krushna
Forum Senior
Topics: 9
Posts: 175
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Hey, Pinkangel just hold on!
You are almost there.As kiran said try to keep your mind away from those feelings till 19th. Its just few more days.You will be fine!
All the best!
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| pinkangel
Forum Elite
Topics: 8
Posts: 272
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Hi krishie, kiran, mp, krushna, and everyone else who took the time to read my diary today
- finding your entries in my diary tonight gave me a boost of encouragement and strength that I wasn't expecting. I was pleasantly surprised! There are so many kind souls out there in the world, it isn't often that people will take the time to encourage a complete stranger who is feeling down. Thank you everyone! :P You all have reminded me to keep going in these last few weeks of the marathon. <:wahtch_where_you_go:>
Today was entirely Kaplan. I was the last one to leave when they closed at 9:30pm. Boy, my eyes were so tired from all the video watching and reading. I am doing my second reading and watching of Biochemistry and physiology this week. I couldn't believe how much biochem I forgot since I first studied it back in July! :shock: Renal physiology needed some major brushing up after rewatching the lectures. I am determined to get at least 3 organ systems down well before I take the exam - cardio, renal, and endocrine.
Plan for tomorrow:
More of the same. Go to Kaplan and watch more tapes and reread notes on biochemistry, renal physiology, cardiovascular and renal pharmacology. Want to make sure I cover the CNS pharmacology a second time before my enrollement runs out at the end of this week. I'll be holed up in that center pretty much until Sunday.
Thanks everyone for stopping by to post. It warmed my heart to see that there were so many people out there who took the time out of their day to post their words of advice and encouragement to a very depressed pinkangel. 
I'm trying to shove the negative feelings aside as I fly through the videos and lecture notes while I'm at the Kaplan Center. No time to cry or whine about what I lost. =; Must be strong and give it my all on January 19th. :x
Till tomorrow,
Love,
pinkangel
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| kiddoc
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 36
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well Pink Angel!!
You got me there!
I have been through teh exact same scenario;I HAVE WALKED EXACTLY THE SAME STEPS;I lost both my parents in their 50es & my husband keeps telling to have a career change 9what a constant source of discourgement!)coz I'm not made for USMLE;during the the last 7 yrs of my life all i've thought of is USMLE but I still stand no where ;i feel at times maybe if GOD would have passed me with a 75% i could not try any more;BUT if that didn;t happen there must be a reason !!
WHiCh i think is that i can try yet 1 more time;but this time i have to be honest with my self;can't be a perfect hostess ;hosting dinners & giving my husband company watching movies with him & in teh end sitting for Step 1 in a week.
Also these 7 yrs have given me 2 kids five yr & 2 months;who are my Biggest reason & compelling force for me to to go out & do it !!but i have to focus & do it just like you are doing it & just like teh rest of us.I am doing this as i have this belief that I can do it!
Hopefully I'm not going to let my self down;in my own eyes!
Good Luck its just people like you & me out there who do it !
GIVE IT YOUR 100%;burn yourself out!your deeper inner self shd be content that you are giving your 100%;& then you'll see God never lets sincere hard work go Unrewarded!!!
You'll do it coz' you can do it;Keep Focused;
Self-Pity is not the right tactic or Move for now!
FOCUS
FOcus!
you are almost there ;these last days need to be handleded the right way to be able to do teh best in teh exam;So keep reviewing ;& all withhigh spirits & full confidence;we are all here praying for you;whihc won;t go unanswered!
Good Luck
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| kiddoc
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 36
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well Pink Angel!!
You got me there!
I have been through teh exact same scenario;I HAVE WALKED EXACTLY THE SAME STEPS;I lost both my parents in their 50es & my husband keeps telling to have a career change 9what a constant source of discourgement!)coz I'm not made for USMLE;during the the last 7 yrs of my life all i've thought of is USMLE but I still stand no where ;i feel at times maybe if GOD would have passed me with a 75% i could not try any more;BUT if that didn;t happen there must be a reason !!
