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Human Biology has a lot to learn, is all of it relevant?
How much of Human Biology is relevant for Pharmacy / Medicine?
Is it true that I can get away with learning a select few topics for Human Biology?
How do go about learning my Human Biology, its too much to grasp?
What happens if I fail Human Biology?
Moore and Dalley is too detailed for my limb anatomy, what is and isn't relevant?
Anatomy is not my game, any tips?
Do I need to learn all the muscle names, their compartments, innervations, blood supply?
Do I need to bother with muscle functions?
Are all the ligaments important, is it possible to avoid them for the exam?
Do I need to bother with courses of arteries, veins, nerves, lymphatics?
Am I expected to be able to draw my anatomy?
Do you think using pictures in exams will help me get better marks?
Second year medicine course structure is too vague, please explain?
I am finding thorax, abdomen, pelvic anatomy difficult - what should I do?
What happens if I fail Pharmacology?
How important are tutorials for physiology, pharmacology, clinical anatomy?
Community Health is really boring, what do I learn for it, how can it possibly be examined?
How is the exam structure for ISF second year?
There seems to be a lot to learn for Pathology, even though they stress to learn only the basics?
Is Robbins better than Underwood for Pathological Basis of Disease?
Clinical anatomy seems a lot to learn, how much of it is really relevant?
You have Histology as one of your links, I thought we have finished the Histology course?
Is Biochemistry going to be part of ISF exam?
Am I expected to know my limb anatomy for my end of year final exams for ISF?
Do they examine my physiology, pharmacology, clinical anatomy, histology in the ISF practical exam?
Are explorations actually usefully in studying for the exam, which portions are relevant?
Is it alright if I just use your notes to study for the exams, they seem relevant and good enough?
What is the best way to study for Neuroscience?
What is the best way to study for Head / Neck anatomy?
Should I follow the lecture sequence, or do all anatomy and then all neuroscience?
For Neuroscience, are the lecture notes a good guide as to what depth I should be learning to?
I find the lecture notes really long, is all of it relevant?
Should I focus more on Neuroscience/Anatomy or Pathology/Immunology/Microbiology?
I haven't done any of the Mini-explorations, what should I do?
Are the explorations a good guide as to what is examinable in the practical?
I don't learn much from the dissection, can I skip them and learn from the potted specimens?
Is Histology necessary for the exam?
Are the clinical workshops a good guide as to what is going to be asked in the OSCE's?
How do I study for the OSCE's and the practical component for Neuroscience?
Pathology/Immunology/Microbiology is all over the place, where do I start?
Should I focus on the lecture notes, or just read the textbook for Pathology etc?
Immunology seems a repeat of last year with some extras, should I revise last years material?
What is the best way in your opinion only, to study for the upcoming exams for Pathology etc?
Microbiology just seems like memorizing, is this the correct approach?
How do I take all the information in, its way too much to learn?
Second semester seems like a breeze with only minor exams. Is this a trap?
In your opinion, what is the best way to study for the Medicine Clinical Exam?
I have no idea what the Medicine rotation is all about. Help me.
How relevant are the wards to the Medicine rotation?
Are ward rounds, admissions and all the meetings really that relevant for 3rd year level?
What is expected of me in 3rd year 2nd semester in terms of the end of rotation exams?
Do I need to know Management for my medicine rotation exams?
I am doing Surgery, and find it pretty easy going. Should I be reading lots?
Do I need to know the actual surgical procedures during my surgery rotation?
I have my exams in about 2 weeks, and I know nothing about some conditions. What do I do?
Is the examination guide from the web a good guide as to what is expected in the exam?
Do I need to know Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Hand examination for the Surgery OSCEs?
What are the main topics that are of grave importance when it comes to Surgical OSCEs?
Is History taking part of the exam? How important is this?
How can I study for the Path Pots section and Radiology section for the OSCEs?
Human Biology has a lot to learn, is all of it relevant?
Like most subjects, not all material is relevant. The lecture notes are a good guide as to what is important and what is not. The textbook is often too detailed but does provide an excellent background understanding. Taking topic notes during lectures, following by highlighting the important sections in the lecture notes related to the topic notes is a good start. Top
How much of Human Biology is relevant for Pharmacy / Medicine?
Human Biology provides the basics of the human body and is a good foundation to any biology course. In terms of relevance for Pharmacy - asking a Pharmacy student is well worth it, in terms of medicine - I find that most of the material is either revisited in latter years or is so fundamental that you should know it. Top
Is it true that I can get away with learning a select few topics for Human Biology?
