step 2, consider enlisting the help of a Step 2 tutor! Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn more today.