USMLE Ethics Decision Tree
Practice high-yield exam reasoning for ethics questions on Step 1, 2 CK and Step 3 with an interactive, guided flow.
How to use the USMLE Ethics Decision Tree
This tool is designed to mimic how exam writers think. Use it to practice turning vague vignettes into clear, structured decisions for Step 1, 2 CK and Step 3.
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1
Set your exam level
Choose Step 1/2 CK or Step 3 at the top. Final nodes show exam-specific “takeaway” tips based on your selection.
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2
Pick the core ethics domain
Start at the root question and choose the domain that best matches the vignette (e.g., confidentiality, capacity/consent, minors, end-of-life, professionalism, reporting, medical errors, research, or resource allocation).
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3
Answer the branching questions
Treat each node as the “hidden logic” behind a USMLE question. Click the option that matches your vignette and move down the tree until you reach a conclusion node.
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4
Study the exam takeaway
At final nodes, read the Exam takeaway box. It summarizes how exam writers expect you to think for that scenario and highlights high-yield patterns for your exam level.
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5
Review and iterate
Use the Back button to explore alternate paths and see how a small change in the vignette (e.g., capacity vs no capacity, minor vs adult) flips the best answer. The Reset tree button lets you start a fresh case.
Master the judgment calls that decide your score.
Ethics on Step 2 and Step 3 rewards calm clinical reasoning. Learn to sort autonomy, capacity, consent, confidentiality, and safety without second guessing yourself.
- Ethics and professionalism decision trainer with real exam phrasing
- Clear yes or no pathways for consent, confidentiality, reporting, and capacity
- Reasoning tracker that shows your patterns across scenarios