Yes, although I would not suggest this method of studying. The exam paper does provide options (check with course coordinator for more information) in terms of questions to be answered, but more than often you find some people prepared for one type of question and come the exam - they get a totally different question, thus eliminating the chance of scoring well for that section. Top
How do go about learning my Human Biology, its too much to grasp?
Refer to Q1 above. Top
What happens if I fail Human Biology?
Human Biology is a core subject for Medicine and Pharmacy. It covers all the fundamental aspects of the human body and therefore should be learnt properly. For information on what happens if you fail Human Biology, please check with your course coordinator or your subject webpage, along with University guidelines for more information.Top
Moore and Dalley is too detailed for my limb anatomy, what is and isn't relevant?
Moore and Dalley is the gold standard for anatomy, and is internationally acclaimed for its simplicity. Human anatomy is a hard concept to grasp easily, although some people manage to do so with no particular problems. Lecture notes are an excellent method of identifying what's relevant, and following these guidelines in conjunction with Moore and Dalley is the best method to studying anatomy. If its not mentioned in the lecture notes, the chances are that it's not examinable. Top
Anatomy is not my game, any tips?
Refer to the question above, and also the anatomy web page in this website located at: http://www.rajadevanathan.cjb.net or contact Raja at: [email protected] Top
Do I need to learn all the muscle names, their compartments, innervations, blood supply?
Yes, all of these components of limb anatomy are extremely important. These things are also important to be learnt for 2nd year medicine and further years of your training. These components are the basics one must learn in order to pass the course. Top
Do I need to bother with muscle functions?
Yes, following from the above question, this is also very important and is examinable as part of the assessment criteria. For more information, contact your course coordinator. Note that one muscle may have more than one function. Top
Are all the ligaments important, is it possible to avoid them for the exam?
Although learning individual ligaments is not significant, ligaments are important in terms of their structure and function. Furthermore, learning joints involves learning ligaments and this is important in this context. Learning each and individual ligament is maybe a time waste, but learning ligaments associated with joints is most important. Top
Do I need to bother with courses of arteries, veins, nerves, lymphatics?
Although not stressed in your lecture notes, and although it may be assessed consistently as far as past exam papers are concerned, knowing the course will definitely help you visualize the material well enough. In some instances learning courses is unavoidable, but the general rule is it is important and should be learnt if time permits. The most important courses are arteries, nerves and veins. Lymphatics can be avoided without significant penalities.Top
Am I expected to be able to draw my anatomy?
Although certain aspects of anatomy are required to be drawn, most of the aspects are not required. Examples include: Brachial Plexus, Lymphatics of limbs, Arterial supply of limbs, Venous drainage of limbs. An exam question may ask you to describe such aspects, but usually accompanying your explanation with a clearly marked diagram will result in outstanding marks, provided it is correct of course. Exam questions may also ask you to diagrammatically represent arterial or venous supply of certain body organs. Muscles, innervation and joints are not expected to be drawn with extreme accuracy. A simple and clear diagram is all that is expected in most cases. Top
Do you think using pictures in exams will help me get better marks?
Yes, it will help you gain better marks but of course it should be legible and correct. Drawing irrelevant/incorrect diagrams will often result in marks being deducted, therefore having a detrimental effect to your efforts. Top
Second year medicine course structure is too vague, please explain?
For more information regarding course structure, please contact your course coordinator. Top
I am finding thorax, abdomen, pelvic anatomy difficult - what should I do?
Anatomy is general a challenging subject. Often learning anatomy using a textbook is not the best option. A human anatomy atlas is also recommended. Visualizing the material you are learning will definitely help you keep track of the landmarks with much more ease than conceptualizing straight from a written textbook. Use marked diagrams, test yourself, group discussions are all help tips. For more information please visit the anatomy page at: http://www.rajadevanathan.cjb.net Top
What is and isn't relevant for pharmacology, are the lecture notes a good guide to what should be learnt?
Course structure may have changed since the publishing of this webpage, but generally pharmacology is a challenging subject which requires certain specifics to be learnt whilst other information is rarely useful. As a general guide, when introduced to a condition and a group of drugs, learn their pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and dosages. Learning side effects is often helpful in a discussion and tutorial scenario, although maybe less relevant for the exams. Learning what the drug does, the conditions it is used in, drug abuse are all important aspects. Top
What happens if I fail Pharmacology?
