This section is a database of recommended clinical science review books, sample examination books, and commercial review courses marketed to medical students studying for the USMLE Step 2 CS. For each book, we list the Title of the book, the First Author (or editor), the Current Publisher, the Copyright Year, the Edition, the Number of Pages, the ISBN Code, the Approximate List Price, and the Format of the book. Most entries also include Summary Comments that describe their style and utility for studying. Finally, each book receives a Rating.
The rating scale is composed of six letter grades that reflect the detailed student evaluations. Each book receives one of the following ratings:
The Rating is meant to reflect the overall usefulness of the book in preparing for the USMLE Step 2 CS examination. This is based on a number of factors, including the following:
■ The cost of the book
■ The readability of the text
■ The appropriateness and accuracy of the book
■ The quality and number of sample questions
■ The quality of written answers to sample questions
■ The quality and appropriateness of the illustrations (eg, graphs, diagrams, photographs)
■ The length of the text (longer is not necessarily better)
■ The quality and number of other books available in the same discipline
■ The importance of the discipline on the USMLE Step 2 CS examination
Please note that the rating does not reflect the quality of the book for purposes other than reviewing for the USMLE Step 2 CS exam. Many books with low ratings are well written and informative but are not ideal for board preparation. We have also avoided listing or commenting on the wide variety of general textbooks available in the clinical sciences.
Evaluations are based on the cumulative results of formal and informal surveys of hundreds of medical students from medical schools across the country. The summary comments and overall ratings represent a consensus opinion, but there may have been a large range of opinions or limited student feedback on any particular book.
Please note that the data listed are subject to change because:
■ Publishers’ prices change frequently.
■ Individual bookstores often charge an additional markup.
■ New editions come out frequently, and the quality of updating varies.
■ The same book may be reissued through another publisher.
We actively encourage medical students and faculty to submit their opinions and ratings of the clinical science review books listed here so that we may update our database (see “How to Contribute,” p. xvii). In addition, we ask that publishers and authors submit review copies of clinical science review books, including new editions and books not included in our database, for evaluation. We also solicit reviews of new books or suggestions for alternate modes of study that may be useful in preparing for the examination, such as flash cards, computer-based tutorials, commercial review courses, and Internet Web sites.
Disclaimer/Conflict of Interest Statement
None of the material in this book, including the ratings, reflects the opinion or influence of the publisher. All errors and omissions will gladly be corrected if brought to the attention of the authors through the publisher.
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A |
USMLE Step 2 CS Core Cases $40.00 Review Brottman Kaplan, 2013, 408 pages, 3rd edition, ISBN 9781609788896 A review book of case-by-case presentations. Pros: Features an introductory section on appropriate phraseology for the exam and how best to interact with patients. Also includes 43 cases that cover a variety of specialties. This edition also offers information and tips regarding note writing. Cons: Some reviewers felt that cases were too simple and lacking in detailed differential diagnoses. Summary: A great review book with a variety of clinical cases and updated information about note writing. |
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B+ |
USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills Triage $39.95 Review Schwechten Oxford University Press, 2010, 268 pages, 1st edition, ISBN 9780195398236 An organized case-by-case presentation of patient encounters. Pros: Offers 40 cases that simulate actual examination scenarios covering the most common complaints and diagnoses, including telephone encounters and difficult conversations. Information is organized linearly into “Symptoms,” “Diagnosis,” and “Treatment” sections and is then summarized by “Take Home Points.” Cases are written with sample dialogue that simulates appropriate doctor-patient communication. Includes integrated tables and figures plus 100 full-color images that help clarify and organize information. Cons: Some readers may find that cases are not sufficiently detailed. The format of the practice cases does not facilitate practice with a partner. Content has not been updated to reflect recent changes to the exam and patient note format. Summary: A succinct but thorough review of the most common clinical conditions. |
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B |