WHiCh i think is that i can try yet 1 more time;but this time i have to be honest with my self;can't be a perfect hostess ;hosting dinners & giving my husband company watching movies with him & in teh end sitting for Step 1 in a week.
Also these 7 yrs have given me 2 kids five yr & 2 months;who are my Biggest reason & compelling force for me to to go out & do it !!but i have to focus & do it just like you are doing it & just like teh rest of us.I am doing this as i have this belief that I can do it!
Hopefully I'm not going to let my self down;in my own eyes!
Good Luck its just people like you & me out there who do it !
GIVE IT YOUR 100%;burn yourself out!your deeper inner self shd be content that you are giving your 100%;& then you'll see God never lets sincere hard work go Unrewarded!!!
You'll do it coz' you can do it;Keep Focused;
Self-Pity is not the right tactic or Move for now!
FOCUS
FOcus!
you are almost there ;these last days need to be handleded the right way to be able to do teh best in teh exam;So keep reviewing ;& all withhigh spirits & full confidence;we are all here praying for you;whihc won;t go unanswered!
Good Luck
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| pinkangel
Forum Elite
Topics: 8
Posts: 272
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Thanks kiddoc,
Those are very wise and encouraging words. Everyone who has posted on this forum are probably older than me, are married, and have children. I shouldn't complain about being stressed out while studying for the USMLE. I have 2 loving parents, a warm home to come to, tuition for my Kaplan courses, and all the books that I need to succeed on January 19th. You are right. Self pity and depression is not the right tactic at this crucial time.
What I did today:
As promised, went to the Kaplan center and watched video lectures for the second time on renal physiology and pharmacology - antidiuretics, antihypertensives, and the antihyperlipidemics. Finished off the day with some biochemistry with plans to do some anatomy tomorrow. I promised myself that I would do a review of HY Neuroanatomy because the Kaplan stuff seems too thick. For a low yield subject, I'm going to focus on the Neuroanatomy when I watch the tapes tomorrow. Hopefully, it will help me correlate the info in the HY series.
Finished off the day with 1 hour of cardio at the gym, burned 640 calories before coming home. :P
Just a few more days at Kaplan left. Then it's crunch time in the final 10 days. :shock:
Till tomorrow,
pinkangel
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| Moctopod
Forum Elite
Topics: 14
Posts: 422
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Dear Pink
We've followed your progress for the past few weeks and I know you've put in the effort (and blood, sweat and tears) required to pass this exams. Remain focused and I'm sure that in these last few days you'll be able to consolidate adn learn a lot.
All the best,
Moc
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| pinkangel
Forum Elite
Topics: 8
Posts: 272
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Thanks Moc. Glad to see you back on the forums. Get well soon!
As for my activities today:
Went to the Kaplan center and stayed till closing time - 9:30pm. Watched tapes in Biochemistry on gene transcription, translation, and regulation to refresh my memory. Wrote notes in my 2005 edition of First Aid during the entire day of review. Afterwards, I tackled Neuroanatomy video tapes and lectures notes for the first time today - nearly finished the entire set except for the cerebral cortex and limbic system. Made many notes in my FA anatomy section as I went through the tapes.
Plan for tomorrow:
More anatomy - finish off Neuroanatomy, watch tapes and skim notes on anatomy of the body, thorax, upper and lower limbs, head and neck. Make HY notes in my FA. If time is left, go over biochemistry - glycolysis and the TCA cycle again. Aaarrrgghhh! This topic goes in one ear and comes out the other. I have to draw the cycle out and tape it to my study room wall and still I forget all the intermediates and enzymes. Will review FA section to make sure I cover the HY topics.
Till tomorrow!
pinkangel
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| zhouyong
Forum Senior
Topics: 16
Posts: 126
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"pinkangel" wrote:
Thanks Moc. Glad to see you back on the forums. Get well soon!
As for my activities today:
Went to the Kaplan center and stayed till closing time - 9:30pm. Watched tapes in Biochemistry on gene transcription, translation, and regulation to refresh my memory. Wrote notes in my 2005 edition of First Aid during the entire day of review. Afterwards, I tackled Neuroanatomy video tapes and lectures notes for the first time today - nearly finished the entire set except for the cerebral cortex and limbic system. Made many notes in my FA anatomy section as I went through the tapes.
