It is hard to believe, but FM is over tomorrow. While the day was long as all Thursdays are - I found myself sad and even tearing up that it was coming to an end. I know I have a long way to go but I know that primary care is where I belong. It is very draining at times and can be quite testing of your patience but in the end of it I am all about the little things...
The small jokes and convos that go on between established patients really is rewarding. My preceptor has known these patients for 10+ years and even generations throughout the family. Some patients I have seen once, some 3-4 times in my 6 weeks and I know that there are so many I will remember and those I will miss (which is hard to say because you never WANT people to be sick but those who add a little joy to the day with their positive attitude or cheery smile really is contagious!).
I truly think I am quite tired from my 12 hour day today (which is rare) but I feel very emotional tonight. Of course it isn't the couple of beers that I have had while packing - no, no (:P) - but really I will miss my first rotation and probably the best preceptor a student could ask for. She taught me SO much over the 6 weeks and I hope she knows that. I thought that my fire and passion for medicine was strong but this rotation truly only ignited it more. At the end of the day, and only being a student, I have felt fulfilled. Sure, it isn't the big saves like like in ER but just to make a difference in the persons day was a pleasure.
My emotions however got huge once I got home. Luckily, I spared my parents in it (Thursdays are the days we go out to Slips for pizza and beers! So fun!!!) but I came home and was just frantic trying to - yet again - pack to move away. Of course, it is only 2 hours away but as you all who have been following this blog know - it is get...ting old. I finally got to packing my clothes and opened my first dresser drawer only to start bawling. It isn't such an awful things to move and I know how fortunate I am to be near family and friends - but I guess it is just the actual relocation - to a place that to me isn't my home. It has made me feel so sad to keep moving, almost like my house right now isn't really mine because, well, I'm never here. My time from after 5th until now is the longest that I have continually lived in this house. 6 months about. Then there is Maggie (our new puppy which I don't think I have written about). We got her at 5.5 weeks and she is now nearing 4 months old. She is such a heart-melter and joy to have around. I am not sure if we will split time with her but I am so worried that she won't remember her mommy. I love her so much and she is so smart - she'll have to remember, right??
Okay, It is time for me to keep packing and get some rest. Last day of FM tomorrow and need to be fresh for pics she said she would be taking and sushi we will be getting to celebrate (YUMM)!!! I'll write again soon once I am settled in Saginaw. I know that once I am away from home again, blogs will be pouring out of me! Take care all and talk to you soon.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Like a bad penny: The Comp Exam!
This post goes out to a student who asked me about the Comp exam and how my first attempt differed from my second (which is so late but I hope helpful!). Basically, like I said before the first attempt I didn't try that hard. I just got back from the island around Christmas and was scheduled to take my Comp in the beginning of January. I was just so excited to be home, I really put the studying off. My studying was mostly just glancing at some notes and - well I don't know how else to say it but really just wanting to take the thing and move on. Smart me, as I have never been good at tests in the first place - here I was... wingin' it.
Once I found out I failed, I was very sad but wasn't surprised. I had no one to blame but myself and I knew it. I couldn't say I tried my hardest... Well, I could because I did but I really didn't prepare at all to even 1/2 my potential. In my defense though, after everything I had been through, I felt like it is all I could give.
During my 5th semester in Saginaw, I knew this was my "make or break" exam. This determined it all: graduating on time, staying in Michigan for rotations, being able to secure my wedding date - everything. Luckily, in the area I was in and the hotel room (or as I call it the hamster cage) I lived in, studying was my entire schedule, with the exception of the gym, seeing Tony some weekends and of course - going downstairs to the bar later at night here and there to wind down from a long day. In the beginning of the semester, I made my strategy: knowledge, questions, practice tests. I calculated how many videos I had in each subject and divided it out each week. For me, I did a different subject each day. Mondays were an easy topic because it was Monday, so like anatomy/histology. Tuesdays were biochem, Wednesdays micro/immuno, etc. Whatever subject that I felt that would fit my mood for those days, I chose. I figured that doing mixed subjects would be better than all one subject then a new one after because by the time I got to my third subject, I knew the first would be half way out of my head. This way it was staying fresh and I didn't lose my comfort dealing with each topic. I did have the Kaplan texts but truthfully with my timeframe it wasn't feasible. I do think it is a wonderful idea though if you can read fast but it is pretty close to just the videos in text form.
Anyhoo, each day I would do my requirements for 5th then after go right to Kaplan videos. I would wake up early in the morning even sometimes to watch a few (of course on fast speed). I took notes from Kaplan and put it into my First Aid book so all my notes were in one place. I was done with Kaplan within about 5 weeks or so, give or take. I didn't finish path or pharm/micro in Kaplan videos because I liked Goljan better for path and pharm/micro - well it was just all memorization. I did though go over the beginning of pharm, like the fundamentals, equations, dynamics/kinetics, etc. That was useful.
