USMLE Step 2 Secrets

An Update From Dr. O'Connell Sep 03, 2022

In this episode

Dr. Ted O’Connell gives an update about the podcast and let's students know that the newest edition of the book is out and a new corresponding podcast is in development. He also announces his new project, MedPrepToGo with Dr. Raj Dasgupta. Learn more with the links below.

MedPrepToGo Website

BookRevision.com

Dr. O’Connell’s Website
More podcasts featuring Dr. O'Connell

USMLE Step 2 Secrets Wrap Up May 10, 2019

Chapter 39: Vascular Surgery May 10, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:30]: Question Dissection: A 75-year-old man with an extensive 90-pack year history of tobacco use, hyperlipidemia, and a coronary artery bypass grafting 3 years ago sees his physician for abdominal pain... [6:10] Vascular Surgery chapter of S2S including questions like: - How is carotid stenosis managed? - How are patients with claudication managed? - Describe the classic presentation of chronic mesenteric ischemia.

Chapter 40: Vitamins and Minerals May 10, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:28]: Question Dissection: A 32-year-old woman reports to her community health clinic complaining of tingling in her hands and feet... [4:12] Vitamins and Minerals chapter of S2S including questions like: - Specify the signs and symptoms of the various vitamin and mineral deficiencies and toxicities. - Which vitamin is a known teratogen? - What are the physical findings of rickets (vitamin D deficiency) in children? - What is the classic Step 2 description of a vitamin C-deficient patient?

Chapter 38: Urology May 10, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:40]: Question Dissection: A 32-year-old female presents to the E.D. writhing in pain... [3:27] Urology chapter of S2S including questions like: - How is renal cell carcinoma diagnosed and treated? - How do you recognize and manage acute urinary retention? - What are the different types of stones? What causes them? - Who makes the best donor for patients who need a kidney transplant?

Chapter 37: Smoking May 09, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:29]: Question Dissection: A 52-year-old man presents to the clinic with a two month history of cough and weight loss... [4:40] Smoking chapter of S2S including questions like: - How is smoking related to heart disease? - What cancers are more likely in smokers? - Describe the effect of smoking on the lungs.

Chapter 36: Shock May 08, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:25]: Question Dissection: The surgical intern on call is summoned to the bedside of a postoperative patient for a urine output of 20 mL in the last 24 hours... [3:44] Shock chapter of S2S including questions like: - What are the classic parameters of each type of shock? - Specify the usual findings in patients with neurogenic shock. - What is the most important point to remember if a patient is in shock?

Chapter 35: Rheumatology May 07, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:37]: Question Dissection: A 24-year-old male (medical student) presents with a chief complaint of low back pain over the last 6 months... [4:01] Rheumatology chapter of S2S including questions like: - What is the most common form of arthritis? - What clues point to a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? - Describe the usual presentation of Kawasaki disease. How is it treated? - Give the basic facts of Paget disease. How is it linked with cancer?

Chapter 34: Radiology May 06, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: Question Dissection: A 28-year-old woman presents to the E.D. with a swollen left leg that began early in the morning and seems to be worsening

Chapter 33: Pulmonology May 05, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:30] Question Dissection: A 24-year-old women sees her family physician for a non-productive cough which has been present for 3 days... [4:04] Pulmonology chapter of S2S including questions like: - What is COPD? - What is the concern with the use of long-acting beta-antagonists (LABAs) in the treatment of asthma? - What classic cues on the Step 2 exam point to the cause of a solitary pulmonary nodule? - What are the classic clinical cues on Step 2 for the different causative bugs in pneumonia? - How is cystic fibrosis diagnosed and treated?

Chapter 32: Psychiatry May 02, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:38] Question Dissection: A 32 year old female is brought to the E.D. for a suicide attempt by overdose... [3:40] Psychiatry chapter of S2S including questions like: - Why is the duration of symptoms important with psychosis? - List the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. - Differentiate among the classes of antipsychotic drugs. - What are the side effects of lithium, valproic acid, and carbamazepine? - What is the most notorious side effect of trazodone? - How do you recognize anorexia? - What is the most commonly abused illicit drug? Describe its effects on users.