Plan for tomorrow:
More anatomy - finish off Neuroanatomy, watch tapes and skim notes on anatomy of the body, thorax, upper and lower limbs, head and neck. Make HY notes in my FA. If time is left, go over biochemistry - glycolysis and the TCA cycle again. Aaarrrgghhh! This topic goes in one ear and comes out the other. I have to draw the cycle out and tape it to my study room wall and still I forget all the intermediates and enzymes. Will review FA section to make sure I cover the HY topics.
Till tomorrow!
pinkangel
Hi Pink,
How are you doing! It seems like you have almost done anatomy. I am on my half way on anatomy. First time I read a book from National Medical Series and just want to get some sense of anatomy. On my second time reading, I am using Kaplan note not tape. During this time, I read FA two time meantime. I am feeling and still not quite mastering this subject. I have got this sense from when I am doing test and some questions are vague to me. What's your advice? Thanks ahead.
Do you need another book to compensate?
Good luck on your study.
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| krushna
Forum Senior
Topics: 9
Posts: 175
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keep it up pinkangel!
:icon_thumb:
few more days and it will all finsh ,and i have faith in you!
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| pinkangel
Forum Elite
Topics: 8
Posts: 272
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Hi everyone!
Today was another day at the Kaplan center. I was holed up at my study table/VCR player with a grande Starbucks coffee blasting through 7 anatomy tapes and skimming Kaplan notes. I stayed till closing - 9:30pm and just got home. My eyes hurt from all those tapes and reading. Spent the day making HY notes in my First Aid and writing corresponding Kaplan note page numbers next to the HY topics in my FA. I managed to finish Neuroanatomy, Embryology, and cover the Back/nervous system, and Thorax.
Zhouyoung: Since Anatomy is not an extremely High Yield topic for the boards, I wouldn't stress over it too much. If you're getting scores in the 75% range, then you should be fine for the exam. In my previous attempts with the real exam, I have had no more than 5 anatomy questions total. If you are still nervous about your preparation, the books I recommend are High Yield Neuroanatomy - this one above all others if you're going to buy only 1 book since neuroantomy is a HY subject for Step 1. Other books I recommend are High Yield Gross Anatomy, a Netter's atlas for reference if you really need one, and Kaplan notes if you still want more in depth prep. My medical school recommended the following book for board preparation:
Anatomy: Review for USMLE, Step 1, second edition.
Authors are Johnson, Slaby, and Bohn. Publisher is J&S publishing company
It is a question based review book with detailed answers accompanied by images - electron microscopy, mostly diagrams, and some MRI's.
Hope this helps.
Krushna: Thanks for your encouraging words. At this point, the more encouragement, the better. I'm determined to see this through till the finish line. :x 8)
My plan for tomorrow:
Kaplan as usual - finish up Gross anatomy, take notes in First Aid, review Biochemistry tapes on glycolysis if time allows. Friday is a short day at Kaplan since they close at 5 pm. :?
OK friends. Thanks again for all your postings in my diary. It is a welcome addition to the daily entries recording my agonizing journey towards freedom.
Till tomorrow,
pinkangel
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| Alina T
Forum Elite
Topics: 17
Posts: 388
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Hey Angel,
I am another silent reader of your diary....actually to be honest, yours is the only diary i read on this forum along with the subject forums because of time issues. Somehow you got my attention with your first pages of diary which i happened to read, and i kept reading it as a source of inspiration, relaxation, and strength to move on with this hurdle called usmle. I won't say our stories match or anything like that, but recognizing my worries and frustrations in somebody else's thoughts makes them easier to get by. I sympathized with you many times and you helped me recover my force and patience as much.
I watch you getting close to the finish line now and I can see the huge effort you put in it. You're a strong person, that's a definite, with your inherent ups and downs, and i'm positive that you'll conquer this fortress with endurance and knowledge.
