zrf80
Forum Elite
Topics: 40
Posts: 236
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Wasnt so easy until I found out today, folks !
FIRST AID CS ! There are millions of aids out there, including USMLEWORLD and notes from Schwartz? etc.
I used strictly FIRST AID......and the videos from USMLEWORLD. Didnt even dare waste my time on anything else. Too much of the same stuff, and it can become burdensome for an exam that doesnt really require as much energy as Step 1 and CK.
1) Know your English. Thats 1/3 of your grading. If you talk to people, and they say "What ?"......you need practice. If your pronunciation of "water" sounds like "vaterrrrrrrrr", you need practice.
2) Do the basic stuff. You may be confused on what the SP has, but DONT FORGET to drape, wash hands, and ask "Is there anything else you would like to tell me ?" These things are HUGE during the exam. Dont underestimate it.
3) SPs are actors, not professionals. They dont have the same knowledge as you. If you are doing a FUNDOSCOPIC exam, dont waste time looking for the RETINAL ARTERY. Just make sure the light hits the Sps eye, and move on. Same with ear exam. You dont need to make sure the light reflex is present.
4) Confidence. And if that means bullshitting, do it. It worked for me. They wont take points off for saying too much....only too little.
Stick with that.......and FIRST AID.......and I think you'll be fine. PM me if you have any questions, or insult me directlt in this thread if I offended you.
Good luck.
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| P4a99
Forum Fanatic
Topics: 36
Posts: 2,239
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You sure made CS look easy 
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| zrf80
Forum Elite
Topics: 40
Posts: 236
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^^^^ Not trying to make it look easy. Just stating the obvious. Trust me, friend, I read through all the posts/threads on the various websites before heading to my exam center. Although insightful.......a lot of threads do not tell the real story.
A lot of members studying for the test read horror stories, citing how testees did a horrible job on physical exam, forgot to wash hands, asked all the wrong questions, messed up on patient note, etc. etc.
I just want people to know that those mistakes are bound to happen. It has nothing to do with a lack of exam prep. Whenever I read those horror stories, I was determined to study that much harder. But in reality, there just isnt enough time to have htat perfect exam. So you must, in essence, take some shortcuts.
IMO, and I discussed with a lot of friends/other students that passed.......this exam isnt really about your clinical skills. It's more about your ability to interact with the patient, give them a sense of comfort, and acknoweldge that they really are in pain. If you can do that, you're gold for this exam.
FIRST AID CS does a great job of organizing your thoughts. It gives a nice outline of how to write pt. notes, and what kinds of cases to expect. The rest is on you, my friends. Smile.......do the basics like washing hands.....ask as many questions as you can think of........and you will do well on this exam. Sit there and try to pinpoint what exactly your SP has and try to come out perfect,and you're setting yourself up for disappointment.
Good luck to all.............
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| salo
Forum Junior
Topics: 10
Posts: 52
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thanks man , great post
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| kochs
Forum Senior
Topics: 13
Posts: 141
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i completely agree with zrf80, its as if u just read my mind. I felt the same after the exam, the hype is much too much that is expected ! Its more or actually completely to do with confident appearing and being very professional and depict perfect mannerisms and empathy....
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| damselMD
Forum Senior
Topics: 8
Posts: 173
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i agree. i used FA and USMLEWORLD and Swartz book. Swartz's book was a quick read and not worth buying. FA was the most important and useful. especially if you were studying alone. that really helped with coming up with differentials and test. UW was good for practicing with partners. but if i had to choose one, FA was the best.
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| caduceus
Forum Guru
Topics: 85
Posts: 507
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gd post
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success is a journey not a destination
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| wolverine9
Forum Senior
Topics: 14
Posts: 185
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I agree First Aid is the best, better than USMLE world...USMLE Videos aren't great, but they are sufficient...main thing to pass is english, communication skills, and doing stuff like draping, washing hands, etc....
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| Nadi
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 24
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zrf80 is perfectly correct! I believe we tend to overemphasize on the academic aspect (history, exam, notes) which is basically like a third of the stuff & forget counselling, excellent communication skills, confidence, etc. But i just want to add that TIME is a major factor.Practice cant be overemphasized!!! By the 5 min beel u shld be rounding up examination bc u MUST summarize/counsel after exam to PASS. GL folks!!!
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