Chapter 31: Preventive Medicine Apr 30, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:28: Question Dissection: A 16-year-old girl is brought to the office of her family physician by her mother for consultation. The girl is healthy and has been sexually active for the last year... [2:08] Preventive Medicine chapter of S2S including questions like: - Name the major cause of neonatal mortality. What is the neonatal mortality rate in the United States? - List the top three causes of infant and maternal mortality in the United States. - What is the basic difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Chapter 30: Pharmacology Apr 28, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:29] Question Dissection: A 31-year-old woman is brought to the E.D. by friends at 3 A.M. after they were unable to wake her up... [4:29]Pharmacology chapter of S2S including questions like: - What two developments in NSAID therapy may reduce GI and bleeding complications? - What age group should not be given aspirin? What finding on a physical exam is a contraindication to aspirin use? - Discuss the relationship between aspirin and strokes.

Chapter 29: Pediatrics Apr 24, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:28] Question Dissection: A 7-year-old boy is brought in to see his pediatrician after behavioral modifications have been unsuccessful in controlling nighttime bed-wetting... [4:17]Pediatrics chapter of S2S including questions like: - What screening and preventive care measures should be done at every pediatric visit? - What are the frequently tested items under the umbrella of primary prevention using “anticipatory guidance”? - What findings should make you suspect child abuse? - What should you always remember when a question mentions that a child was given aspirin?

Chapter 28: Orthopedic Surgery Apr 19, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:30] Question Dissection: A 4-year-old African American girl presents to the E.D. with refusal to walk for one day... [6:22] Orthopedic Surgery chapter of S2S including questions like: - What are the signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome? How is it treated? - Which bacteria are the most common cause of septic arthritis? In what scenario should you think of another cause? - What is the most common type of bone tumor? - What are the common findings with ligament injuries of the knee? How do you distinguish injuries of the anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate, medial collateral, and lateral collateral ligaments on physical exam?

Chapter 27: Ophthalmology Apr 14, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:32] Question Dissection: A 68-year-old male presents to his physician with a chief complaint of a rash on his face... [3:32]Ophthalmology chapter of S2S including questions like: - Distinguish allergic, viral, and bacterial conjunctivitis. - How does closed-angle glaucoma present? What should you do if you recognize it? - What findings suggest an ophthalmic herpes zoster infection? - Why does blindness develop in patients with strabismus?

Chapter 26: Oncology Apr 08, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:30]: Question Dissection: A 68-year-old man presents to his physician’s office complaining of severe low back pain that shoots down his right leg... [3:32] Oncology chapter of S2S including questions like: - What are the key differential points for the commonly tested blood dyscrasias? - What clinical vignette should make you suspect lung cancer? - How should you manage a patient with a solitary pulmonary nodule on chest radiograph? - What should you do if a Pap smear is abnormal? - What do you need to know about basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers?

Chapter 25: Obstetrics part 2 Mar 29, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:27] Obstetrics chapter of S2S including questions like: - What are the different terms for spontaneous abortion? - In fetal heart monitoring, what is the difference between early decelerations, late decelerations, and variable decelerations? - What causes fetal bleeding to present as third trimester vaginal bleeding? - What usually follows membrane rupture What should you do if it does not occur? - How do you manage fetal malpresentation?

Chapter 25: Obstetrics part 1 Mar 23, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:53]: Question Dissection: A 25-year-old gravida one presents at 37 weeks gestation with a chief complaint of leakage of fluid… [5:17] Obstetrics chapter of S2S including questions like: - What routine tests should be obtained for all pregnant patients? - When should ultrasound be used to evaluate the fetus? - What do you need to know about HIV testing and transmission in mother and child? - What should be done if the AFP is elevated? - What are the diagnostic signs and symptoms of preeclampsia? When does it occur?

Chapter 24: Neurosurgery Mar 13, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:28]Question Dissection: An 81-year-old woman is brought to the E.D. via ambulance complaining of an excruciating headache that began two hours ago.. [4:34]Neurosurgery chapter of S2S including questions like: - What causes a subdural hematoma? How do you recognize and treat it? - What does a unilateral, dilated, unreactive pupil after head trauma suggest? - What findings suggest increased intracranial pressure? - In what setting does dural venous sinus thrombosis occur? How is it diagnosed and treated?

