16 December 2009

Sonal's Web Diary

It feels like an eternity since I finished my exams but, in reality it was only a week ago I finished my last one.

This year's 3a examinations consisted of 2 written papers and the OSCE. The written papers were multiple choice and written answers and the OSCE consisted of both practical and static stations, similarly to last year. However, in comparison to last year I found this year's exams much harder than the previous years. I feel as if the questions asked were not a fair reflection on this years modules and learning.

I especially found the static questions stupidly difficult, and was sat there half the time thinking “what is the answer?” The problem was with some of these questions is that we were given a picture of something, an x-ray, CT scan or a set of results to interpret. The first question usually went along the lines of “what is the diagnosis” and the subsequent questions were on management, investigations etc. So if you got the diagnosis wrong you lost all the subsequent marks, which is pretty harsh in my opinion.

The interactive stations depended on both your patient and assessor. Some patients were told not to volunteer any information unless directly asked, and some patients were told to ramble on until we stopped them politely or asked more questions. I wasn’t sure whether to talk about diagnosis, investigations and management as well. It’s hard to get all this out in 5 min and 30 seconds, even consultants get 10 min per consultation at least.

Well, all in all it’s done and the only positive thing I have to say about those examinations are “at least it is over”

Results are coming out tomorrow, and basically they tell us whether we failed, passed or passed with distinction. Here is hoping to a pass for not only me but all my friends and fellow 3a exam sufferers! Good luck =)