Anesthesia ITE July 2008

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Ok so I've seen all the information out there about how the Part I Written exam will be shorter (1/2 day) and computer based.

The upcoming July 12th ITE......still pencial/paper....but has anyone heard if the length of the exam will be shortened (ie...will it be a half day like the Part I Written exam)....and have the K-type questions been removed from the upcoming ITE?

 

[sevoflurane]

Good question... Sure hope it's half a day.

 

[Gern Blansten]

As I understand it, the ITE will be exactly the same this year. I also understand that K-Types had their swan song last year.

 

[pgy13]

Ok so I've seen all the information out there about how the Part I Written exam will be shorter (1/2 day) and computer based.

The upcoming July 12th ITE......still pencial/paper....but has anyone heard if the length of the exam will be shortened (ie...will it be a half day like the Part I Written exam)....and have the K-type questions been removed from the upcoming ITE?

It is only a half-day (single 4 hour session)

 

[Fastrach]

Half day, no K types questions, more extended multiple choice, more emphasis on physics is what I've heard.

 

[amyl]

will be taking it for the first time this year so forgive a naive question: are the k type questions the ones where multiple answers are right? if not can you explain what y'all mean by k type questions. physics? really? i have been told by several people NOT to study for it as an intern.... you guys agree?

 

[Mman]

No, you should not be studying for the ITE. It won't help much and your score doesn't mean anything anyway.

As for k type, they give 4 answers to the question and you choose from the following:

a) 1, 2, and 3 are correct
b) 1 and 3 are correct
c) 2 and 4 are correct
d) 1, 2, 3, and 4 are correct


Or at least it's something close to that for the choices.

 

[Dr Serenity]

.

 

[Gern Blansten]

I've been told specifically by our program director that we're not meant to study specifically for the ITE (i.e., we don't study for it like we would in studying for the USMLE). It's meant to act as sort of a barometer for how we're progressing in our anesthesia education (and how well we're progressing in being ready to take the ABA written boards). The "studying" for it comes as we progress through our residency (ie, our cases, daily reading and preparation, etc). Studying specifically for the ITE would, in fact, defeat the purpose of taking it.

That is all well and good in a perfect world if you are an excellent test taker with above average smarts. I would highly suggest that as your residency is beginning to come to a close, you need to start SPECIFICALLY studying for the exam. No reason to leave it to chance.

 

[cric1]

Any definite information on the length of the ITE on Saturday? (I have heard conflicting things). 4 hours or 8?

 

[pgg]

Studying specifically for the ITE would, in fact, defeat the purpose of taking it.

Bah. What a ridiculous thing to say.

Sure, you'd be cheating yourself of the education you need if all you ever read were shallow review books like Faust or Big Blue and Q&A books like Hall. But it's certainly a good idea to prepare for it.

During my CA-1 year, I had a very structured plan of studying aimed specifically at passing the ITE. I did, and since then, without the weight of the ABA written looming ahead of me, I've felt much more comfortable reading whatever I think will make me a better anesthesiologist.

Don't let the fact that your PD wants some kind of barometer of your progress prevent you from taking full advantage of the ITE. Remember, each time you take the ITE is an opportunity to take the real thing with no consequences for failure.

Any definite information on the length of the ITE on Saturday? (I have heard conflicting things). 4 hours or 8?

My seating permit says:

7:45 - 8:15 registration
8:15 - 8:30 instructions
8:30 - 12:30 exam

Please note that firearms, weapons, and other dangerous or hazardous devices or substances are not permitted.

 

[Jeff05]

the ITE is not a barometer of much. it's a test and must be addressed like a test - get the test specific prep materials (big blue, etc) learn them and do well.

i would read specifically for the ITE every year you can take it.

 

[cchoukal]

word came officially today within our program that the test is 225 questions over 4 hours...

 

[drrosenrosen]

Physics on the ite? Like what - laminar/turbulent flow, or like line isolation monitor and 0.5 ppm volatile? Why the hell would they test that stuff instead of more clinical or phys/pharm stuff when there's fewer questions on the test?
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Bertelman]

Halleluja! They've changed the date for the 2009 exam to March! Sign me up for 4 ITEs during my residency, please!


😡

 

[IFNgamma]

I hope they don't expect much from new CA-1s, especially ones that switched from something else into Anesthesia. I mean we have been doing anesthesia for like less than 2 weeks and we have to take the in-training exam?!

 

[Mman]

I hope they don't expect much from new CA-1s, especially ones that switched from something else into Anesthesia. I mean we have been doing anesthesia for like less than 2 weeks and we have to take the in-training exam?!