Chapter 23: Neurology Feb 28, 2019

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:30] Question Dissection: A 52-year-old man with a one hundred pack year history of smoking presents to his physician with a chief complaint of double vision... [4:36] Neurology chapter of S2S including questions like: - In what common situation is lumbar puncture contraindicated? - What are the classic differences between delirium and dementia? - How do you recognize a headache secondary to brain tumor or intracranial mass? - How do you recognize a tonic-clonic seizure? - What do you need to remember when giving anticonvulsants to women? - What three conditions may cause an MG-like clinical picture?

Chapter 22: Nephrology Dec 12, 2018

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:47]: Question Dissection: A 30-year-old male has been receiving intravenous Nafcillin on an inpatient ward secondary to severe cellulitis of his left leg... [4:56] Nephrology chapter of S2S including questions like: - What do you need to know about intravenous contrast and renal failure? - What medications commonly cause renal insufficiency or failure? - How do you differentiate among the common pediatric hematologic disorders that affect the kidney?

Chapter 21: Laboratory Medicine Dec 12, 2018

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:35]: Question Dissection: A 17 year old boy is seen in the E.D. with a complaint of muscle weakness.. [6:10] Laboratory medicine chapter of S2S including questions like: - What may cause a false lab report of hyperkalemia? - What effect do serum acidosis and serum alkalosis have on potassium and calcium levels? - What does an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate mean in pregnancy?

Intermission Dec 09, 2018

Chapter 20: Infectious Diseases Dec 02, 2018

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:48]: Question Dissection: A 20 year old male presents with a painless ulcer on the glans of his penis… [4:10] Infectious diseases chapter of S2S including questions like: - What is the gold standard for diagnosis of pneumonia? - How is syphilis diagnosed? - How do you recognize measles (rubeola) infection in a child? - What are the complications of chickenpox? - What elements of the history point to endocarditis? - Distinguish between impetigo and erysipelas.

Chapter 19: Immunology Nov 25, 2018

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:42]: Question Dissection: A 29 year old male with a past medical history of HIV infection sees his doctor for ongoing treatment... [4:40] Immunology chapter of S2S including questions like: - How do you recognize and treat true anaphylaxis? - What usually causes hereditary angioedema? - How is HIV diagnosed? How long after exposure does the HIV test become positive? - What causes DiGeorge syndrome? How do you recognize it? - Give the classic description of Job-Buckley (hyper-IgE) syndrome.

Chapter 18: Hypertension Nov 24, 2018

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:38]: Question Dissection: A 58 year old African American male visits his primary care doctor for a routine medical evaluation... [4:18] Hypertension chapter of S2S including questions like: - What is the “two-measurement” rule in the diagnosis of hypertension? - What causes hypertension? - What does lowering blood pressure accomplish? - Which tests should be ordered for every patient with a diagnosis of hypertension? Why?

Chapter 17: Hematology Nov 23, 2018

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:43]: Question Dissection: A 24 year old female presents to her primary care physician for a health maintenance examination. [3:45] Hematology chapter of S2S including questions like: - What are the important elements of the history when anemia is present? - Why do people get iron deficiency? - How is thalassemia differentiated from iron deficiency? - What two clues on the Step 2 exam often point to a diagnosis of sickle cell disease? - With what conditions is eosinophilia associated?

Chapter 16: Gynecology Nov 21, 2018

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:36] Question Dissection: A 25 year old gravita zero present with a chief complaint of excess body hair noted over her abdomen, chin, and upper lip... [4:35] GYN chapter of S2S including questions like: - What is PID? How do you recognize it on the Step 2 exam? - How is endometriosis diagnosed and treated? - What are fibroids? How common are they? How often do they become malignant? - Define PCOS. How do you recognize it? - What is the current state of hormone replacement therapy? - What are the most likely cause of a breast mass in a woman under the age of 35?

