Opinions Please...Total Shock!

[thebigeasy]

Failed the CS exam. Unbelievable. I just can't believe this has happened to me. It's like they confused me with someone else. What I did:

I wore gloves with every patient.
I greeted, draped and counseled every patient requiring it.
I always knocked.
I did lungs and heart with every patient.
I followed the PAM HUGS FOSS on every patient.
I gave a conclusion in every patient.
I wrote my notes by hand, always finished in time, always had 5 tests listed to run.
I am a wonderful speaker, very polite and very comfortable with the patient setting. I have years and years of experience prior to medical school.
What in the world could've happened? My report stated I was borderline with note and below (or behind I guess) the borderline area for information gathering.
From what I've read in previous forums, I can't believe I got a failing score. My cases were of the usual type, nothing crazy.
Can they make mistakes? I just can't believe this. I'm not exaggerating guys. The things listed above I know for certain I did. I was very methodical in my routine and never strayed from it.

[CPR_ME]

... sorry to hear that... really... i know its devastating news.. i wish i could say something to help you but by what you wrote, it sounds like you did everything and more... so frusterating... are you going for the 2008 match???

don't know what to say...

[dpj]

I am so sorry for you, it does sound like you did everything you were supposed to and more. A tip, which may not be much of a tip, that I did was ask if there was anything else that I didn't ask that they wanted to tell me, it helped me with at least one case if not more. Best of Luck

[CPR_ME]

You know, I can't help but think about your situation.. I really think in the end it boils down to not so much YOU but luck... seriously... I've read on here the mistakes that people have done and still passed and it really amazes me... like all tests, not everyone can pass... I think on that day, you were just one of the unfortunate ones...

Point is, don't take it personally.... reschedule it asap and do it again. If you're matching for 2008, I'm not really sure how that's going to affect you because the results take sooo long to get back that it may or may not be here on time by feb 28th... but definitely, you should have it by scramble day if anything..

Don't quit now. if you have step 1 and ck to back you up and LORs from attendings that demonstrate your are a good clinician.. take it asap and go for it.. it's never too late in the game!

Good Luck Buddy

[rocky_wayne]

I hear you about the fail man...I got my scores back also and failed the CIS portion. I could not believe my eyes. I am a US citizen (born and raised) with a masters degree so I know how to speak proficiently. I think they have to make money or something because I can't think of anything I did wrong. I also passed step 1 and step 2 CK with flying colors. It is pretty sad when people with barely a high school diploma can grade future medical doctors on clinical prowess which they know nothing about. I am just going to sign up for it again and take it in a different location because the patients in Houston were really rude. I also love the way the USMLE acts like Russia when you try to find out ways that you could improve on your test the next time. Good luck to you and know you are not alone!
Rocktheboat

[thebigeasy]

So sorry to hear that. I must say it makes the pain a little better knowing that others feel the same way..and I don't mean I'm happy you failed. I just can't believe it. Hey, I took it in Houston AND IM FROM THERE.

[wcb22]

i'm also from houston, and i took it in houston. i studied with a partner for 2 weeks, and the only material i used was first aid step 2cs. i read it 2X, and i found that every single case i had was in that book. i also practiced typing the note on all 31 cases in the back of the book. i think that was the most important thing i did, b/c i felt like i could get a lot of info on those notes. and it seems like they are failing people on the note more and more. i could usually type (out of those 31 cases) the note in about 8 minutes. The testing center gives you 10 minutes roughly for the note. i took mine on may 16th, and i got my results in one month - june 20th, pass.

unfortunate my friend, but you can get this behind you next time. just another expense. and on the scale of things, i don't think it matters nearly as much as step 1 and 2ck. more of an inconvenience than anything.

good luck on it next time.

[rocky_wayne]

Spoke to a residency coordinator on an interview today and she said it is sad the way she is seeing more and more people failed in this exam. She has no idea why because those who fail have good board scores and are really nice people. One tip I am working on for the next one is to only ask one question at a time. For instance, don't ask "Do you have any nausea or vomiting" because they are trained to only answer the first question asked. Ask them slow and one at a time. This will help

[adipose]

Originally Posted by rocky_wayne

Spoke to a residency coordinator on an interview today and she said it is sad the way she is seeing more and more people failed in this exam. She has no idea why because those who fail have good board scores and are really nice people. One tip I am working on for the next one is to only ask one question at a time. For instance, don't ask "Do you have any nausea or vomiting" because they are trained to only answer the first question asked. Ask them slow and one at a time. This will help

Hey Rocky Wayne... out of curiousity, was she nice about it during interview? I mean, I assume you went and told her right away?? And, will you make it in time for the match if you retake it asap??

Good Luck... again, sorry to hear about CS.

[Scott1981]

i believe you need to take it by dec 31 or the score will not be reported by match day and you will be automatically dropped from the match. i would call/email nrmp and ask them what their official rules are regarding a situation like this.