usmlerocker
No pain = No gain
Topics: 18
Posts: 88
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The following post is taken from www.UsmleRockers.net
Centre: Houston
Attempt No. 1
Result : Passed
Result reported on: Second Wednesday of the reporting period. Used oasis trick.
Exam preparation duration: 11 days (I did not have enough time as I planned to take the test before my slot could end). Ideally it is
advisable to prepare for the exam for minimum 2 weeks.
Exam preparation experience: Practicing with a partner is the key. I was lucky to get a very active study partner (one of my friends). I owe him a lot. Without him I doubt I would have passed this test. Also, more than one practice partner is not advisable as it takes more time to practice each case. Get a single good partner. I studied USMLE World and used first aid’s cases to practice. I personally preferred USMLE World. But there are people who read only FA and pass CS. So it does not matter which book you are following. You stick to whichever you are comfortable with.
Hotel Review: I stayed in Greenspoint Day’s Inn, Houston Around $50 (dont remember the exact amount) per night. Free Airport Shuttle, Free Exam centre to and fro shuttle. Free wifi available. There is a big Greenspoint mall nearby where we had fun after the exam. Lot of exam takers stay in this hotel. You can practice with each other before you go for the exam. Exam centre is just 10 mins drive from the hotel. Over all I liked the stay in the hotel.
Exam experience: With God’s grace everything went on fine for me. The weather was fine. IMG percentage among examinees was almost 50%. I was lucky to get all straightforward cases. I was able to finish all the cases on time. I did not get any “uncooperative” SPs. And no strange challenging questions. All challenging questions I faced are mentioned in UW. I did not get telephone case. But I did get a ped case where only the mother was present. The CNS case was a lengthy one. Regarding patient notes, I wrote only what I did inside the room. I did not cook anything extra in the patient notes.
Mistakes I committed:
Asked leading questions on two occasions. Addressed a patient with previous patient’s name twice. But I immediately apologized and addressed him with correct name. To avoid this, before you enter the room, always write the surname of the patient in bold letters on the top of your paper. Make it a habit. Did not dim the light to examine using ophthalmoscope first. Later I corrected this mistake. Once you wash your hand you are not supposed to touch your pad until you complete the examination. If you do, you are supposed to wash your hands again. But I didn't.
Suggestions: Practice CNS cases again and again and be thorough with CNS examination. You have to do it quickly and you will not have time to think what’s next. You have to do it like a reflex. Have mock exams with your study partner. Practice, practice and practice with a partner. That makes a lot of difference when compared to sitting alone and reading from the book.
~
The above post is taken from www.UsmleRockers.net
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| KHILADI420
Forum Newbie
Topics: 4
Posts: 56
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congratulations...
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| usmlerocker
No pain = No gain
Topics: 18
Posts: 88
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Thanks Khiladi!
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| snake0613
Forum Elite
Topics: 97
Posts: 194
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Congrats. usmlerocker, I don't understand this sentence" Did not dim the light to examine using ophthalmoscope first."
that mean we need not to dim the light when using funduscopy?
thanks
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| usmlerocker
No pain = No gain
Topics: 18
Posts: 88
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HI snake. We need to dim the light of the room before doing an ophthalmoscopic exam. I did not do that for a patient. But I passed though.
Hope I answered your question.
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| snake0613
Forum Elite
Topics: 97
Posts: 194
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Thanks usmlerocker, another question, do you use the otoscope for examing ear and nose? I found there two types of lens caps, there are soem difference between them?
thanks
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| usmlerocker
No pain = No gain
Topics: 18
Posts: 88
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Hi snake. Yes, we need to use the otoscope to examine the ear. The disposable caps for the otoscope will be hooked up on the wall. I dont think there are two types of caps. Probably different sizes.
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