Please talk to the relevant course coordinator as rules may have changed since the publication of this webpage. Top
How important are tutorials for physiology, pharmacology, clinical anatomy?
Tutorials are extremely important for all these subjects because it is an opportunity for group discussions, learning new concepts from fellow classmates, putting your ideas through and testing their validity, and possible alternative solution to one problem. Tutorials are usually conducted as a case by case basis, therefore giving you an opportunity to apply your knowledge to a real life clinical case, without the repercussions of failure. Semester exams are often case related so paying attention in tutorials will be invaluable come exam time. Taking notes, and revisiting the tutorials for exam revision is almost always recommended. Looking for similarities between tutorial cases and exam cases is also recommended as often similar features exist, therefore allowing treatment regimes to be pre-configured to the exams. Top
Community Health is really boring, what do I learn for it, how can it possibly be examined?
You will be happy to know that you are not the only one that thinks this. Community Health can be very challenging to many people, as it is rather vague, disinterestful and may require a lot of reading. One good way of studying for this subject is to summaries each lecture into minimum note form, and learn these notes. Another good way is to talk to your lecturer about the course material and explain to him/her your situation and difficulties. Further reading is often prescribed and it is strongly advised not to neglect these readings. History shows many exam questions have been picked from further readings, and often these are relatively easy to pick.
The ethics component of the exam (second semester) involves lateral thinking along with course material. Memory work is often useless here. Being able to discuss things and put forward an argument is most important here. What they are testing is your ability to question things, which is precisely what ethics really is about. Top
Is the end of year exam going to have everything from second year or only second semester of second year?
The end of year exam features everything from second year along with some material from first year. You will be glad to know most of first year is repeated in second year, except anatomy. You are expected to know all of your anatomy, along with your human biology and all the material presented in ISF in second year. Of course, this only applies to ISF and not other subjects.
Often looking at cases and learning for the cases first before tackling everything else is most advised. There is absolutely no point in learning all of the material for the exams, as this is simple impossible. Watching for specific points in cases and learning important material is what is expected. Using your senses + experience, along with constant advise from course coordinators will allow you to make a firm judgment about whats important and whats not. Top
How is the exam structure for ISF second year?
Exam structure may vary from year to year, please talk to the relevant course coordinator. Top
There seems to be a lot to learn for Pathology, even though they stress to learn only the basics?
Pathology is a lot to learn, even for second year level. As you may be aware, Pathology is a combination of Immunology and Microbiology as well. The coordinators usually only stress on the basics to be learnt, but whatever the lecture material suggests is expected to be "the basics". Pathology is split into a theory and a practical exam. The theory exam is relatively straight forward. Learning from Robbins (which I found better than Underwood) is good enough to pass the exam or even achieve a good mark. For the practical, it is highly recommended to go over all the slides during the practical lessons and the notes you should have taken. If not, I suggest you borrow some notes from one of your friends, and focus on those. The structure for the practical involves all aspects of the Pathology course, and also includes pathogenesis, treatment and a brief description of the slide using Pathology "language". Top
Is Robbins better than Underwood for Pathological Basis of Disease?
The answer to this may vary depending on who you speak to. My advice is for you to use Robbins. If you have already purchased Underwood, you might need to buy Robbins for 3rd year and beyond. Robbins is the gold standard so if you haven't invested in this book yet, you will need to in the future. For 2nd year level, I suggest you use Underwood, but realising the detail in it needs to be updated for 3rd & 4th year level when you get there. Underwood is what is expected at 2nd year level, but if you really want to impress the examiners - Robbins might prove very useful. Top
I am having difficulty with my Pathology essays, where can I find my references, how do I reference them?
As with all references, check with journal articles, internet websites, other textbooks and general medical textbooks. This is all that is required at 2nd year level. The method of referencing is really not much of significance for Pathology, unless they have changed the rules since I was in 2nd year. The best place to find journal articles is the following method: http://www.utas.edu.au --> Libraries --> Databases --> &"Medical Sciences" (drop down menu" --> "Journals for Medical Science" --> Click on the last link --> Enter Proquest. For more information consult the relevant course coordinator. Top
Clinical anatomy seems a lot to learn, how much of it is really relevant?
