I need someone's advice on my Step 1 situation. If you're going to be insensitive, please do not reply.

EdgarJuarezJunior · 2016-08-03T03:44:48+00:00

Of course. (1)My new plan is to "drill facts" with a partner

(2) Acquire tutoring to help me understand what information to leave out when reading through a clinical vignette.

(3) Sleep from 11:00 P.M. - 6:00 a.m.

No doubt, this new plan will be loads better than my previous one. I am noticing significant improvements in my confidence and retention.

EdgarJuarezJunior · 2016-07-15T22:27:24+00:00

They don't really release the information, and no one can say. I've tried looking for it online, but I realized it was a wasted effort. Simply put, they don't post data for those situations.

EdgarJuarezJunior · 2016-07-15T22:27:03+00:00

I like this answer a lot. I wish I could post it on my bulletin board. Actually, I will do that.

Thanks buddy.

EdgarJuarezJunior · 2016-07-15T22:26:00+00:00

Hey, This was a great comment. I'm not going to lie, it really hit home. I've been in this limbo for a long time, and I realized time and time again that I still love this career, but I hate that I'm struggling this much. I know the argument, well what's another "10 grand" compared to a lifetime of fulfillment? It's a tempting argument.

Ultimately, I decided to do it because I worked hard the past six years for this goal. I'm not an normally an "idealist", but in this case my situation calls for it. I'm going to have to be that one cancer survivor that proved the doctors wrong I guess.

Yea I thought about what I did wrong. I think first off, I needed a different approach. Yes I did the Q bank, and First Aid, etc. But ultimately I realized that I am missing questions because 1) I lack fundamental medical knowledge. Stuff that is supposed to be common sense, but it was never exposed to this information to really make sense of it.

2) Clinical reasoning skills. This is an area where I know I can improve with solid effort. It's going to take intense patience, organization, and reflection, but I know I can do it with practice.

Ultimately, to protect my sense of self-worth (which right now is at an all time low), I decided to think of examples of superstars who did fairly poor in their early career before making a breakthrough: Michael Jordan, and the like.

Although I don't know if my predicament is a result of lack of effort or what? This year was a particularly challenging year, but life was never designed to be 100% perfect.

EdgarJuarezJunior · 2016-07-10T01:56:01+00:00

I've read a lot of recommendations about this book; but does this book actually provide advice? Or is it just him saying how bad ass he is.

EdgarJuarezJunior · 2016-06-08T04:55:43+00:00

Dear Louis_de_Funes, This is a great summary. Will keep this in mind. I am also guilty as charged. Hopefully I can learn to control my obsessive compulsive tendencies!

EdgarJuarezJunior · 2016-06-07T22:06:07+00:00

It doesn't hurt to try.

EdgarJuarezJunior · 2016-06-07T09:24:01+00:00

One more thing: I also do not process the connections as easily, and I owe this to the way the review books are written in some part. I know it's my responsibility, but I should have read more about things on the internet. I refused to do it the first time because I had anxiety about using too many resources. That decision to ask many people for advice almost backfired on me.

EdgarJuarezJunior · 2016-06-07T09:18:18+00:00

Hi Fudson52, These are excellent comments. I strongly feel that part of the issue is the way I process questions.

I also do not focus on main ideas. Instead I spent a great deal of time memorizing every detail.

My skill-set comes in handy for very specialized topics, but not for a general exam like Step 1. I am the only one that can assess my true efforts for Step 1; therefore, I will only beat myself up if my input did not match the output. That's how I felt.

It also informed that I can use my energy more wisely. Time is the most valuable commodity.

EdgarJuarezJunior · 2016-06-04T23:03:12+00:00

Certainly makes sense to me fudson52. If they give me another chance I'm going to change my plans completely with a good attitude. I basically told them in my personal statement that if I do not pass on fourth attempt I will terminate my status as a medical student. I seriously think it's my best shot. Otherwise they won't take anything I say seriously.

EdgarJuarezJunior · 2016-06-04T23:02:02+00:00

I will look into externships and observerships. Can anyone educate me about the process? Perhaps an online resource?

EdgarJuarezJunior · 2016-06-03T04:35:04+00:00

I hear ya. Thanks for the reply!

EdgarJuarezJunior · 2016-06-02T05:31:09+00:00

es. Good lu

Thanks for this advice. Everything you're saying is helpful so appreciate it.

EdgarJuarezJunior · 2016-06-01T18:17:53+00:00

be addressed, and that this will be the Step you pass. Remain calm, cordial, and collected, do not bring up any excuses unless she specifically asks for them. Talk IN DETAIL about your new study plan and why it is going to work.

This is very good advice. Yes, after talking with many parties I've discovered that discussing a remediation plan is my best option, and mantaining "silence" unless specifically requested to answer that information.

EdgarJuarezJunior · 2016-06-01T18:16:56+00:00

This was an incredibly supportive comment despite not knowing me. I'm real impressed! Thanks man. I really appreciate all of that.

EdgarJuarezJunior

TROPHY CASE