Chapter 15: Geriatrics Nov 20, 2018

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:47]: Question Dissection: A 72 year old male with Alzheimer dementia is brought to his geriatrician for a routine follow up... [2:31] Geriatrics chapter of S2S including questions like: - What age group constitutes the most rapidly growing segment of the population? - What is the best prophylaxis for pressure ulcers in an immobilized patient? - What is the difference between dementia and delirium? - How can advance directives be useful?

Chapter 14: Genetics Nov 18, 2018

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:48]: Question Dissection: A 56 year old female is seen by her physician to evaluate the cause of her recent onset diabetes.. [3:41] Genetics chapter of S2S including questions like: - How do you recognize Down syndrome? - What is the second most common known cause of inherited mental retardation? - How do you recognize Turner syndrome? - What presentation suggests galactosemia? - What causes Marfan syndrome? How do you recognize it?

Chapter 13: General Surgery Nov 17, 2018

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:40]: Question Dissection: A 45 year old female presents with a chief complaint of upper gastric pain 30 minutes following a meal.. [3:44] General surgery chapter of S2S including questions like: - What should you do if you are not sure whether a stable patient has an acute abdomen? - What are the common causes of small bowel obstruction? - List and differentiate the three common types of groin hernias. - What is the most common cause of fever in the first 24 hours after surgery? - How do you recognize and treat an open pneumothorax?

Episode 12: Gastroenterology Sep 26, 2018

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:41]: Question Dissection: A 45 year old man with no past medical history presents to the E.D. with abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting for the past three days.. [5:10] Gastroenterology chapter of S2S including questions like: - What are the sequelae of GERD? - What is a hiatal hernia? How is it different from a paraesophageal hernia? - Name the surgical options for ulcer treatment. What complications may occur? - How is diarrhea categorized? - How is inflammatory bowel disease treated?

Chapter 11: Ethics Sep 24, 2018

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:40]: Question Dissection: A 48 year old male is brought to the E.D. after a bicycle accident... [4:06] Ethics chapter of S2S including questions like: - What are the general principles of ethics? - What are the components of informed consent? - What should you do if a patient lacks capacity to make decisions? - What should you do if a patient is in critical condition or a coma and has made no advance directive or living will? - When do patients under the age of 18 years not require parental consent for a medical decision?

Chapter 10: Endocrinology Sep 18, 2018

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:38]: Question Dissection: A 54 year old African American male presents to his physician with a chief complaint of morning headaches, nausea, diaphoresis, and tremulousness... [3:36] Endocrinology chapter of S2S including questions like: - What are the common signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism? - What are the common causes of hypothyroidism? - How is Cushing syndrome diagnosed? - What causes virilization in children? - Give the classic clinical description of a pheochromocytoma. How is it diagnosed?

Chapter 9: Emergency Medicine Sep 14, 2018

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:42]: Question Dissection: A 35 year old man with a history of schizophrenia is brought to the E.D. for altered mental status... [4:46] Emergency medicine chapter of S2S including questions like: - What are the three causes of burns? How should all burns be managed initially? - How is burn severity classified? Describe the management of each class. - What are the two classic examples of hyperthermia due to medication? - How are patients managed after a near-drowning episode?

Chapter 8: Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgery Sep 13, 2018

Content covered in this episode includes: [0:38]: Question Dissection: A 30-year-old male presents to the E.D. complaining of left facial paralysis since waking this morning... [2:52] Ear, Nose, and Throat chapter of S2S including questions like: - What is the most common cause of lower motor neuron facial nerve paralysis? How does it present? - What are the common causes of a neck mass? - What causes nosebleeds? - What are the complications of otitis media? How are they avoided? - What is the Weber test used to evaluate? How is it performed and interpreted?

Chapter 7: Diabetes Mellitus Sep 12, 2018

This is the Diabetes Mellitus chapter from USMLE Step 2 Secrets. Content covered in this episode includes: [0:36]: A 29 year old female presents at 8 weeks gestation with a chief complaint of anxiety, tremors, and weight loss.. [3:40] Diabetes Chapter of S2S including questions like: - What are the classic differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? - What is a good measure of long-term diabetes control? - What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)? How is it treated? - What are the common long-term complications of diabetes mellitus? - How do you adjust the dosage of neutral protamine Hagedorn (Nph) or regular insulin for high glucose levels?