Clinical anatomy is one of those subjects which is explained in detail and may not be covered much in the finals. I suggest you speak to your course coordinator for your subject. Also visit my webpage on clinical workshops, and study the ones mentioned. They were examined well during the exams we had. Of course, no guarantee - but well worth the shot. A good way of finding out what is and isn't relevant in terms of the basic clinical anatomy examinable is to focus on the relevant Exploration workshops. Top
You have Histology as one of your links, I thought we have finished the Histology course?
You have technically finished the Histology course in first year, but much of that is still examinable as part of the integrated exam structure of ISF. I suggest you revisit the Histology relevant to the cases given and some general Histology as well. As good approach to all this is to pay more attention to the Histology sections of the Exploration workshops. Top
Is Biochemistry going to be part of ISF exam?
Biochemistry was a separate unit when I did second year. Things may have changed. Please contact your course coordinator to be absolutely sure. I don't want to lead you in the wrong direction. Top
Am I expected to know my limb anatomy for my end of year final exams for ISF?
To put it simply, yes. You may not be expected to know the grave details but things such as: compartments, actions, innervation, arteries, veins, lymphatic drainage, joints, movements, possible clinical scenarios may be expected in both the theory and practical components of the ISF exam. For more details I suggest you contact your relevant course coordinator. Top
Do they examine my physiology, pharmacology, clinical anatomy, histology in the ISF practical exam?
Although it may seem gross anatomy, clinical anatomy, & histology are the only ones examinable in a practical scenerio - it will delight you to know that pharmacology & physiology are also examinable (sarcasm!). There will be stations which are completely based on these subjects. The whole point of ISF is to integrate all the components together to obtain a combination of questions which are aimed to test the completeness of your knowlege. Top
I am kind of lost with Histology, what do I learn for second year, am I expected to know everything from 1st year?
Please refer to this question above. You have Histology as one of your links, I thought we have finished the Histology course? Top
Are explorations actually usefully in studying for the exam, which portions are relevant?
The exploration sessions are an excellent way of studying for the exam - particularly the practical component of ISF. Dont take my word it, use them and see how beneficial they really are. If you do not have time to complete the explorations in time - I suggest you put in some extra time to finish them off - so that during crucial exam periods - the answers are there to be learnt. Exploration sessions provide a good opportunity to revise lecture material, look at medical imaging, and also integrate your knowledge of all the various components. It is also a good opportunity to have some group work done. Maybe split your exploration sessions among different people and then combine results, therefore giving everyone the opportunity to learn together, in a group environment. Top
In terms of pharmacology and the exam - is learning pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics they key to success?
To put it in short, yes - but other aspects are also always important. Please keep in mind side effects, over dose effects, and dosages. Although these may not stressed as much, you should keep in mind that learning the collateral information regarding a particular drug will often add completeness to an exam answer. For example, one of the exam questions for pharmacology in my final exam was (not exact words): "What are the options regarding hypertension for this patient, which ones will you prefer for this patient and why? Give reasons for your answer". Top
Some of your answers to the clinical workshops and explorations is different to mine, why is that - which one is correct?
The answers presented on this website are only a guide to your understanding. You should be aware that alternative answers with similar meanings are always available. It may not be significant that your answer varies from mine, but what is important is the roots of these answers, their rationale. Don't get too bogged down with the details of each individual answer, have a general idea is most important for clinical anatomy. I do remind you that some of the answers for my clinical workshops and explorations have been compiled from various sources. I used the group environment method myself. This was most time efficient, and reliable method available at the time! Top
Is it alright if I just use your notes to study for the exams, they seem relevant and good enough?
Although I advise you to use my material, this material is posted here just as a guide. Using it is at your own risk. I would not advise you to use this material without doing any work for yourself, as this is not a good way of learning. You are all going to be professionals one day, so knowing things is much more important than simply aiming for better grades in semester exams. This material is a guide only, please use it as only that. Top
What is the best way to study for Neuroscience? Top
There is no best way to study for any subject. In my opinion, Neuroscience should be paid a lot of attention too as its relevancy to your clinical training and practition as a medical officer is limitless, needless to say it is one of the most interesting subjects. Pay close attention to your lecture notes, attend all lectures and pay close attention to your exploration sessions (particularly the exam like questions at the end of each session).
What is the best way to study for Head / Neck anatomy? Top
Study methods/techniques/hints for anatomy derives from 1st and 2nd year, although there is probably twice as much to grasp. As you are used too, revise Moore and Dalley accompanied with Netter - along with your own brief notes come exam time. Visualizing the area you are studying is what I found very useful. Again, there is no best way to study any subject.
