| Q: |
How can I make sure I’m preparing myself for boards from day one? |
| A: |
Do well in class…it sounds too simple, but if you learn it well the first time it will make everything easier when it does come time to solely prepare for the boards.
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| Q: |
Are there any worthwhile internet resources that could be helpful during second year? |
| A: |
MD Consult, Scientific America Medical, Up to Date (all accessible through the library home page).
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| Q: |
What board review books should I be using during second year, and how should I use them? |
| A: |
Use BRS, First Aid or Step Up, and jot down notes in these books as you cover the topics THROUGHOUT second year.
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| Q: |
With the massive amount of information I will receive during second year, how can I best make sure it sticks? |
| A: |
Good luck, but one of the best ways is to take your OWN notes (i.e. rewrite or type them in your own words, charts, etc.).
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| Q: |
Would you recommend reviewing old material during second year? |
| A: |
Yes. Most second years agree that it is a good idea to review your old anatomy/physiology for the system you are studying in pathology. (i.e. While you are studying the cardiac section in path, find time to go back and review cardiac anatomy and physiology).
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| Q: |
Any advice for pharmacology? |
| A: |
First semester: Understand that the first two pharmacology tests are worth a lot more (they cover a lot more information) than the rest of the tests during first semester. (i.e. if you’re going to blow off a pharm test, make sure it’s not one of the first two). Second semester: the last pharm test is worth the most. Look at your calendar to check the lecture distribution.
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| Q: |
Is there such a thing as having too many review books for boards? |
| A: |
Yes. Don’t buy too many.
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| Q: |
Would you recommend reading a number of different review books to get various view points on certain topics or would you suggest sticking with the same books for boards? |
| A: |
Definitely, stick with the SAME books for boards (refer to book chart for specific book suggestions).
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| Q: |
Is it worth the money to buy a nice medical dictionary? |
| A: |
Yes. You will have way too many opportunities to look up unfamiliar terms. You should look up EVERYTHING you don’t know on a daily basis.
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| Q: |
Should I buy Q-bank (Kaplan’s online bank of board style questions)? |
| A: |
You should at least buy the one month membership to Q-bank before you take the boards. Some students who paid for three months even recommended using Q bank as study questions for your remaining pathology exams.
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