Tips for Examinees:
Break each section down, then organize it in the order of what you feel you need the most work on first, to least work on last. Then set a time limit to study each section spending more time on the subjects that you are least familiar. Following the domains for the exam is a great pre-made outline. --Colleen
START EARLY! I also made extensive notes on all the disease states listed in the knowledge list, and the procedures and skills that we perform. I read as many of the required texts as humanly possible and quickly found that there was not enough time...so starting early is really key!!! --Jennifer
Review/study the pathophysiology of our cases at night even if you think you know it. You will always learn something new. --Joanna
I would have been more comfortable if I had studied outside my specialty more - I knew my specialty inside and out, but I was less comfortable with the general exam. --Kristen
In addition to "reading everything I could find", I studied my cases/patients. As I took care of my patients, I continually asked myself WHY??? Why are we giving this medication? What results/side effects should I see? Why didn't I see the results I expected?? Why were the diagnostics performed for this case?? What did we expect to see?? How does this disease work?? What organ(s) does this disease effect?? If I didn't know the answers, I kept a notebook close by so that I could write my question down and either research it on my own or ask one of the DVMs as soon as I could. --Lana
I took one day a week for myself. I went to a movie, took my dogs for a long walk, hung out with friends, etc. The point was to relax and NOT TALK/THINK ABOUT the exam. It was actually pretty difficult to do because I felt pressure to spend every "free" minute studying. --Lana
The day before the exam, I allowed myself to study until 1600. Then I put my notes and books away, went for a nice walk, ate a nice dinner, watched some TV and got a good night's sleep. The morning of the exam, I ate a good breakfast and proceeded to the test room. I did not open a book or my notes to stress myself out with all of the information that I wanted in my head that wasn't there already. --Lana
With the idea of studying in mind, think of all of your work experiences as study time. If you work in a teaching environment and are able, sit in on case discussions or diagnostic treatment plan workups. Doing this along with researching a disease or condition while it was fresh in my mind has helped greatly to have a better understanding of internal medicine in general. --Rachel
Study groups are great if people are able. Maybe use a buddy-system between new applicants and current members for mentoring. --Shalom
NOTE CARDS!!!! As I was studying, anything that just wouldn't stick in my mind- I made a note card, then I would review them over and over again- I could separate the ones I finally got down and then focus on the ones I just couldn't retain-even on the plane trip to take the test- I never put them down!!! I still get them out now to review- very helpful! --Shawna
Something that helped me prepare for the exam was basically going through the knowledge list and making notes on each section. I filled up two steno notebooks with my notes and used those to study just prior to the exam. I knew what areas I needed to focus more on and what areas that I felt comfortable with….My boss also held weekly book club to help me prepare and I also attended the intern lectures that were offered in my hospital. --Hally
START EARLY! I also made extensive notes on all the disease states listed in the knowledge list, and the procedures and skills that we perform. I read as many of the required texts as humanly possible and quickly found that there was not enough time...so starting early is really key!!! --Jennifer
Review/study the pathophysiology of our cases at night even if you think you know it. You will always learn something new. --Joanna
I would have been more comfortable if I had studied outside my specialty more - I knew my specialty inside and out, but I was less comfortable with the general exam. --Kristen
In addition to "reading everything I could find", I studied my cases/patients. As I took care of my patients, I continually asked myself WHY??? Why are we giving this medication? What results/side effects should I see? Why didn't I see the results I expected?? Why were the diagnostics performed for this case?? What did we expect to see?? How does this disease work?? What organ(s) does this disease effect?? If I didn't know the answers, I kept a notebook close by so that I could write my question down and either research it on my own or ask one of the DVMs as soon as I could. --Lana
I took one day a week for myself. I went to a movie, took my dogs for a long walk, hung out with friends, etc. The point was to relax and NOT TALK/THINK ABOUT the exam. It was actually pretty difficult to do because I felt pressure to spend every "free" minute studying. --Lana
The day before the exam, I allowed myself to study until 1600. Then I put my notes and books away, went for a nice walk, ate a nice dinner, watched some TV and got a good night's sleep. The morning of the exam, I ate a good breakfast and proceeded to the test room. I did not open a book or my notes to stress myself out with all of the information that I wanted in my head that wasn't there already. --Lana
With the idea of studying in mind, think of all of your work experiences as study time. If you work in a teaching environment and are able, sit in on case discussions or diagnostic treatment plan workups. Doing this along with researching a disease or condition while it was fresh in my mind has helped greatly to have a better understanding of internal medicine in general. --Rachel
Study groups are great if people are able. Maybe use a buddy-system between new applicants and current members for mentoring. --Shalom
NOTE CARDS!!!! As I was studying, anything that just wouldn't stick in my mind- I made a note card, then I would review them over and over again- I could separate the ones I finally got down and then focus on the ones I just couldn't retain-even on the plane trip to take the test- I never put them down!!! I still get them out now to review- very helpful! --Shawna
Something that helped me prepare for the exam was basically going through the knowledge list and making notes on each section. I filled up two steno notebooks with my notes and used those to study just prior to the exam. I knew what areas I needed to focus more on and what areas that I felt comfortable with….My boss also held weekly book club to help me prepare and I also attended the intern lectures that were offered in my hospital. --Hally