Should I follow the lecture sequence, or do all anatomy and then all neuroscience? Top
Yes, follow the lecture sequence. The lecture sequence has been carefully organized to blend in with the clinical workshops, dissections schedules and exploration sessions. I would not suggest you do all anatomy and all neuroscience because the lecture sequence provides a nice integrated approach to the areas of study. You will find that your anatomy needs to be revised time and time again, to keep in touch with Neuroscience - this provides valuable revision prior to exam time.
For Neuroscience, are the lecture notes a good guide as to what depth I should be learning to? Top
Yes, I would say so, unless the teaching structure has changed drastically. I found that using the lecture notes in combination with Nolte/Moore and Dalley along with Netter forms a nice avenue of integrated learning. I make my own notes, displayed at http://www.geocities.com/rdevanat/neuroscience.html. You are welcome to download these to get an idea as to how go about doing your notes and learning this subject. For more information consult your course coordinator at the UTAS website.
I find the lecture notes really long, is all of it relevant? Top
For neuroscience I would not disregard any part of the lecture notes. I found the lecture notes very valuable, and I suggest you pay close attention to these notes and also during the lectures. The lecture notes provide good clinical conditions which utilize the anatomy you have learnt - pay close attention to these - especially the vestibuloocular reflex and others. Neuroscience is a big subject in itself, hence the lecture notes will be long. Most of the lecture notes will be relevant to your long term practice as a medical officer.
Should I focus more on Neuroscience/Anatomy or Pathology/Immunology/Microbiology? Top
Both Neuroscience/Anatomy & Pathology/Immunology/Microbiology are big subjects in themselves. Technically they are 5 subjects crammed into two units. I suggest you spend equal amounts of time for both units - and not disregard any unit until SWOTVAC. This would be a major mistake. Consistent work for both units is recommended, although as you would probably find out - this is sometimes impossible.
I haven't done any of the Mini-explorations, what should I do? Top
Doing the Mini-explorations is a very good idea in deed. If you have not done any of them, I suggest you photocopy someone else's, provided they are willing to hand over theirs. The mini-explorations are a really good revision item for the exams. They follow the lecture notes, and the potted specimens, models and slides during the sessions are invaluable to your learning for the practical exam. I suggest you do them yourself, and if time does not permit - then get them off someone else - a trusted friend.
Are the explorations a good guide as to what is examinable in the practical? Top
The explorations are an excellent opportunity to learn Neuroscience. Whether the exploration material is useful for the practical examination is one of speculation. I would suggest you focus on all the material that is available to you. Particularly in the explorations, make sure you receive much feedback from the instructor at hand because they can give you vital clues about the practical examination.
I don't learn much from the dissection, can I skip them and learn from the potted specimens? Top
Skipping dissection or any other classes for that matter is not advisable, and I am not for one going to advocate such behaviour. Usually dissection, and other practical classes have a minimum attendance requirements in order for the student to be allowed to sit his/her exams. If these requirements are not met, then one is not usually allowed to sit his/her exams. Of course, circumstances and situations may allow in some cases, but this is generally true. Conditions/requirements may have changed so please consult your course coordinator. Generally, dissection is very helpful in acquiring a three dimensional approach to learning anatomy, and this is by far the most important aspect of anatomy. Potted specimens usually have a specific feature which has been highlighted in the pots, and does not point out other features, although potted specimens are also a very good approach to learning anatomy. Both of these methods should be utilized to gain a good perspective, along with other resources such as your text/atlas/imaging books.
Is Histology necessary for the exam? Top
Histology is necessary for the practical component of the exam, although does not count for a major portion. Usually Histology questions are revision style, and have been emphasized in the Histology course and also the explorations. Paying close attention in these sessions will help you gain easy marks in the exam. It all counts in the end.
Are the clinical workshops a good guide as to what is going to be asked in the OSCE's? Top
In my year of medical training, the above was sufficient enough for the OSCE's. Course structure may have varied, so I suggest you consult your course coordinator. I would not ignore the clinical workshops as they are a good opportunity to learn the skills in a practical manner. Reading a text book and watching the examination are two very different things.
How do I study for the OSCE's and the practical component for Neuroscience? Top
Refer to the questions posted above.