Once the videos were done it was onto USMLE World. I finished probably close to 30-35% of the questions (which I got through them all by Step time) with the time that I had to prepare and after much experimenting with how to do it, finally chose random questions (as how tests were) and chose untimed/timed (never been a problem but if I found myself taking forever and lingering I chose to time myself to keep me moving). I made sure I read through each answer. To me, each question was loaded with up to 5-6 facts. Even if they were the wrong answer you learned from each one.
I never did amazing on the questions and I wasn't really looking at my scores much. I just wanted to get through as many as I could and understand them. I then started to take practice exams. I used the NBMEs and started with form 3. Forms 1 and 2 are old and dated to me - too easy. I did 3 and 4 (was saving 5 and 6 for the Step, which I didn't end up doing anyway). I think those were the only two I did for the most part but still was answering UW questions at the same time up until the second Comp. I knew where I would be taking it in Saginaw, so I took a practice exam in there so it was a familiar environment as well which took away 99.9% of the jitters. Then the day came and I thought it was harder than the first one. I was down but knew how much work I put into this one. Now, I could say I did my best and worked to my hardest potential and I had no regrets. I improved from a 62% to a 69% - not huge but enough to make me happy. Once 5th was over it was time to study for the Step and I'm sure you all know how that went! ;)
All in all, that is my story and I hope that it was more descriptive than my other Comp posts. I'm sorry to whoever was asking about this for so long but I hope this has helped. I will check the comments section in case you have more questions on things I may have not commented on but truly studying is all about what is best for YOU! I took many different ideas from people and made a study program of my own. So get many ideas and do what you will stick with - what you will look forward to and not dread when study time comes. Medicine is lifelong learning journey so hop on the ride and make the best of the study time that you have! :)
Once I found out I failed, I was very sad but wasn't surprised. I had no one to blame but myself and I knew it. I couldn't say I tried my hardest... Well, I could because I did but I really didn't prepare at all to even 1/2 my potential. In my defense though, after everything I had been through, I felt like it is all I could give.
During my 5th semester in Saginaw, I knew this was my "make or break" exam. This determined it all: graduating on time, staying in Michigan for rotations, being able to secure my wedding date - everything. Luckily, in the area I was in and the hotel room (or as I call it the hamster cage) I lived in, studying was my entire schedule, with the exception of the gym, seeing Tony some weekends and of course - going downstairs to the bar later at night here and there to wind down from a long day. In the beginning of the semester, I made my strategy: knowledge, questions, practice tests. I calculated how many videos I had in each subject and divided it out each week. For me, I did a different subject each day. Mondays were an easy topic because it was Monday, so like anatomy/histology. Tuesdays were biochem, Wednesdays micro/immuno, etc. Whatever subject that I felt that would fit my mood for those days, I chose. I figured that doing mixed subjects would be better than all one subject then a new one after because by the time I got to my third subject, I knew the first would be half way out of my head. This way it was staying fresh and I didn't lose my comfort dealing with each topic. I did have the Kaplan texts but truthfully with my timeframe it wasn't feasible. I do think it is a wonderful idea though if you can read fast but it is pretty close to just the videos in text form.
Anyhoo, each day I would do my requirements for 5th then after go right to Kaplan videos. I would wake up early in the morning even sometimes to watch a few (of course on fast speed). I took notes from Kaplan and put it into my First Aid book so all my notes were in one place. I was done with Kaplan within about 5 weeks or so, give or take. I didn't finish path or pharm/micro in Kaplan videos because I liked Goljan better for path and pharm/micro - well it was just all memorization. I did though go over the beginning of pharm, like the fundamentals, equations, dynamics/kinetics, etc. That was useful.
Once the videos were done it was onto USMLE World. I finished probably close to 30-35% of the questions (which I got through them all by Step time) with the time that I had to prepare and after much experimenting with how to do it, finally chose random questions (as how tests were) and chose untimed/timed (never been a problem but if I found myself taking forever and lingering I chose to time myself to keep me moving). I made sure I read through each answer. To me, each question was loaded with up to 5-6 facts. Even if they were the wrong answer you learned from each one.
I never did amazing on the questions and I wasn't really looking at my scores much. I just wanted to get through as many as I could and understand them. I then started to take practice exams. I used the NBMEs and started with form 3. Forms 1 and 2 are old and dated to me - too easy. I did 3 and 4 (was saving 5 and 6 for the Step, which I didn't end up doing anyway). I think those were the only two I did for the most part but still was answering UW questions at the same time up until the second Comp. I knew where I would be taking it in Saginaw, so I took a practice exam in there so it was a familiar environment as well which took away 99.9% of the jitters. Then the day came and I thought it was harder than the first one. I was down but knew how much work I put into this one. Now, I could say I did my best and worked to my hardest potential and I had no regrets. I improved from a 62% to a 69% - not huge but enough to make me happy. Once 5th was over it was time to study for the Step and I'm sure you all know how that went! ;)
All in all, that is my story and I hope that it was more descriptive than my other Comp posts. I'm sorry to whoever was asking about this for so long but I hope this has helped. I will check the comments section in case you have more questions on things I may have not commented on but truly studying is all about what is best for YOU! I took many different ideas from people and made a study program of my own. So get many ideas and do what you will stick with - what you will look forward to and not dread when study time comes. Medicine is lifelong learning journey so hop on the ride and make the best of the study time that you have! :)
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Long, long overdue...