NMS Review for the USMLE Clinical Skills Exam $44.95 Review Arias Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007, 296 pages, 2nd edition, ISBN 9780781766937 A sleek review book presented in a non-workbook format. Pros: Provides extensive coverage of physical exam techniques and signs/symptoms, and includes a wealth of basic science information. Chapters devoted to the physical exam and note writing cover OB/GYN, neurology, psychology, pediatrics, and trauma medicine. Also features 91 review cases covering internal medicine and family practice, surgery and orthopedics, OB/GYN, the nervous system, pediatric and phone medicine, and trauma medicine. Cons: Some of the material may not be sufficiently high yield for the Step 2 CS exam. Cases are compressed into a one-page format with a written patient note, a differential diagnosis, a diagnostic workup plan, and a short paragraph on clinical correlation. Some readers may find that the information provided is too general and lacking in specific details about what is needed for the exam. Content has not been updated to reflect recent changes to the exam and patient note format. Summary: A good book for both Step 2 CS and Step 2 CK preparation that provides a large number of concise cases. However, the text does not provide a step-by-step approach to the patient exam or patient note. |
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B |
Core Concepts for USMLE Step 2 CS: $44.95 Review A Focused and Goal-Oriented Approach Sharma CreateSpace, 2010, 380 pages, 1st edition, ISBN 9781453608043 A thorough text that reviews core clinical concepts in the context of the Step 2 CS exam. Pros: Features 61 common clinical cases described in detail. Incorporates solid clinical skills for evaluating a patient in preparation for the Step 2 CS exam. The text thoroughly explains the expectations of standardized patients and examiners so that test takers are better prepared, which is especially useful for IMGs. Also includes specific exam elements such as ethical dilemmas, counseling, and phone interviews. Cons: If you are not used to the integrated format of the content, you may not find this text appropriate. Some found the suggested interview questions and the differential diagnoses inadequate. The format of the practice cases makes it challenging to practice with a partner. Content has not been updated to reflect recent changes to the exam and patient note format. Summary: A clear and thorough concept-oriented review book that is useful for all Step 2 CS test takers. |
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B |
The Ultimate Guide and Review for the USMLE Step 2 $39.95 Review Clinical Skills Exam Swartz Elsevier, 2006, 402 pages, 1st edition, ISBN 9781416037279 A large workbook-style review text. Pros: Easy to read and printed in a large point size. Includes a detailed chapter outlining the basics of the exam. Approximately 20 pages are devoted to communication skills, and an additional 10 pages are devoted to a guide to U.S. culture. A standardized patient grading checklist is included with each case. Cons: Because the workbook format takes up a significant amount of space, only 30 review cases are provided. Content has not been updated to reflect recent changes to the exam and patient note format. Summary: May be best suited to examinees who seek practice documenting checklists and patient notes. The lengthy sections on communication skills and U.S. culture make it more suitable for IMGs. Those who seek a quick review might be better served by a more concise text. |
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B- |
CS Checklists: Portable Review for the USMLE Step 2 CS $34.95 Review Rooney McGraw-Hill, 2007, 348 pages, 2nd edition, ISBN 9780071488235 A pocket-sized text presented in workbook format. Pros: Provides detailed descriptions of the components of a complete health history, physical exam, and patient note write-up, presented in bullet-point format. Also features 55 cases organized by chief complaint along with a brief paragraph on history. A patient history checklist, a physical exam checklist, and physical exam findings are provided as well. One- page “answers” listed at the end of the book include a differential diagnosis, an appropriate workup, and a brief paragraph on clinical correlation. Also features a case index with diagnoses and corresponding page numbers. Cons: Offers limited general information on the physical exam and on how to perform and interpret exam findings, and the formatting may be somewhat confusing. The management discussion includes referrals, which are not required on the actual Step 2 CS exam. Content has not been updated to reflect recent changes to the exam and patient note format. Summary: A concise text that contains all the information needed for Step 2 CS review. Cases are streamlined to allow for practice without taking up copious amounts of space. However, the content may not be as accurate or detailed as other, more thorough sources. Overall, a high-yield book that may require additional texts if more in-depth information is needed on the physical exam. |