shpp
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 34
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Just done with mine in Philly........
Dont' know exactly how I feel...may be confused
My experience was on an average very similar to the post by sachida
Stayed in the sheraton university right next to the exam center; CS rate is 150 per night..but staying close helped me reduce my tension, as I have never been in philly before and a bit directionally challenged.
Exam orientation started at 7:30. 21/24 were AMGS, only 3 IMGs.
Proctors were good and did a good job of keeping the atmosphere light. Food was good..didn't have to carry anything. Had a severe headache after the first 5 cases (U'll know why later), fortunately I had tylenol with me (learned from other people's posts).
Exam was a bit of a surprise. At least 3 cases were a bit out of the blue (I used FA and UW for prep). In the first 5 cases, in 2 cases, SPs were very difficult, didn't want to answer any Q, kept asking me why I am asking so and so (big time consumer)...one SP just stared at me for 1-2 mins before spitting out a one word ans. Needless to say, couldn't finish the summarizing and councelling part in 2/5 cases in the first block.
Next 4 cases went somewhat smoother.
Last three cases: again, another 2 strange SPs. One of them had such vague complaints (including the chief complain) that even after questioning every possible thing, I still have no idea what he had. He gave me things that can have no possible connections...so confused
I did knocking, greeting, addressing by name, washing hands, empathizing, draping, helping with gown tying and untying in each case.
HOWEVER, MY BIGGEST MISTAKES:
1) did not get to the closure in 3/12 cases
2) did not do significant manouvers (unrelated to c/c, but hint based on history information) in at least 3 cases.
3) Did not do councelling in a few cases that had hypertension in the vitals, but no complaints
4) BIGGEST: In most of the cases, the symptoms were pointing me to only a few specific D/Ds. Anything extra would be a stretch. So, in at least 6 cases, I had only 3-4 D/Ds and ~3 investigations.
*** GUYS, PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR FEEDBACKS ON THIS. I really need to prepare for a failure...or would be devastated
Overall, I think this is really a stupid exam. I actually had a different view while preparing for it, becoz I thought it is fair for them to judge our clinical and interpersonal skills in this country. But the problem is that..in that limited time (which should never happen in the real world) you either spend time being polite with pts...or doing a perfect physical...or do a perfect closure. In my calculation, there is no way you can do all three perfectly.
also, some SPs probably go overboard in acting...has any of you ever met a patient in real world who does not want to talk about his problems (not depression patients)???
And by the way, I don't understand how all AMGs are out and typing before the announcement; and a lot of them were going in saying "hi...how are you".
there must be a secret there that I don't know. Anyway, just hope I cross the fail margin and get to the other side...will try not to think about it anymore until the results, as it is giving me PTSD
If anyone has any other Q (other that what cases:nod , I will be happy to ans.
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| supra
Forum Elite
Topics: 16
Posts: 360
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GL shpp,i gave CS on da 26th nov in Atlanta,may be we will get our results at da same time,mine was little bit similar to urs,HOPE n PRAY WE PASS.gl 2 all of us.
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| shpp
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 34
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Supra,
thanks for the GL. Do you feel like you made a lot of mistakes too? The more I think about it, the more mistakes I recollect. Based on other readings, do you think I have a chance to pass? I'm almost pessimistic now. GL to you too.
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| supra
Forum Elite
Topics: 16
Posts: 360
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common shpp,we shud think dat we r gonnu pass until proven otherwise(by result),lets be positive,GL 4 both of us.lets pray n hope .....
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| xthine
Forum Junior
Topics: 2
Posts: 127
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Shpp congratulations for making out of the CS all in one piece
I've heard that it's okay to miss a couple of things as long as it is not that pertinent.
They say that as long as you get most of the case (70% and above?) you don't have to worry. I don't think anyone can cover a case completely in just 15 minutes (esp. a neurologic case).
My exam is next Saturday in LA. Im hoping for the best
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| dr_nikki
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 26
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Hey shpp my patients were almost similar to you .........2 of then had very vague symptoms and no to all other questions i was having difficulty in making D/Ds and workup.I hope we all pass as in those cases i was not even sure what to do in the physical exam too.I am not satisfied too inside hopefully we all pass!GL.
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| shpp
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 34
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Hi Supra, xthine and d_nikki, Thanks for your GLs and support. I am a bit over it now...just hope and pray we all pass. I have shifted my focus on rest of the things going on in my life for now..pls share your results.
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| shpp
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 34
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Just to update: Despite all those mistakes (and much more silly ones), I passed the test!!! so, as I said, there is no way you can be perfect in this exam, and seems like they don't want you to be perfect. As long as you stay calm, and don't let a bad case ruin your day, I think you can definitely pass this test.
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| ing
Forum Guru
Topics: 45
Posts: 435
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Congratulations!
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Never give up!!
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| dr penicillin
Forum Junior
Topics: 2
Posts: 53
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congrates
thanks for sharing your experience
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| arlete
Intern in 2009!!!!!
Topics: 30
Posts: 2,245
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Congrats and thank you!
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When men make the rules, God decides the exceptions.
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| alexaE
Forum Elite
Topics: 23
Posts: 334
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oh you will pass...
I have taken the test some months back but I did so many mistakes I was wondering myself how come I received a pass result. You dont have to do it perfectly.
as for the AMGs typing before the time of the encounted was up... well dont worry much abt it.. I used to as well in the first two or so cases, thereafter I walked out of each room like 5 minutes before the time ended (and I still wasnt the first to type my PN) and in one encounter I was out like after 7 minutes or so and I happened to be the first to type, however only seconds before all the rest.... was funny
overall, this is a test in which you have to be polite, walk in with confidence, because after all you are the doctor, dont be scared of the patient no matter how difficult they act, and just be yourself smile and make them feel good. I think this is what counts the most..
if I was stressed out in my first case (an emergency one), I was really relaxed in the others and at some point I was thinking I could actually be friends with my patients..I am sure that is what helped me alot, because I too forgot to do many things and ask things and all that but who doesnt?! its not abt perfection, it is abt how you report to the others how you communicated, and they dont want to see a cold bookworm doctor they want to see a person they feel good around and confident that they are in good hands and will be taken care of and will come back to when needed.
good luck to all
___________________
veni vidi...vincam
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