Chapter 6: Dermatology Sep 09, 2018

This is the Dermatology chapter from USMLE Step 2 Secrets. Content covered in this episode includes: 1:17 Question Dissection - A 68 year old man visits his primary care physician for a rash on his face.. 6:15 Dermatology chapter of Step 2 Secrets including questions like: - Define contact dermatitis. How do you recognize it? What are the classic culprits? - How are fungal infections diagnosed and treated? - How is acne described in medical terms? What bacteria may be partially involved in its pathogenesis? - What are the "four Ps" that clinch a diagnosis of lichen planus? - Why is keratoacanthoma of note?

Chapter 5: Cholesterol Sep 08, 2018

This is the Cholesterol chapter from USMLE Step 2 Secrets. Content covered in this episode include: 0:50 Question Dissection - A 66 year old female with a history of hypercholesterolemia who is managed on cholestyramine therapy… 3:02 Cholesterol chapter of Step 2 Secrets including questions and topics like: - What physical finding will Step 2 test use as clues to hypercholesterolemia? - What are the current recommendations for management of cholesterol levels? - How is LDL calculated? - How is HDL affected by alcohol? Estrogens? Exercise? Smoking? Progesterone?

Chapter 4: Cardiology Sep 08, 2018

This is the Cardiology chapter from USMLE Step 2 Secrets. Content covered in this episode includes: 1:16 Question Dissection - A 29 year old male tree-trimmer suffers serious injuries from a fall at work… 6:01 Cardiology chapter of Step 2 Secrets including questions and topics like: - The classic pattern of MI chest pain - What clues suggest the common noncardiac causes of chest pain? - Etiology and classic history of the various heart valve abnormalities - What is Virchow’s triad? - What is the most important side effect of heparin? - What do you need to know about the common congenital heart defects?

Chapter 3: Biostatistics Sep 05, 2018

This is the Biostatistics chapter from USMLE Step 2 Secrets. Content covered in this episode include: 0:48 Question Dissection - A man in undergoing a neurologic test for manual dexterity… 3:21 Biostatistics chapter of Step 2 Secrets including questions and topics like: - The concept of a trade-off between sensitivity and specificity - What do you need to know about standard deviation for the USMLE? - What types of studies should you know for the Step 2 exam? - What is the difference between incidence and prevalence?

Chapter 2: Alcohol Aug 29, 2018

This is the Alcohol chapter from USMLE Step 2 Secrets. Content covered in this episode includes: 1:30 Question Dissection - A 57 year old male with a history of alcohol abuse visits a medical clinic because of numbness and tingling in his feet, as well as hand tremors… 8:04 Alcohol chapter of Step 2 Secrets including questions like: - What may happen if you give glucose to an alcoholic without giving thiamine first? - What is the difference between Wernicke and Korsakoff syndromes? What causes each? - What diseases and conditions may be caused by chronic alcohol intake? - What is the best treatment for alcoholism?

Chapter 1: Acid-Base and Electrolytes Aug 28, 2018

This is the Acid-Base chapter of Step 2 Secrets featuring a high-yield question dissection from Elsevier's Clinical Key Student

Top 100 Secrets, #51-100 Aug 28, 2018

This is the "Top 100" USMLE Step 2 Secrets Part 2. This episode covers topics like: - The "6 Ws" of postoperative fever - The six rapidly fatal thoracic injuries - The "6 Ps" of compartment syndrome - High-yield drug overdoses and antidotes - The most common buzz phrases and conditions with which they are associated.

Top 100 Secrets, #1-50 Aug 28, 2018

This is Dr. Ted O'Connell's podcast of the bestselling USMLE Step 2 Secrets, 5th Edition. It features an audio optimized version of USMLE Step 2 Secrets and high yield USMLE and COMLEX style question dissections so you can learn how the experts approach exam questions. Listen while you commute, exercise, clean, or do other "life stuff". This podcast is the perfect on the go study companion for your USMLE; COMLEX; and internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, or family medicine shelf exams.

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