Lessons learned from intern year – part 1

Amanda Xi

Today’s inane images of the day:

IMG_5036
Ogawa Coffee is my new favorite study spot. Mmm, green tea matcha.
IMG_4992
I went home for the July 4th weekend to celebrate the wedding of a college friend – it was a delightful, heart-warming event!
IMG_4938
Gloomy, albeit still breathtaking view from the roof deck of my apartment complex. Hello, Boston!
Detroit view at night from Ford
There are definitely still moments when I long for the familiarity of home, Detroit and Henry Ford. So why not throw in a view of Detroit at night?

How have 9 months already passed since my last entry? I still remember the excitement I felt to finally have a chance to write an entry during my Emergency Medicine rotation – in fact, I wrote that mammoth of an entry in almost one sitting [it seems that much of my best work has been written during one sitting – when inspiration for an entry comes to me, it hits hard!]. Either way, the burning question on your minds has probably been, “What’s been going on since you started your Anesthesiology training in Boston?”

Read more →

Specialty series: emergency medicine

Amanda Xi

Today’s inane image of the day:

Specialty Series: Emergency Medicine
Getting ready for another overnight shift in the emergency room.

One of the advantages of being in a transitional year program is the opportunity to rotate through a variety of specialties and experience them as a resident. Sometimes I wonder if all of us question our specialty choice from time to time – how can we be sure we made the right decision? [I still don’t actually think we can be – but we can make the best of it or make the switch if it becomes unbearable.] Anyway, I am currently in the midst of my emergency medicine rotation and decided to start a medical specialty series with some of my thoughts on what I liked and didn’t like. Warning: this is an exceptionally long entry!

Read more →

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.

Read more →

Every ending opens the door to a new beginning

Amanda Xi

Today’s inane images of the day:

IMG_4174
The 17th floor of Henry Ford has the best views of Detroit.
IMG_4239
Tried fowling (football + bowling pins) with my co-interns! I can barely throw a football but it was still fun.
IMG_4285
My third consecutive floor month was on this general medicine unit.
IMG_4430
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.

Read more →

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.

Read more →

Resources for 3rd year clerkship success [honors]

Amanda Xi

Today’s inane image of the day:

Surgery Clerkship Books
The books I used to study for my Surgery clerkship and shelf exam.

[Entry Last Updated: 4/17/2018] Spring/Summer marks a time of transitions in medical training. Premedical students prepare to begin their training; seasoned first year medical students disperse to conduct research, travel or volunteer; second year medical students emerge from their study caves to see the light of day following the grueling USMLE Step 1 and begin to infiltrate the wards; third year medical students apply to away rotations, compile their resumes, ask for letters and prepare for the best year of medical school; fourth year medical students participate in commencement festivities and bask in the final days of freedom before residency.

It’s quite an exciting time!

Anyway, this entry is meant to provide a list of the resources I used to study for my third year clerkships and shelf exams. I’ll also include other resources I’ve heard others using.

Read more →

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].

Read more →