Vivian6
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 12
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Hi, i'd really like to know how many people are working full time while preparing step 1. We can discuss how to arrange schedule and study more efficiently. For me, I work full time and feel tired after work. Most time, it's hard to focus on study right after work. I do study on weekend though. But it's not enough. Now I'm thinking of having a nap first, then get up to study. Any better ideas?
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| zenith
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Vivian6: I work full-time too and therefore, I'm left with very little time or energy to study once I get back home. Therefore, as per my husband's suggestion, I take a nap after getting back from work - that helps my mind shut down as far as work worries are concerned and I'm ready to attack my books - this routine has been helpful for me, so far! Hope you can follow it too.
Also, where are you in terms of your preparation? I've just begun mine and I'm literally crawling -still haven't gotten into the groove! Looking for a study partner - would you be interested?
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| Dr.CXCR4
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 11
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I just pass step2 and today I will begin my step 1 prep. Good luck to bith if you.
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| Vivian6
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 12
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Zenith, I guess we are on the same page. I just started too. Physiology is my first subject. Taking a nap works for me although it's still kind of tiring. Better than not having one. I'm in ohio. Where are you? Yeah, I'd like to have a study partner.
Dr. CXCR4, do you work full time too? How did you manage to study, I mean, timewise?
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| zenith
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Vivian6: What a coincidence - I'm doing Physiology too. I'm in Tampa, FL. When do u intend to take the exam? And how do u want to proceed, i.e., should we track each other's weekly progress - u know, like may be speak to each other on the weekend and discuss some Qs? I'm open for suggestions.
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| MMD
Forum Senior
Topics: 11
Posts: 46
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Vivian5,
I took step 1 while working full time. What I did was to concentrate my energy in a limited period of time (seven weeks), and during this time, giving my best. I only used Kaplan notes (read twice) and FA (2 or 3 x). I did 60% of Kaplan QBook, the 3 blocks of the USMLE sample CD and took the test.
In my oppinion, if I planned to take it latter I would not have the same energy to study. Also if I had other sources, I would not have time to read it.
In the end, I scored 92/227, more that I was expecting.
Hope this can help your prep. GL
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| Vivian6
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 12
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zenith, please check your email. We can talk with yahoo msn.
MMD, thank you for your advice and congratulation on your great score. I agree I'd better finish the whole process in a short time , but two or three months might not be enough for me. Thanks again.
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| zenith
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vivian: where did u send me the mail? i didn't get anything - please send it again.
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| yolanda
Forum Elite
Topics: 18
Posts: 247
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Hi vivian and zenith, I work fulltime also.
My problem is that new things always pop up at work, either I have to finish a class, or there is a new deadline for submitting a health project, and I can't just leave things and I end up doing work at my house and staying up late, I really need to change this, I am hoping to take at list a couple of weeks off at the end to concentrate on the studying.
I just started to study, but I started with Anatomy.
I plan to take the exam in September, hopefully, it just leaves me 4 months to prepare, hope it's enough, since I can only study about 4 to 5 hours a day. But I can't seem to make myself sitdown and study.
When are you planning to do the exam?, are you planning for 2007 or 2008 match? What specialty are you interested in?
Ok, Good luck to both of you.
___________________
Recognize that you have the courage within you to fulfill the purpose of your birth. Summon forth the power of your inner courage and live the life of your dreams - Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
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| zenith
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yolanda, i know what u mean - its dificult to sit down and concentrate but we have to force ourselves to do it and with time, i guess it won't be so difficult.
i'm doing Physiology these days - i still haven't decided on an exam date, but it'll definitely be before the end of the year. I'm gunning for 2008 match and i want Family Practice.
well, keep at it - 4 to 5 hrs/day are good enough to begin with. all the best! where are you located by the way?
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| MIR1104
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 1
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hi yolanda,
its nice to see people like you.i am in the same boat.where are u located.may be we can give eachother some encourage each other
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| fss
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 17
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hi zenith and vivian 6:
I am in the same boat as you with one difference: i have children with a busy social life . Therefore I recently decided to take a nap when I get home and everybody is up and I wake up later to study when everybody is sleeping. Things are moving slow and I hoe I will be able to pick up the pace soon.
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| mousa
Forum Senior
Topics: 3
Posts: 64
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hi zenith and every body , I AM IN BRANDON /FLORIDA ...I KNOW HOW IT IS HARD TO WORK AND STUDY ...i worked about 60hrs weekly to do some money ,and now i am studying pathology ......zenith i am located not far at u, we can help each other , i wish that i can take step1 before the end of the year
my email is
mousa_1978@hotmail.com....if u interested send to me ..
thanks for all of u easy work ...nice study for all of u ....all of us can do it...yes we can do it....yes we can do it ,just we have to be patient
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| pocas
Forum Elite
Topics: 7
Posts: 169
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hi , i have the same problem i work in a emergency room , my time is so limit but i tried to read at least 6 hours a day , i know it is hard but we can help each other , maybe in a chat or by mail in order to share our progress
good luck for everyone who works and have a family
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| zenith
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hi MIR1104, fss, mousa and pocas,
way to go guys! seems like we're all sailing in the same boat! its very hard i know - whoever said "Life is easy" probably didn't go to medical school, but we'll conquer this battle and defeat this monster called USMLE!!!!! Amen! With God's grace, we can all do it - we've all gone thru so many years of back-breaking hard work in medical school - this is just an exam!! Yes, life has more responsibilities now but the more we sacrifice to achieve this success, the sweeter the success will be! so keep tugging along my friends and remember - "The cost of growth is always less than the price of stagnation!" this exam is the only thing standing in our way to practicing medicine in this country and we will overcome it!!