Pathology/Immunology/Microbiology is all over the place, where do I start? Top
This is exactly the way I felt when I was in 3rd year. I found the lecture notes were helpful in guiding me as to what is expected in the exams. You would be surprised to hear this, but having done this subject in the past - I believe the lecture notes are quite sufficient in terms of examinable material. I would suggest you take notes during "real class time" and then highlight the major points in the online lecture notes as you go along. Whatever material is covered in the lectures are the most important, and the others are mainly there for completeness. A general guideline for this subject is: know the organism and its grouping/genre, know its basic properties, know the toxins/spores it produces, know the life cycle, know the transmission pathway, know the diseases it is associated with (the most important to the least important), know the microbiological diagnostic techniques, and know the main treatment aspects (not in detail).
Should I focus on the lecture notes, or just read the textbook for Pathology etc? Top
Refer to the previous question.
Immunology seems a repeat of last year with some extras, should I revise last years material? Top
Yes, I found this very helpful. Immunology in 2nd year is examinable in 3rd year so take this opportunity to quickly go over some of the major concepts.
What is the best way in your opinion only, to study for the upcoming exams for Pathology etc? Top
Lecture notes supplemented with "real class time" notes, along with diagrams in the textbook. Clinical Microbiology made ridiculously simple is by far the most concise, to the point, and diagrammatically useful book for this subject. If you get your hands on one, then it would be a good idea.
Microbiology just seems like memorizing, is this the correct approach? Top
To an extent yes, but there is a practical approach to Microbiology. These approach is very hard to master, but once done it will provide an easy yet understandable approach to learning this subject. Learning the basic properties of the microbes is a must, and this can only be done by 'rote' learning. Learning the disease association, pathogenesis follows on from here. For example: If the microbe is concerned with causing "meningitis", then know it will affect the CSF - therefore can easily work out the places of spread and hence certain disease associations. Knowing the pathogenesis will help in knowing the transmission routes, and the basic properties can be exploited in laboratory and clinical diagnosis. Knowing the basic groups of drugs will help in learning the treatment drugs and procedures for some infectious diseases. Of course, this is not an extensive approach to learning Microbiology but is a practical approach which will help in gaining a perspective and overall understanding of the subject. To learn more detail, maybe "rote" learning may help, but should never be used as a study technique - as Microbiology is a major component of 3rd year Medicine, and should be understood well for future training years.
How do I take all the information in, its way too much to learn? Top
Medicine is not meant to be easy. Take it systematically, and you will find it very knowledgeable.
What happens if I fail Neuroscience/Anatomy, or Pathology etc? Do I need to attain a certain status in the practical component to pass the Unit? Top
Course components, requirements, examination methods, and minimums may have changed over the years. Please consult your course coordinator.
How do I study for the Clinical Examination exams during last week of semester 1? What is expected of me in the exam?
What is said here applies to class of 2003. Although highly unlikely, the course requirements may have changed, so please check with the Medicine secretary or course coordinator. What was expected in 2003 is for all of us to competently assess a person's Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, and Neurological systems. We are expected to demonstrate competency in all these systems, to a degree that one does not actively stop and think while performing the examination (therefore giving a clue to the examiner that one is not prepared enough or "competent" enough to pass the exam). Part of the exam was how well we interacted with the patient, doctor patient relationship, establishing rapport, getting to the point while being polite, appropriately performing all the tests in appropriate positions. Also, interpreting the examiner's question is important, and also to elaborate on particular tests which you would go on to perform after completing the examination. Presenting the findings was of utmost importance. Presentation should be in a logical and succinct manner, without omitting vital details. Every examiner has different opinions and "pet styles", it is not necessary to learn these and emulate them in the exam. Having your own style is important, but at the same time - all the appropriate tests should be completed efficiently and effectively. Top
Second semester seems like a breeze with only minor exams. Is this a trap?
Some people think its a trap, and others don't. The reality of the situation is that you do not have a summative end of year assessment for Pathology. So your options are: 1) Study Pathology as the semester unfolds, 2) Leave it until the end of year holidays, 3) Get a reasonable grasp and revise over the end of year holidays. It is up to you which option you take. Top
In your opinion, what is the best way to study for the Medicine Clinical Exam?
There is no written summative assessment for Medicine (unless they have changed the curriculum). What is expected at the end of rotation clinical exam is for you to be able to take a comprehensive history in a given space of time and performing the appropriate examination and come up with a differential diagnosis. Management is not officially assessed at this stage, but some examiners differ from others. In your history taking tutorials, you should have undergone a set way of taking a patient's history. There are different styles in which this can be done, so it is important for you to develop your own style, which you are comfortable with. In my opinion, hitting the wards provides like no other study method. Going to the wards until you have mastered the art of history taking, and clinical examination. Go in pairs, and test each other out - maybe even simple management principles. The point at which one should feel comfortable with the process is the point at which everything becomes automatic. It takes a while for one to achieve such skills, so practice makes perfect. Top
There are many text books out there which have different sorts of information. Which one is the best?
Please refer to the booklist provided in the homepage. It gives your options. I use Davidson's Principles and Practices of Medicine. Other prefer Kumar and Clarke. It is truly up to you. I find the best way of selecting textbooks is ones which I feel comfortable with reading and ones which offer the most information without much complexity. Top
I have no idea what the Medicine rotation is all about. Help me.
Please refer to the above questions. Top
I am doing Clin Specs as my first rotation and then Medicine as my last rotation. This might mean that I am doing Surgery in 4th year, is that a disadvantage?
Sometimes it does come to the pot of luck. Clinical Specialties is regarded as the easiest rotation of the three. I have not done this rotation yet, when I am writing this so I really cannot comment on the advantages and disadvantages. The word on the street is that there may be some disadvantage associated with it, but obviously not much because otherwise the rotations will not have been scheduled that way. Talk to your seniors, everyone has their own opinion on this topic. Top
How relevant are the wards to the Medicine rotation?
Too relevant. I am surprised this question was even asked. Read the above questions to find out. If there were no wards, there would no Medicine rotation, or any other for that matter. Top
Are ward rounds, admissions and all the meetings really that relevant for 3rd year level (Medicine)?
Depends on which rotation you are talking about. For Medicine rotation, my opinion is that ward rounds are relevant, but admissions and ward meetings may not be of much significance at this stage. At your level, you are expected to take a history and perform an examination and come up with a differential diagnosis. Going to ward rounds will help you learn about your "potential" examiners, and also some management principles, and not to mention some vital doctor patient skills. This is your opportunity to clear out any doubts which you may have. Something which Talley and O Connor does not have an answer too. I believe admissions will be a great opportunity to learn, but often the 3rd year is not their first priority. You really cant be expected to be part of the admission team by taking a history and performing an examination. It is far too serious. Most often 6th years or interns do this work. Then again, some people in my year did get to do these things. Best thing is to go down to DEM and do some research. Ward meetings are all about complicated patients, where the intern or other doctors presents the case to their Medical Unit. I didn't find these particularly relevant to 3rd year, nor useful. It might be useful in showing your interest ("sometimes its all a game" they say). Top
What is expected of me in 3rd year 2nd semester in terms of the end of rotation exams (Medicine)?
Please refer to questions above. Top
I have a particular examiner who is a specialist in a particular field of medicine. Is it worthwhile visiting his patients on the wards, and also brush up on my knowledge of that field?
Technically, it is not certain whether you will get a patient who has a problem relating to that field of medicine but it would not hurt to do this. Most of the students in my class got patients related to the specialist field that their examiner was part of. I suggest you do this, I did this. It really is a smart move. Top
I have a particular examiner who is a specialist in a particular field of medicine. Can I get a case which is unrelated to his/her field?
Yes, of course. Some people did get such cases, so nothing is guaranteed. Its an exam, not a giveaway. Top
Do I need to know Management for my medicine rotation exams?
Eventually yes, in Year 4. More about this in my next installment of website updates. For now, you do not need do. If you get asked management questions in the exam, it is an indication that you did extremely well in your exam. Top
Do you think I should focus on the four main systems in the 2nd semester rotation exams, rather than the whole lot?
In 2nd semester, you need to know two extra systems namely: Rheumatology & Endocrine. With Rheumatology it is mainly conditions such as RA, OA. Endocrine system mainly composes of Diabetes and Thyroid. I would focus on these conditions and relate them to the examination as much as possible. But, there has been cases in our class where people got asked to do something which was not taught at all, and which was specifically told to be ignored. Sometimes it helps to speak up and say "we were not taught this". Top
Neuro exam takes ages to do. Which parts are / are not relevant? What are your hints / tips for the exams?
The neurological examination does take ages, and a proper one will take much of the day to complete. For this talk to your neurological session tutors and get an idea about how to do certain parts of the exam as quickly and as efficiently as possible. The neuro exam is composed of: PNS (Upper & Lower Limb), Cranial Nerves, High Centres. You need to know all of these examinations. My hints and tips for the Neuro exam is to perform it quickly and efficiently. You should be able to detect certain signs, which are rather suttle. Watch carefully for the signs and symptoms, and once in a package - the diagnosis becomes very easy. Top
I got nailed during one of my tutorials because I didn't know some weird answer. How relevant is this to the exams?
