08-19-2011, 06:12 AM
i hope it benefits ppl like me who had no clue where to begin and what to do ..i was really scared of this exam as it was abt a practical test with emphasis on time constraints..i had a lot of misconceptions of this exam and lot of false information as this forum has ppl -advertising some with no actual credentials.But also met some wonderful sps ..and want to thank deeply each one of them..Here are some personal tips from my experience.
1.Before you begin..pls go over usmle.org cs information ..learn abt what is expected in each component..that is the best source for info straight from the ppl who conduct the exam.Make sure you understand each component and basic requirements.
2. FA and UW ..pls make sure you also do FA minicases and dont neglect uw either.Do the cases from uw that are not covered in FA atleast.
3. At the beginning focus on asking right qs ..as you practise...start focussing on the time factor..
4.Remember to do a focussed hx and focussed physical based on the case..you are not expected to do everything due to time factor..anything you do extra will not fetch more marks..this is the one that is most misunderstood by us..
Seek honest dedicated sp/sps on skype who are willing to point your mistake ..and you should do the same..this will improve your hx taking skill and closure and counselling.
5. pls practise live atleast for 1 week before the exam...i had a problem finding a live sp ..and iam a mom with a toddler..this is what i did..for 2 weeks..i had my sis who is in India to be my sp over skype ..and would time myself to complete hx in 7-8 mins max..[practis until you can do that]..then i set timer for 3 mins and got my husband to be mylive sp for PE..and then i tried to give 2 imp counselling statements for each case..and most imp closure should be as best as possible..your diff and the plan of action ..tests and that you will be seeing the pt again..and practised my own counselling words rather than follow a book.i tried to get done in 13 mins..
6.Paient pls practise this without ever neglecting for every case..try to get done in 8 mins ..this will come practise.I had the option is write the patient note..so cannot help with typing pt note..
7.PE ...pts practise this on anyone that you can find..try to get done in 3-3 mins max..and cut down on exam day if you are really running short of time..but make sure you do the basic essential ..comes with dediacted practise
8.On exam day pls feel relaxed no matter what and say t0 urslef that you will give your best shot ..treat pts with kindness and with genuine concern abt there problem..answer there qs and concerns ..9.PLEASE BUY A TIMER ..THIS IS A MUST ..OR GET ONE ONLINE...
Hope this helps..by God's grace,my parents ,sis,my sps and family..i thank everyone who have helped me ..and this wonderful forum where i met good ppl ..it has been an enriching experience so far..I wish you all the best...pls do not despair...practise and practise..i thot i had failed this exam..but ultimately got high performance..just trust urself ..work sincerely..seek genuine guidance and practise hard...think and feel your the doctor in charge and your in that room for 15 mins and you want to do your best to help the patient..God the almighty will bless...take care .
1.Before you begin..pls go over usmle.org cs information ..learn abt what is expected in each component..that is the best source for info straight from the ppl who conduct the exam.Make sure you understand each component and basic requirements.
2. FA and UW ..pls make sure you also do FA minicases and dont neglect uw either.Do the cases from uw that are not covered in FA atleast.
3. At the beginning focus on asking right qs ..as you practise...start focussing on the time factor..
4.Remember to do a focussed hx and focussed physical based on the case..you are not expected to do everything due to time factor..anything you do extra will not fetch more marks..this is the one that is most misunderstood by us..
Seek honest dedicated sp/sps on skype who are willing to point your mistake ..and you should do the same..this will improve your hx taking skill and closure and counselling.
5. pls practise live atleast for 1 week before the exam...i had a problem finding a live sp ..and iam a mom with a toddler..this is what i did..for 2 weeks..i had my sis who is in India to be my sp over skype ..and would time myself to complete hx in 7-8 mins max..[practis until you can do that]..then i set timer for 3 mins and got my husband to be mylive sp for PE..and then i tried to give 2 imp counselling statements for each case..and most imp closure should be as best as possible..your diff and the plan of action ..tests and that you will be seeing the pt again..and practised my own counselling words rather than follow a book.i tried to get done in 13 mins..
6.Paient pls practise this without ever neglecting for every case..try to get done in 8 mins ..this will come practise.I had the option is write the patient note..so cannot help with typing pt note..
7.PE ...pts practise this on anyone that you can find..try to get done in 3-3 mins max..and cut down on exam day if you are really running short of time..but make sure you do the basic essential ..comes with dediacted practise
8.On exam day pls feel relaxed no matter what and say t0 urslef that you will give your best shot ..treat pts with kindness and with genuine concern abt there problem..answer there qs and concerns ..9.PLEASE BUY A TIMER ..THIS IS A MUST ..OR GET ONE ONLINE...
Hope this helps..by God's grace,my parents ,sis,my sps and family..i thank everyone who have helped me ..and this wonderful forum where i met good ppl ..it has been an enriching experience so far..I wish you all the best...pls do not despair...practise and practise..i thot i had failed this exam..but ultimately got high performance..just trust urself ..work sincerely..seek genuine guidance and practise hard...think and feel your the doctor in charge and your in that room for 15 mins and you want to do your best to help the patient..God the almighty will bless...take care .