USMLE Step 3
The physicians task : It is further divided into six categories.
- History taking & performing physical examinations.
- Formulating the most likely diagnosis.
- Making use of laboratory and diagnostic studies.
- Evaluation of the nature & severity of the patients problems.
General management of the patient.
- Applying basic science concepts in dealing with the patient.
A major part of the test material is related to continuing care as it is intended to challenge the candidates to consider the severity of illness effective management of ambulatory patients and those suffering from frequently occurring / chronic disease.
STEP 3 Is a 2 day examination , each day consisting of an 8 hour test session. The first day of testing consists of approximately 336 Multiple choice questions divided into blocks of 48 Questions each, with a 60 minute time period for each block.
Candidates will also be provided two breaks one consisting of 45 minutes and the other of 15 minutes.
The second day of testing consists of the 144 multiple choice questions consisting of 36 Questions in each block , which have to completed in a time frame of 45 minutes per block involving a total of 3 hours. The next part of the second day consists of 9 case simulations which has to completed in a period of 4 hours.
In order to orient the students, each setting is described at the beginning of each of case simulations.
For more information on the syllabus click here
Careers
