adeelmd
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Finally I can say that I am cleared of this exam taken on June 1st, Philly. I took the schwartz course, and then took the passcsa course. (both experiences can be found on the forum). I think first aid is the best book to study from (usmleworld cases are just too simple). One thing i did was scour the internet to find someone who was giving the test the same day I was. I practiced all the first aid cases with him; doing 4-5 cases at a time and then reviewing. This is very important, because most of us get used to doing one case, and then getting feedback for what we did wrong; but in the real exam we don't get any feedback, it's one case after another and that leads to a feeling of complete hoplessness. Start by practicing one case at a time, but gradually build up to doing at least four timed cases in a row (followed by ten minutes of notes) and then reviewing. This makes the exam feel very simple, and you feel more confident throughout.
I greeted everyone, (despite what kaplan says, shake hands with everyone) draped, washed hands before every exam, did only a very basic physical exam, summarized, counseled every patient exetensively, congratulated them profusely for good things (excersize, quitting smoking), and MADE SURE the room was clean before leaving. In one case, i had already said goodbye, and had partly opened the door when I noticed a speck of paper on the floor near the table. Without making any eye contact with the patient, I picked up the paper, threw it out, and left the room. That sticks out in my mind as the best thing I did during the exam.
I did not spend much time on doing the physical exam, and I didn't spend much time on history taking either. no PAMHUGSFOSS or LIQUORRA (I hate pneumonics, especially in "oral" exam situations when you don't have time to remember) I just did logical history taking and if I couldn't think of anything else I would ask "are you comfortable?" or just move on to the physical exam. I am sure i missed a lot of history taking questions, but the "flow" of the encounter was more important than attempting to hit every single checklist item.
There are people who study for a week and get 99's on their steps; and there are people who have passed this test without any effort; my goal has always been to do your best. That way, even if you fail you wont have any regrets because you gave it your all; but the worst way to give any exam is to depend on sheer luck. Take the courses if you can afford them, but at least try to find someone giving the test the same day as you and practice with them. (someone should make a cs "match" service for this) If you try your best, you will have no regrets.
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where i lay my head is home.
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| Ria
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CONGRATS
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"The Only Way Out Is Through it"
Robert Frost
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