My first ITE was after 1 week of internship. As if new CA1s taking the test don't know anything, you think a new intern has a fighting chance?

At least my score went up about 5 or 6 points after finishing internship.

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

I know it's a holy batman bump, but at least I used teh search function...

Just wanted to ask about ITE as a CA-0.

The issue over CA-0's taking the ITE has been somewhat addressed, but not completely.

I understand it's not worth anything to us and we shouldn't attempt to study when it's our last few weeks of freedom... however, can there truly be a bad score for peeps at my level? I don't want to be THAT guy that gets teh worst score ever. Also, I've no idea how teh questions are posed, etc.

I read about the old Q's on the ASA website, and found it. Should I at least look through those questions to get a feel for types of questions asked? Also have some anesthesia books I used as a 4th year while on auditions (some given by programs I rotated at, a few I'd purchased). Is it worth glancing over physio and pharm? I believe I'd be taking it in July...? I'm also going to be on the surgical service (currently don't know which service - general or subspecialty) but that's all I know for the month of July, so I know I'll be exhausted and won't likely be reviewing during that initial week either....

Thanks!

 

[Depakote]

I know it's a holy batman bump, but at least I used teh search function...

Just wanted to ask about ITE as a CA-0.

The issue over CA-0's taking the ITE has been somewhat addressed, but not completely.

I understand it's not worth anything to us and we shouldn't attempt to study when it's our last few weeks of freedom... however, can there truly be a bad score for peeps at my level? I don't want to be THAT guy that gets teh worst score ever. Also, I've no idea how teh questions are posed, etc.

I read about the old Q's on the ASA website, and found it. Should I at least look through those questions to get a feel for types of questions asked? Also have some anesthesia books I used as a 4th year while on auditions (some given by programs I rotated at, a few I'd purchased). Is it worth glancing over physio and pharm? I believe I'd be taking it in July...? I'm also going to be on the surgical service (currently don't know which service - general or subspecialty) but that's all I know for the month of July, so I know I'll be exhausted and won't likely be reviewing during that initial week either....

Thanks!

Woah, woah, woah, woah, woah! Lois, this is not my Batman mug...


But seriously, are you implying we are supposed to take an ITE this July? It feels like it's been so long since I've done anything medical that I've just about forgotten which end of the patient to intubate.

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

Woah, woah, woah, woah, woah! Lois, this is not my Batman mug...


But seriously, are you implying we are supposed to take an ITE this July? It feels like it's been so long since I've done anything medical that I've just about forgotten which end of the patient to intubate.

Exactly. I've forgotten a **** ton of stuff too.

That's what I hear from the interns/upper levels at my program. I'm a categorical, so it may be different for you.

I hope it's in March, but if it's in July... expect a 10% on me

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

Just wish some of the experienced peeps would comment more on this... it's a topic not much talked about in teh past....

 

[psychbender]

The ITE is only in March. What new CA1s will take in July is the AKT-0, followed by the AKT-1 (same exact exam) in August. I do not know what exam interns take, as my program didn't do anything with us until intern year was over. In these final weeks, topics to read up on include basic pharmacology, the breathing circuit (including the volume and PSI of cylinders of various gases), and basic airway management. Those chapters from Baby Miller or M&M will more than suffice.

 

[pgg]

Woah, woah, woah, woah, woah! Lois, this is not my Batman mug...


But seriously, are you implying we are supposed to take an ITE this July? It feels like it's been so long since I've done anything medical that I've just about forgotten which end of the patient to intubate.

No in 2008 when this thread started the ITE was in July (or maybe it was the first couple days of August ... don't remember).

ITE was moved to March in 2009. psychbender has it.

however, can there truly be a bad score for peeps at my level? I don't want to be THAT guy that gets teh worst score ever. Also, I've no idea how teh questions are posed, etc.

The answer is yes, there us such a thing as a "bad" score because you're ranked against everyone else at your level and a percentile is reported. Whether your program cares or not is another issue. I wouldn't sweat it too much though as your peers likely aren't cramming for it either.


As for how the questions are posed, you can download the 1990-1996 exams from the ASA web site here. Honestly the question content hasn't changed that much, except now there are no more K-type questions (A = 1,2,3 and B = 1,3 and c = 2,4 etc).

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

Well, since it is in March, that's a load off my back. I'll focus on it after Step 3. Thanks for the replies.

 

[nycitygas]

Well, since it is in March, that's a load off my back. I'll focus on it after Step 3. Thanks for the replies.

Hey man, dont stress the ITE as an intern. If you get a 10%, nobody will care. Focus on enjoying your intern year and passing your step 3.
you can start studying anesthesia towards the end of your intern year for your AKTs.