residency

I failed my test/exam/boards… now what? [practical advice for next steps]

Amanda Xi

Today’s inane image of the day:

Foliage from last year when I was in a wedding and decided to go on a solo hike. I do not recommend doing this after it has rained, the trail is slippery, you have zero phone service, and no one else was in the parking lot.

If you’ve stumbled across this entry, it is likely that either you or someone that you care deeply about has failed some sort of examination. It may be a low-stakes or a high-stakes one. It may be in the setting of a course, or it may be in the setting of a medical board examination. Either way, there is something so disarming about failing an exam. It really cuts deep. I am going to make the generalization that most people who are seeking advice after failing an exam are those who typically haven’t encountered this challenge before.

Either way, you are here and seeking advice on how to move forward.

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Behind the drape [reflections on starting anesthesia training & tips for success]

Amanda Xi

Today’s inane image of the day:

As my Transitional Year internship progressed, my anxiety about starting my first year in clinical anesthesia increased exponentially. By June, I was frantically searching the depths of the internet for resources [e.g. how does one DO anesthesia!? what IS anesthesia?] to prepare for the mysteries that lie behind the drapes. At the end of my internship, I felt comfortable entering senna/colace orders, the periodic ABG [arterial blood gas] stick, and pontificating about my differential diagnosis in a SOAP [subjective, objective, assessment, plan] note, but the thought of being able to safely anesthetize a patient for surgery made me nauseous. I also started second-guessing my decision to pursue anesthesiology; during my TY year, I thoroughly enjoyed my inpatient medicine months and was prepared to switch to medicine if I didn’t end up liking anesthesia. Looking back, I can see now that I would have been happy doing a medicine residency, but I’m definitely happier and overall more satisfied in the field of anesthesiology.

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On networking, research and improvement [preparing for MS4]

Amanda Xi

Today’s inane images of the day:

BBQ Chicken pizza is a personal comfort food favorite. I had this one while exploring a new city while on the interview trail.
BBQ Chicken pizza is a personal comfort food favorite. I had this one while exploring a new city while on the interview trail.

 

The perks of being a Delta Medallion member! [It was a short flight... but I'll take it!]
The perks of being a Delta Medallion member! [It was a short flight… but I’ll take it!]
 

The view from one of my hotel rooms. Heh.
The view from one of my hotel rooms. Heh.

There are a number of current 3rd year medical students whom I’ve counseled in the last couple months about planning for 4th year – to all of you, this will probably be redundant information. But for those of you who are interested in how I prepared for my 4th year, this entry may contain a couple pearls to consider.

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