USMLE Books: The Best Review Books for USMLE Step 2 CS

The USMLE Step 2 consists of two separate examinations: the USMLE Step 2 CK and the USMLE Step 2 CS.

The USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) exam consists of multiple choice questions about clinical situations. The examinees will typically be asked to provide a diagnosis, prognosis, or recommendation for continuing treatment for a patient based on the information provided in the question.

The USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) exam asks examinees to do the same when faced with a living, breathing (standardized) patient. In addition to clinical knowledge, the exam tests how well you interact with patients. You may be expected to answer questions in a professional and empathetic manner, perform a partial or complete physical examination of the patient, and record patient notes.

There are many study guides and review books designed to help you prepare for the USMLE Step 2 CS. This is a guide to the best general review books. General review books provide the best foundation for study, and most contain practices questions or even full practice exams which will help you determine which of the more specialized areas of study you need to brush up on.

Cases in the USMLE Step 2 typically include elements of the following disciplines:

• internal medicine
• obstetrics and gynecology
• pediatrics
• preventive medicine
• psychiatry
• surgery

For reviews of several popular general Step 2 review books that are suitable for both Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS review, please visit The Best Review Books for the USMLE Step 2 CK.

This is generally considered to be the best review book for the USMLE Step 2 CS.

In addition to 41 full length exam-style practice cases, this book contains time management tips to help you maximize your time with each patient and detailed descriptions of important physical examination skills to know. The patient scenarios are described in a way that makes it easy to practice with a friend or relative.

This is a great supplement to First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CS because it provides more thorough and detailed write-ups of the correct conclusions for each case. However, it is not as good for practicing with a partner.

The book also contains some helpful mnemonics and step-by-step explanations of the physical examinations you will be expected to perform on the test.