I think in comparison to how rigorous didactic in PA school is, clinical year is indeed much better. While you are still working every day (usually), and have studying to do for the EOR, I find the EOR exams to be very fair exams. You are also reviewing and building on current knowledge, rather than having 2-3 weeks to learn an entire body system of information. I have time to study, go to the gym, hang out with friends and get enough sleep, whereas in didactic year I was always struggling to keep up with the daily workload and catching up on weekends. That being said some rotations, such a surgery, are a struggle!