I just felt the need to encourage you and to assure you that you'll do great on this test. be confident in yourself and keep this positive attitude. you'll be a winner soon! i can't wait to read the good news in a few weeks.
Your friend,
Alina
___________________
There are 3 types of people: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened.
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| namf
Forum Elite
Topics: 80
Posts: 312
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Pinkchunsa,
You are my hero. Your story sounds so similar to mine... "field for weird people" indeed...It may be a complement when it comes from the type of sick people who make those statemennts.
I am praying for you. You will make it. Drop by drop.
I'm so excited for you.
All my love in brother/sisterhood, your miguk oppa,
Namf
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| pinkangel
Forum Elite
Topics: 8
Posts: 272
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Oh my goodness!
Namf: A post from the one and only Namf! :P I am so happy to see you in my diary. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your hectic 3rd year rotations to read my diary. You, my miguk oppa, are my original hero. Your story inspired me to get off my ass and study my heart out for this beast called USMLE 1. :icon_study: Oppa - nuh moo nah goh ma wuh. Reading your story ignited the one shred of hope in me that I didn't know I had left :P Gong-boo yul shim-hee hah go issuh. Ghee doh hae joh suh goh ma wuh. [-o<
For the rest of my friends - that last part was probably gibberish to most of you, :icon_scratch: but it is something that Namf would understand. 8)
Alina T. - Welcome! It is always a welcome sight to see new faces who are silent readers of my diary posting an entry for the first time. Thank you for your words of encouragement. You are welcome to post your thoughts anytime.
I am so glad to see people posting prayers in the January exam thread. Thanks Kerochi and niti!
Today was another day at Kaplan. I managed to plow through the abdomen, pelvis, and perineum. Had to get a grande cup of Verona from Starbucks again to keep my eyes open throughout the day. Tomorrow will be my last day at the Kaplan center - my enrollment expires then. Plan is to finish reviewing anatomy by finishing off the rest of the tapes - upper limb, lower limb, and head and neck. The rest of the day will be spent reviewing biochemistry - glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, all that stuff that would make me fall asleep if I had to review it on my own. :icon_sleep:
I just got back from the gym and burned 1100 calories doing 90 minutes of cardio on the elliptical machine. Perhaps I was slightly stressed now that exam time is coming near? 8) :shock:
For the rest of my silent diary readers, please don't be shy to post a hello or to share something about yourself. It means a great deal to me to see that my diary has made an impression on so many of my colleagues. I'd like to know who you are. Some have already come forward with a posting or two, please don't hesitate to share your thoughts with me. :wink:
Till tomorrow everyone!
Love,
pinkangel
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| zhouyong
Forum Senior
Topics: 16
Posts: 126
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"pinkangel" wrote:
Hi everyone!
Today was another day at the Kaplan center. I was holed up at my study table/VCR player with a grande Starbucks coffee blasting through 7 anatomy tapes and skimming Kaplan notes. I stayed till closing - 9:30pm and just got home. My eyes hurt from all those tapes and reading. Spent the day making HY notes in my First Aid and writing corresponding Kaplan note page numbers next to the HY topics in my FA. I managed to finish Neuroanatomy, Embryology, and cover the Back/nervous system, and Thorax.
Zhouyoung: Since Anatomy is not an extremely High Yield topic for the boards, I wouldn't stress over it too much. If you're getting scores in the 75% range, then you should be fine for the exam. In my previous attempts with the real exam, I have had no more than 5 anatomy questions total. If you are still nervous about your preparation, the books I recommend are High Yield Neuroanatomy - this one above all others if you're going to buy only 1 book since neuroantomy is a HY subject for Step 1. Other books I recommend are High Yield Gross Anatomy, a Netter's atlas for reference if you really need one, and Kaplan notes if you still want more in depth prep. My medical school recommended the following book for board preparation:
Anatomy: Review for USMLE, Step 1, second edition.
Authors are Johnson, Slaby, and Bohn. Publisher is J&S publishing company
It is a question based review book with detailed answers accompanied by images - electron microscopy, mostly diagrams, and some MRI's.
