When preparing for USMLE Step 3, special attention should be given to … 

ü Screening tests- Fecal occult blood, Rectal exam, Colonoscopy / Sigmoidoscopy, Mammogram, Breast exam, Pelvic exam, Pap smear, PSA, and Prostate exam.

ü Clinical guidelines and age at which to initiate the above measures, Pneumococcal and influenza vaccination, meningococcal vaccine (e.g. military recruits). These are the same guidelines that you follow in your residency program.

ü Side effects of common medications are a favorite topic for USMLE Step 3 questions (e.g. statins-muscle pain/ Rhabdomyolysis).

ü Depression, anxiety, bipolar, hyponatremia, Marfan’s, child abuse, vaginal bleeding, STD, Vaginal infections, PID, eclampsia, Hypertension, Diabetes, MI, CHF, chest pain work up- exercise treadmill, cardiolyte / Thallium scan, Stress echo etc.