Anybody here take CSA yet?

[Cuts]

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I have a question for those of you who've taken CSA already: In your opinion, if studying full-time (i.e. app. 8-10h/d), how long would it take someone to assure a pass on the CSA? I know it's subjective, but your opinions would be invaluble to me right now. Thanks in advance.

 

[carddr]

To be honest, I studied very little for this exam. I viewed the video they provided and spent some time going over the questions in the booklet they provided. I bought the Osce(?) book and read it through. But other than that, I didn"t take a course or anything and I felt prepared when I did the test. One VERY important point to remember is that you must communicate with the pt and do your best to impress them, they fill out a form on you as soon as the physical exam is over and that form is what matters. At the end of the day that form is what matters the most. Be kind to the pt and listen to what they have to say. You will do fine.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I agreee with famtiadr. I used the OSCE book watched the CSA video and passed the exam.

If you make obvious dangerous errors I'm sure you'd have some trouble but IMHO they are assessing whether you can communicate in English, whether you are kind to the patients, if you spend some time telling them what your thoughts are and what the game plan is and then can right a legible note you will pass. I wouldn't worry heaps about memorizing DDx etc. If you read the OSCE book you will find most of the common scenarios in it.

Best of luck.

 

[dbiddy]

I didn't study at all. I watched the video about a week before it. The only advice I have is.........wash your hands before and after each patient. And write as complete a differential diagnosis as possible. Have confidence and be friendly. The patients grade you.........so if they like you they'll grade you higher

The exam is simple. You should have no problems passing it.

 

[andy toth]

remember not to wear jeans. my friend failed because he did not dress professionally. suck. he is an IMG so the whole "professional america" concept was not prominent in brain.

 

[Cuts]

Sucks about your friend in the jeans (what do FMG's find so appealing about Levi's 501s anyway!?). Thanks for the good info bros... I'm in a crunch to make next year's Match, and this info's a big help.

 

[carddr]

🙁 Andy: oh man that really sucks, do you realize wearing those jeans cost him $$2400.US dollars, plus travel and hotel expensive. If that was the only reason, I don't know as I wouldn't appeal that result. Did they actually tell him that? Wow!! what a shame...BTW, only IMgs take this exam, although they are gearing up for all AMGs to start in 2004, testing the system out starting this year. They will have more than one testing center though and the fee is $925 (and I am sure that will go higher)and only 9 questions or exams. Sorry about your friend...

 

[Vitaliano333]

Since we're on the subject, can anybody tell me what's considered professional clothing in the US? In other words, should I wear a white shirt, light colored pants to the CSA? Should I avoid Eddy Bauer-type khakis? Also, in my country all doctors wear long lab coats. I've noticed that, in the video, most are wearing the shorter coats (waist-length). Will it be appropriate for me to wear the long lab coat (to the knees) or should I somehow find a shorter one? And, besides the color, should the lab coat have any specific characteristic (number of pockets, etc.)?
Thank you.

 

[andy toth]

he passed the next time he took it. levi's markets the F out of their clothing in europe at least (i don't know about asia) so everyone thinks/thought it was the cool thing to wear (But not for the CSA)

 

[Winged Scapula]

Vitaliano...

In the US, there is a "white coat hierarchy" . Medical students wear the short, hip length coats, residents wear the knee or slightly below knee length coats and attending physicians traditionally wore even longer one (they generally wear the same length as the residents now). The picture has gotten muddied because at least here, I see nurses and physical therapists and other allied health professionals also wearing long coats. Its no wonder the patients are confused.

There is no requirement that you wear a "student length" coat for the CSA. Khakis would be fine with a white shirt but make sure you are wearing a tie. No one expects the men (or women) to wear a suit jacket under their white coat. Women would probably be most comfortable in nice slacks and a blouse for the exam.

Hope this helps.

 

[Stormreaver]

Andrew (Cuts) great to see you here. I'd say pretty much the same thing about the CSA: I went through the book they sent me and watched the videotape. I also picked up some mnemonics a friend who'd done Kaplan sent me, and got the OSCE/CSA book--but to be honest I only read its first couple of chapters. Didn't have the enrgy to go through the rest of the book.

I'd say the exam is pretty straightforward. Unless you muck-up big time, you'll pass.

 

[Cuts]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by Stormreaver:
•Andrew (Cuts) great to see you here. I'd say pretty much the same thing about the CSA: I went through the book they sent me and watched the videotape. I also picked up some mnemonics a friend who'd done Kaplan sent me, and got the OSCE/CSA book--but to be honest I only read its first couple of chapters. Didn't have the enrgy to go through the rest of the book.

I'd say the exam is pretty straightforward. Unless you muck-up big time, you'll pass.•••••Thanks for the input but... how do we know each other 😕 ?

 

[Stormreaver]

Cuts-- i just PM'ed you.