Hope this helps.
Krushna: Thanks for your encouraging words. At this point, the more encouragement, the better. I'm determined to see this through till the finish line. :x 8)
My plan for tomorrow:
Kaplan as usual - finish up Gross anatomy, take notes in First Aid, review Biochemistry tapes on glycolysis if time allows. Friday is a short day at Kaplan since they close at 5 pm. :?
OK friends. Thanks again for all your postings in my diary. It is a welcome addition to the daily entries recording my agonizing journey towards freedom.
Till tomorrow,
pinkangel
Pingangle,
Thanks for your suggestion. Those are very helpful. I almost finished my anatomy. I feel better after reading your message. My next chapter will be physiology. I will put more effort on this. Good luck on your study and coming test.
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| pinkangel
Forum Elite
Topics: 8
Posts: 272
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Today was a bittersweet day for me as it was the last day that I spent at the Kaplan center. I didn't realize how much I got used to that place until I watched my last video and packed up my books to leave at closing time. I had been there since the end of June last year and remember how I couldn't stand that place when I first started studying there. Now it has become a familiar place for me - like a second home away from home.
I finished up the anatomy tapes by watching the most high yield topics on the exam - upper limb, lower limb, and head and neck. My plan before the day is over is to review my notes from today, go over First Aid, and start my 10 day crunch. I need to brush up on my pathology thoroughly before taking the exam so today will be spent mostly on Goljan lectures and notes. Starting tomorrow, I will be doing a mixture of Goljan lectures/notes, First Aid, and questions I didn't complete from the Kaplan Q book. Have to keep mixing things around to keep it interesting. I still have to do the Rapid Review Questions that I have on CD as well as NMS questions. :_online_: :icon_study: So much material in so little time. :shock: :? USMLE 1 here I come!
Till tomorrow,
pinkangel
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| zhouyong
Forum Senior
Topics: 16
Posts: 126
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"pinkangel" wrote:
Today was a bittersweet day for me as it was the last day that I spent at the Kaplan center. I didn't realize how much I got used to that place until I watched my last video and packed up my books to leave at closing time. I had been there since the end of June last year and remember how I couldn't stand that place when I first started studying there. Now it has become a familiar place for me - like a second home away from home.
I finished up the anatomy tapes by watching the most high yield topics on the exam - upper limb, lower limb, and head and neck. My plan before the day is over is to review my notes from today, go over First Aid, and start my 10 day crunch. I need to brush up on my pathology thoroughly before taking the exam so today will be spent mostly on Goljan lectures and notes. Starting tomorrow, I will be doing a mixture of Goljan lectures/notes, First Aid, and questions I didn't complete from the Kaplan Q book. Have to keep mixing things around to keep it interesting. I still have to do the Rapid Review Questions that I have on CD as well as NMS questions. :_online_: :icon_study: So much material in so little time. :shock: :? USMLE 1 here I come!
Till tomorrow,
pinkangel
What a productive day for you. I have quite a same day. I don't feel guilty. I am pround of saying to myself: " I have wasted anytime today."Hope I will have another same day.
Pink, keep in working hard. You will be getting closer to success.
Good luck!
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just wanted to say hello my friend!!!
thanks for all ur encoragement and nice words.....thats so nice of you!!!
you are doing great...keeep it up!!!
happy studying!!!
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| pinkangel
Forum Elite
Topics: 8
Posts: 272
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Hi guys,
I'm not supposed to post on Sunday as it is my official "day off" but considering it is now 10 days before my exam, there is no day off until the day after the exam. :? :shock:
I'm currently holed up in the university library with my Goljan path notes and mp3 player. Why am I feeling so anxious? It is counterproductive to my studies. I've been distracted today and have not gotten much done. Aaarrrggghhhhh!!!! Cannot afford to waste time. I want to go into the exam knowing that I tried my best and this is not helping me. Anyone have suggestions? Trying to study when your mind is wandering is wasted time and energy. Yet I cannot simply pack up and go home. I'm going to sit it out until the library closes tonight at midnight. :x
Thought it would help to vent my frustrations. I'll try to get some questions done tonight. They always help bring me back to focus. Will be back here starting tomorrow morning. Let's hope for a better day then.
