Exam Center: Chicago Exam Date: 26.February.2009 Result: Passed Weeks for Result: 6 weeks My Experience: I took my exam on 26th Feb and came out totally distraught thinking I have to take it again. Mine would be the worst case scenario so far but with a happy ending. It's still feel unreal that I actually passed. I had pretty common cases with cooperative SPs, staff etc. I could not even finish examination in 6 cases.forget about closure in those 6 cases..PN writing was horrible after first 2 cases..I didnot practice much for cases as well as PN writing due to time constrain. First 2 cases, time just flew and even though pretty general cases, I could not finish them as well. You wont believe but I also goofed up the telephone case as well and it was one of the 6 incomplete cases..(I know I feel extremely lucky). My Advice & My Errors: Positives:I think only thing went into my favor was my overall interaction with the SPs. I didn't go overboard with sympathy /permission(is it okay by you after every 2nd sentence)/thanking to the extent of sounding fake. I was pretty natural,presented myself as a compassionate listener. Didnt hurry the patient even though I was short of time. helped with gown,footrest etc.small talk during hand-wash sounding as genuine as possible. Do not change your tone or expressions if you encounter any case/patient which will actually sound absurd in general practice in developing countries. They just want to see how comfortable you are dealing with these kinda cases.. One funny part: I had a black lady with a spanish last name. Some stuff on the exam will be really funny like patient's last name etc but try to be professional at all the times. Errors: 1.I could hardly practice 10 cases, without timed session. I was anxious since I am a very old grad with no clinical touch at all for last few years.(Practice folks till you feel comfortable..thats the only way to kill this beast.Retrospectively I consider I am extremely lucky this time to pass) 2.I was not focussed during first 2 cases. Think each case equally imp. Its very easy to get distracted later on during the exam. 3.Somehow I lost track in almost majority of cases and wasted time in unnecessary examinations and questions.Focus focus ! 4.During examination, found few extra findings like nevus-counselled the pt right there to watch its size, varicose vein etc(If not all the counselling, at least tell the pt u noticed and throw some advice lines to him) but I forgot to mention it on the patient notes 4.Patient note writing-I found the PN writing pattern much better in Kaplan's 35 complex cases you are most likely to see on CS Book(much better than FA/UW)..I strongly suggest reading at least first 75 pages. 5.FA and UW cases is enough along with aformentioned Kaplan book (75 pages). My Stay / Cost / Travel to Center: My friend dropped me in her car from downtown chicago in the afternoon(30 min drive).. Name :

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