Exam Center: Houston Exam Date: 1.November.2006 Result: Passed Weeks for Result:   My Experience: Houston center was perfect in my opinion. Not even a single flaw. However, I have no experience with other centers and cannot compare them. My Advice & My Errors: I haven't been practicing medicine for the past 3 years. Moreover, I am an IMG with no US clinical experience. So the exam was a little scary but actually it isn't. I believe what counts is the general impression you leave on SPs. I don’t think they care much about accuracy of your diagnosis and workup. Even if you have no clue about the case, do stay calm and confident and pretend everything is under control. Mistakes that I made were so stupid I still can't believe I made them. forgot to consult about simple things like smoking for 1-2 patients. One patient had borderline/high blood pressure in the vital signs and I forgot to even talk about it because patient was complaining from knee pain. Patient notes were ok but forgot some key tests and key physical findings. Otherwise, I followed the basic things, knocking, using patient's name, being polite and gentle, washing hands, closing in most cases, PAMHUGSFOSS and other routine things. Now suggestions... Don't be fooled, if you haven't been practicing recently, don't count on your timing. Do look at your watch at least when you're washing your hands. I didn't do it for my first case. Believe it or not, I did not hear the five minute announcement and screwed closing in that case. For the rest, checked my watch and timing was not a problem any more. During the encounter whenever something comes up that you can do some counseling for, underline it. It makes it so easier. I don't think it's a big deal to miss some even key physical exams. Many people have missed quite a few and passed. Instead, make sure you have enough time to properly close the encounter. Be confident, have fun in the exam and don't take it too seriously. By the way, this was only my one time experience and I'm not sure how accurate my suggestions are, just posted it as an experience. I hope it helps... Good luck! My Stay / Cost / Travel to Center: Stayed with a friend Name : Ali

  Search:

  New entry: