Q and A

Holy crap I got a question!

First off, it is very nice for the few of you who actually view AND read the diatribes to comment on them. I am very happy knowing I am not the only one who reads this pablum.

A fellow second year at PCOM (would of been your classmate) asked:

I was just wondering what specialties you are considering? Are you going to take the COMLEX and USMLE step 1? Have you studied for them yet?

First off, I am considering Emergency medicine with a fellowship in Sports Medicine as my specialty. Truth be told, I have no idea since I haven't been through third year yet. I shadowed a EM D.O. and he had some of the funniest stories I have heard for quite some time. The sense of humor and mellow moods of the ER attending's and residents reflect a choice of profession which I could really, really enjoy. I also read pandabearmd.com every now and then and he has some gold written over there on his site. I like sports medicine because I am a jock and a hockey guy and I would love to be a team doctor when I am 50 or so. Although during our current system (cardio/resp) we were introduced to an interventional cardiologist. That guy is the man. First off, he is laid back and not overbearing when he teaches (an instant plus in my book). His license plate reads "HRTFXR" and he drives and Aston Martin DB-9. Yes, yes we all wrote on our personal statements how we want to be doctors to "help our fellow man" but DAMN!

He's got my dream car!!!
So that specialty has recently gained ground in my eyes.

As for the boards, I came into first year set on taking both. As of right now I am unsure as whether or not I will. I can't seem to take my own advice. I have yet to crack open First Aid while some of my classmates cling to their copy like folk from Kentucky cling to their bibles. If I had actually executed properly and done the first aid route I may be in a different position. So as of 10/26/09 at 1742, I have no idea what test I will be taking.

I will however start studying for the boards in December. I will probably utilize either Kaplan Qbank or USMLE world Qbank. Taking 1 hour a day wouldn't be so hard I suppose. I am not sure how your school does it, but NYCOM schedules our end of the year at the end of April, then administration brings in Kaplan to teach for about 5-6 weeks up through the first part of June. then we can take the exam. I probably will not go this route as to me that seems like cramming for the boards and that simply won't do. I am looking at kaplan classes that start in January/February so I can start just a tad bit earlier.

Get back to me young Student Doctor and tell me what your plans are, and I will offer updates on what ultimately I plan on doing. Thanks for your interest and question!

See you in new orleans! (if you are going)

Whoop Whoop

Zoidberg