It seems like US MDs tend to get their score report date published on MyUSMLE.org fairly early but I have yet to see mine on FSMB and technically I should be getting my score report tomorrow.
So I wrote my exam about two weeks ago and decided to write this just to get my thoughts out regarding my experience of the exam even though I haven't gotten my result yet (hopefully this coming Wednesday, fingers crossed for a pass).
Day 1: Felt heavy on ethics and biostats, with interspersed Step 1 basic facts of MOA, gram stains and next steps in management. My self assessments generally reflected my FIP performance to be solid so I think the Qbank work I did with AMBOSS and going over incorrects and doing 2CK questions for extra practice paid off here. I left feeling pretty good, nothing really stumped me per se, the questions I looked up after that stuck in my head were mostly correct.
Day 2: Much more clinical with acute management mixed with longitudinal management. The MCQ portion felt better than day 1 with a lot more basic Step 2 facts and management and prognosis. Again, I think working through AMBOSS thoroughly and additional practice with 2CK questions really paid off.
The CCS cases in general felt good, I think maybe a case or two I was thrown a bit off but just used shotgun ordering style to get everything out there to ensure correct management was instituted. I had a few negative updates on two patients that eventually improved, no one died and maybe half of my cases ended early. I completed all CCScases.com cases (~180) with an average of 74.3% and redid the top 20 HY.
Closing thoughts:
I think the MCQ performance on Step 3 is much more important in securing a safe pass than worrying about CCS cases. Definitely do not neglect the cases as they can be pertinent mark boosters, but if you're missing questions on hemophilia, risk factors for stroke, pancreatitis, MOA, tumor suppressor genes, common genetic anomalies gram stains and MEN mutations, renal artery stenosis, heart failure management, diabetes, etc. you're not going to pass the exam regardless of how much prep you do for CCS.
Just my two cents, will update as I get my results in the coming weeks hopefully (wish me luck!)