Goodnight everyone!
pinkangel
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| zhouyong
Forum Senior
Topics: 16
Posts: 126
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Hi,
I have the same feeling in the morning. I takes 3 hours to finish 50 question. I was asking myself what I am doing here. I was sort of losing control and kept distracted by unknown something.
Then in the afternoon a little bit better. My most productive time is between 5pm until now, almost 11 pm. I guess I am sort of evening person.
Pray I will get rid of those distraction tomorrow.
Way to go, pinkangle.
You are getting there.
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| rofah2003
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 16
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YOU CAN DO THIS!
Pinkangel- remember that this is only a test.
I know it seems like your entire life is resting on this exam but
it is NOT! Believe me. You have so much to give and are
such a wonderful person. Do not let this exam tell you who or
what you are.
You know what you are. Go back and read some of the feedback
you get from people who read your postings. If that is not an
indication of who you are and what you are capable of; I don't
know what is.
You have done your best.
You have been giving this exam your all.
Go in there and know that you did the best you can do and now
the rest is up to the spirits that be.
Try to look at this exam as a chance to show off what you know.
You know more than you think you know.
I can't tell you how much good and encouragement you give others
(myself included). Please try to give a bit of that to yourself.
There are many people out here thinking of you and wishing you
well. You don't need luck - you worked hard.
All you need is to be CONFIDENENT of yourself and Rock this Test.
the end
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| niti
Forum Guru
Topics: 36
Posts: 499
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Hey Pink..
Yes.....why r u so anxious ?I don't see any real reason behind this except this is just a normal response before any test !! So,just relax D You preperation is excellent ...eliminate all negative thoughts at this moment...be positive...bec it is very imp... now,u did all what u can in right ways...no reason to get stressed.
One more thing to remember...everybody's well wishes & prayers r with u....
Cheer Up.. P
niti
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| pinkangel
Forum Elite
Topics: 8
Posts: 272
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Wow. I am deeply touched by everyone's postings. Thank you kiran, zhouyong, rofah2003, and niti. All of you have the qualities of an excellent physician. It would be a privilege to meet you all in the halls of a hospital or CME course someday. :wink:
Right now, I am on my dinner break. I've been reading through Kaplan immunology notes for the 3rd time now and plan on finishing them by tomorrow night. I've been going through First Aid today and am feeling overwhelmed by the number of bugs and drugs I need to permanently register in my hippocampus before next Wednesday. Aaarrgghhh!!!! I'm trying not to panic and am doing the best I can to calm my anxiety. :shock:
Ok everyone, back to the books. :icon_study: Happy studying to all of you!
Love,
pinkangel
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hey pinkangel
you are doing great....!!!!i cant tell you to stay away from anxiety or stress as its very usual to have such feeling s now.....but stay calm...and pray to god to help you stay calm.
you will deinetly do well.....
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| Moctopod
Forum Elite
Topics: 14
Posts: 422
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Hi Pinkangel
Just another quick nudge. You're getting there - just one more big big push. You're Step 1 dream will come true.
This might be useful. The first couple of times I was totally totally confused about all the properties and treatments for the various microbial infections. So I drew a big mind map of everything I remembered, before tabulating it all, and filling in the gaps from Kaplan. I found that it helped to consolidate things.
You can do it!
Moc
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| pinkangel
Forum Elite
Topics: 8
Posts: 272
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Thanks kiran and moc,
Your kind words of encouragement mean a lot to me in this last week of crunch time.
Today has been a mix of this and that, mainly FA material. Finished what I wanted to do for Immunology. Tomorrow will be focused mainly on pharm. Do not panic, do not panic, do not panic. Stay focused. I plan on going to the gym tomorrow to work off the stress that is starting to build up.
All right everyone, sweet dreams. See you tomorrow!
Love,
pinkangel
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