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How to study for the ABA [American Board of Anesthesiology] BASIC exam

Amanda Xi

Today’s inane image of the day:

Caption: Legit all of the resources I used to study for the BASIC. Admittedly, I didn’t finish all of the things here, but I only advocate/recommend products I’ve purchased and used myself.

[Updated 9/2022 with TrueLearn discount for $25 off!]

Introduction

First and foremost, check out my original article on all of the resources for the in-training exam (ITE) and BASIC exam. If you opened that entry and immediately thought, TL;DR… or you only care about how to study for the BASIC exam, this is the entry for you.

Some basics about the BASIC

From the ABA:

The BASIC Examination, the first in the series of exams, will be offered to residents at the end of their CA-1 year. It focuses on the scientific basis of clinical anesthetic practice and will concentrate on content areas such as pharmacology, physiology, anatomy, anesthesia equipment and monitoring.

https://theaba.org/staged%20exams.html
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7 tips for strong letters of recommendation [college, premedical, residency & fellowship]

Amanda Xi

Today’s inane image of the day:

I’ve seen this view a few too many times in the last 4 months with my ACGME TYRC & AMWA commitments overlapping with the fellowship interview trail!

The last four months have been extraordinarily draining. I think the combination of being in the ICU in January [which is a bittersweet experience for me; on one hand, I love taking care of critically ill patients but on the other hand, the hours were long and the daylight hours were short], using all of my off days for either ACGME commitments, fellowship interviews, or AMWA103 planning made it difficult to stay balanced.

Cue the burnout.

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4 gifts to love

Amanda Xi

Today’s inane images of the day will be scattered throughout the post.

With the holiday season in full swing [a claustrophobic experience I endured when I was coerced to “pick something up” for my family on Black Friday], I thought I’d share some of the gifts I’ve come to appreciate and some personal anecdotes to go along with each.

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Every ending opens the door to a new beginning

Amanda Xi

Today’s inane images of the day:

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The 17th floor of Henry Ford has the best views of Detroit.

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Tried fowling (football + bowling pins) with my co-interns! I can barely throw a football but it was still fun.

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My third consecutive floor month was on this general medicine unit.

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I presented a medically challenging case at the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ meeting in San Diego this last month!

The first third of my intern year has been… difficult. Residency is a tough job.

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Introducing Amanda Xi, MD

Amanda Xi

Today’s inane images of the day:

Amanda Xi Graduation
The stereotypical post-graduation-ceremony school photo.

Amanda Xi WDIV interview
I was interviewed by our local WDIV Channel 4’s Dr. McGeorge!

After four wonderful years at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, I can now call myself Dr. Amanda Xi. Thank you to my supportive family, boyfriend, friends, colleagues, and blog readers that have helped push me through the tough times and celebrated the joys with me. I could not have done it without all of you.

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Preparing for the USMLE Step 2 CK [includes a study plan + tips for success]

Amanda Xi

Today’s inane image of the day:

After I took Step 2 CS, I rewarded myself with a relaxing vacation up in the Bay Area. This is the view from our hotel room.
After I took Step 2 CK/CS, I rewarded myself with a relaxing vacation up in the Bay Area. This was the view from our hotel room.

After I found out my clerkship order for third year, I knew that I would be taking the USMLE Step 2 CK and CS before the start of 4th year. I scored above average on Step 1, but I knew that if I wanted a shot at top-tier residency programs, I needed to improve on Step 2 [I think it all worked out in the end].

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OUWB Match 2015 results are in!

Amanda Xi

Today’s [not so] inane images of the day:

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After almost 4 years of medical school and 4 agonizing days of waiting during Match Week, I was rewarded with my #1 rank – Henry Ford Transitional Year + Massachusetts General Anesthesiology!

 

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The obligatory “I Matched” photo!

 

My match result still hasn’t settled in. Despite having an entire weekend to wrap my mind around the fact that I matched at my #1 Transitional Year and Anesthesiology Residency programs, I cannot help but wonder when someone will wake me up from this pleasant dream.

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