To God, I give all glory................
Mousa: its wonderful to know that u r so close by - i would love to get together and stay motivated. I've sent u an email - check it out!
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| dad
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 22
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Hi
My story is ; graduated in 88, worked through 96.
I came in the US and did MPH, I have been working in public heath and social services since that. Married with 2 Kids. I had some unsuccessful Attempts with Step 1.
Now I am determined to pass
I want
90s Score
I will be so proud
I have Kapln DVD and notes
Goljan live and Qbank and Qbook questions.
I have 5months to reach this goal
I am now 2 kids 11 and 14 , I dedicated a lot of time to them and I work full time
I am going to prepare study plan and stick to it with catch up if necessary and monitor may progress with NBME
Any advice is appreciated
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| proctalgia
Forum Senior
Topics: 2
Posts: 209
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Dear Zenith, dad and all,
I am amazed and encouraged by you all.
My story is your story.
Graduated in 1985. worked as amedical officer for 20 years in Sri Lanka.
Migrated USA last year. No proper job here in USA. Two kids 12 and 14 who need my supervision in their studies.
There is only one way to realize our dream. Pass this USMLE. Odds seems insurmountble at times. But we are going to make it.
I am just clueless about the best resources for our situation.Please advise me on this.
I look forward to share you joys and pains in the coming monthe as we inch forward to achive our cherished goal.
By the way I am located in Baltimore, Maryland.My e mail address is dranuralk@gmail.com
Thank you
Proctalgia
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| zenith
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dad, proctalgia: keep up the spirit guys and be optimistic, for there is not much use in being anything else.........dad, like you, i also have an MPH and have been working for over a year as a Biostatistician in a Cancer Hospital. Trying to study for MLE while working full-time has been a real challenge for me, but I keep motivating myself and try not to get my eyes off the focus, but every once in a while, discouragement and depression take root.
as for your sources, i think u have all the right stuff to study from - i have the same material, except Q-bank, which i plan to buy after i finish reading everything once. i'm also planning to buy First Aid 2006.
proctalgia: yes, the odds seem insurmountable but not impossible!!!!!! this road to USMLE is not going to be easy but i'm sure, at the end of the day, it'll all be worth it. the good thing in your case is that you've been practicing medicine all your life and therefore, it shouldn't be that hard for you. sitting down for long periods to cram all the stuff might not come very naturally but with time, your brain will adapt - thats the beauty of human brain!!!! so keep pulling along my friend and be regular to this forum - you'll be amazed how encouraging and motivating the people on this forum can be!
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| mqcai4613
Forum Newbie
Topics: 0
Posts: 2
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I am happy to see people working full-time still focus on step study. As postdoc in immunology, I am occupied with tons of experiments and out of energy after work. Even more is I have to cook, taking another one to three hours. In the weekend need to take care of my son, etc. All kinds of things take away my precious time. So for me it would be great achievement if I can finish step within one year.
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| Vivian6
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 12
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hello, everybody, I'm reading physiology now, hitting on renal physi. My yahoo id is vivianusmle. Let's add each other's id into yahoo messenger. btw, I'm using brs physi.
zenith, I emailed you through this website. Anyway, we can use msn to study together.
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| proctalgia
Forum Senior
Topics: 2
Posts: 209
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Dera Vivian6,
You idea is fantastic. WE can use this to study togather.
My yahoo id is dranura2002.
Thank you
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| zenith
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wonderful idea - my yahoo id is rarora28. i'm also doing physio these days - studying from kaplan.
vivian: i don't have anything in my inbox from you, so i guess the mail went somewhere else. but thats okay since we're adding each other to yahoo now.
happy studying......keep it going guys!!!!
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| drbeeho
Forum Newbie
Topics: 8
Posts: 20
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Hello all
I have been in the same boat for quite some time now, I graduated in 1996, I work full time and I tried to pass step one several times , last time was last month and I got 73
I am determined to pass and I feel that I am close , hopefully we all can encourage each other
___________________
Bahaa
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| wfjj
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 10
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Hi, I work full time and is a single mother for a 7 years old girl and I am a foreigner.
I just bought the First Aid. Really not sure when I can start and if I should work on this exam.
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| pocas
Forum Elite
Topics: 7
Posts: 169
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yeah good idea we can share information a disscus some topics my mail is artetong@yahoo.com.
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