Gosh, I don't know what else to say but I'm sorry for the long delay! I'm sure you know how busy I am but I didn't want to hold off blogging for this long, oy! Things are going amazing. I am enjoying my FM rotation very much. It isn't the exact hours I have said before, as now I am staying longer for charting and such - but I don't mind it at all. All in all, I think I am there around 50ish hours at most.
Truth be told, I am just so drained by the end of the day, I haven't felt like reliving it after again. The experience though has been wonderful and I am not being worked like a dog either. I find myself eager to stay longer, work harder and help in any way I can. Let's see... What have I done in this rotation. Alot! I see just about all patients before my preceptor. I interview, examine, present the patient and go in with my preceptor to wrap up the visit. As far as procedures go? I have been so lucky! I have been able to do countless injections of antibiotics, vitamins, vaccines, TB tests, allergy shots, etc. (one of which led to an anaphylactic reaction - a story for another day, lol - not my fault as no one knew she had an allergy to the medication but I freaked out a bit inside). I've done breast exams and paps, where my preceptor begins with the spec but we swap seats so I can take the cultures, remove the spec and perform the bimanual if the patient allows (which hasn't happened alot but I am confortable with it). As far as rectals, not something I am dying to get the experience of, but if asked - I'll dig in lol. I've been able to take rapid Strep cultures and probably the biggest of all been able to do hemangioma/mole removals. With my preceptor aiding me along the way, I have done it from anesthesia to cautery, and they have all been on the neck (not that I am worrying of nicking an artery with my scapal!). Of course, that would happen with the right technique but that though went through my mind with my first removal.
Even besides this, doing the H&Ps have been the most beneficial to me. I am getting very comfortable in my interviews and know with each rotation there will be new avenues to learn. My rotation ends next Friday and I have just enjoyed it so much. I know this rotation will probably be the most patient contact that I might get to have and I know that primary care will probably be where I'll end up. I just love interaction with my patients and I have gotten such warm responses from them. When I come in with my preceptor, there have been so many times where they complement my style and comment on what a great physician I will be someday. It just means alot to hear that and gives me that extra drive.
I really hope I didn't turn people off to my blog as I know that it has been lacking but hopefully I can post more before this rotation is up. Psych is up next starting September 2nd in Saginaw and I am sure there will be alot of posts during that time! But again, apologies for my laziness and I hope you all stay tuned as the journey continues! :)
Truth be told, I am just so drained by the end of the day, I haven't felt like reliving it after again. The experience though has been wonderful and I am not being worked like a dog either. I find myself eager to stay longer, work harder and help in any way I can. Let's see... What have I done in this rotation. Alot! I see just about all patients before my preceptor. I interview, examine, present the patient and go in with my preceptor to wrap up the visit. As far as procedures go? I have been so lucky! I have been able to do countless injections of antibiotics, vitamins, vaccines, TB tests, allergy shots, etc. (one of which led to an anaphylactic reaction - a story for another day, lol - not my fault as no one knew she had an allergy to the medication but I freaked out a bit inside). I've done breast exams and paps, where my preceptor begins with the spec but we swap seats so I can take the cultures, remove the spec and perform the bimanual if the patient allows (which hasn't happened alot but I am confortable with it). As far as rectals, not something I am dying to get the experience of, but if asked - I'll dig in lol. I've been able to take rapid Strep cultures and probably the biggest of all been able to do hemangioma/mole removals. With my preceptor aiding me along the way, I have done it from anesthesia to cautery, and they have all been on the neck (not that I am worrying of nicking an artery with my scapal!). Of course, that would happen with the right technique but that though went through my mind with my first removal.
Even besides this, doing the H&Ps have been the most beneficial to me. I am getting very comfortable in my interviews and know with each rotation there will be new avenues to learn. My rotation ends next Friday and I have just enjoyed it so much. I know this rotation will probably be the most patient contact that I might get to have and I know that primary care will probably be where I'll end up. I just love interaction with my patients and I have gotten such warm responses from them. When I come in with my preceptor, there have been so many times where they complement my style and comment on what a great physician I will be someday. It just means alot to hear that and gives me that extra drive.
I really hope I didn't turn people off to my blog as I know that it has been lacking but hopefully I can post more before this rotation is up. Psych is up next starting September 2nd in Saginaw and I am sure there will be alot of posts during that time! But again, apologies for my laziness and I hope you all stay tuned as the journey continues! :)
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