Everyone gets nailed in Medicine at one point in the course or the other. This doesn't mean you don't know the topic. As I said before, it really depends on the person who is "nailing you". The best thing to do I find is when you are "nailed" or your peers are "nailed" about a topic, or you visit a topic in your tutorials - you should read about it that night. This will really compound your knowledge of that topic. Don't leave it till too late. Believe me, it works. A very wise person told me this, which I have never forgotten since. Top
Medicine rotation feels like we need to know a lot of stuff. How much is relevant, and how much is not?
It is very difficult to judge what is relevant and what is not, without knowing exactly what you are talking about. This question cannot be answered here. Top
I hear stories from different tutorial groups about weird cases and diseases, and difficult questions being asked by their tutors. This is scaring me to #$%^s, what do I do (Medicine)?
Read above questions about what is expected at the end of "Medicine" rotation. Top
I am doing Surgery, and find it pretty easy going. Should I be reading lots?
Yes, you should be. Reading in any subject will help. Top
Do I need to know the actual surgical procedures during my surgery rotation?
No, not as far I am aware. As long as you say "I would like to surgically repair this" or the equivalent of this, you should be fine. Top
Is it worth my while attending ward rounds, and clinics for my Surgery rotation? I haven't been to a single one?
I suggest you get dressed now and start attending these things. The ward rounds give you an indication on what patients are on the wards, so which patients are useful for your case histories and practice exam cases. The clinics are TOO USEFUL so don't miss a single clinic. The reasons for this are: 1) The patients in the exam are taken from the clinic, so if you have seen the patient before then it certainly wouldn't hurt your marks, 2) The clinicians you work with in the clinic may also be involved with your exams, 3) History & examination skills come from your clinics, because going to the wards doesn't really help - as the patients are all post-operative so you never see signs and symptoms. I am sure these reasons will be good enough. Top
Is it worth my while attending theatre regularly and getting to know some procedures and lending a helping hand. Is it all a game?
I don't like the phrase "getting to know some procedures" because it is not examinable until god only knows when. But I do like the phrase "lending a helping hand" because it gives you an idea about theatre procedures, protocols, and also getting to know your "potential examiner". Come to think of it, yes - sometimes "it is all a game". Top
I have my exams in about 2 weeks, and I know nothing about some conditions. What do I do?
It is situations like these that this website was created for. Just visit my webpage on Surgery at: http://www.geocities.com/rdevanat/surgery.html. I am not guaranteeing anything but it certainly wouldn't be detrimental to your revision. Top
Is the examination guide from the web a good guide as to what is expected in the exam?
Yes, it is (if you are a UTAS student). If you are from another institution, ask your faculty for a similar guide. Unfortunately you may not use the guide posted on UTAS website. The examination guide is an excellent guide to what is expected in the exam. Compliment this with your Browse reading and you cannot go wrong. Top
Do I need to know Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Hand examination for the Surgery OSCEs?
Yes you do. Also know some hand anatomy (i.e.: structures that run in the carpal tunnel, nerve supply, muscles) Top
What are the main topics that are of grave importance when it comes to Surgical OSCEs?
Visit my page on Surgery for this: http://www.geocities.com/rdevanat/surgery.html. Top
Is History taking part of the exam? How important is this?
Yes, it is part of the exam. It is very important considering it makes up nearly 40% of the exam. I suggest you learn all the abdomen questions, have a differential diagnosis for each pain area, and also have a list of questions for specific conditions (once you have narrowed it down to 2/3 possibilities). Its all "Sherlock Holmes" work really. If in doubt, talk to me about it or drop me a line at [email protected]. Top
How can I study for the Path Pots section and Radiology section for the OSCEs?
Radiology and Path tutorials are important because they pretty much only go through what is examinable. That's one good thing about most of Surgery, in terms of relevancy to exams. Watch for clues in the tutorials. Also, talk to me or drop in a line at [email protected] for other "techniques" which cannot be revealed here. Top
The comments/advice/tips/hints presented on this webpage are those of the author alone. They may not represent the best study options. Using such advice is recommended, although only to a certain extent. Extensive advice should be obtained from the relevant course coordinator & professional tutors. The material presented here is only a guideline (relevant to Medicine at UTAS), use at own risk. Copyright 2003.