For the inservice

[Strongman]

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Are people ordering now for the Rivers or waiting until January 2006? I feel that I may not have enough time to wait to Jan and still be able to complete the questions and review book, but I also want to be current.

 

[southerndoc]

I already have a copy of Rivers.

You can also use the Tintinalli study guide (not the big book, and not the pocket book, but the paperback 600-page or so study guide).

 

[AlienHand]

Have you heard anything about the CORD tests (http://www.emtests.com/) as a way to prepare for the inservice exam? Is there any way to gain access before starting residency? I'm going to have a lot of free time during the second half of my 4th year. It would be nice to start now, as I'm sure I will have less time to study during residency.

 

[southerndoc]

Have you heard anything about the CORD tests (http://www.emtests.com/) as a way to prepare for the inservice exam? Is there any way to gain access before starting residency? I'm going to have a lot of free time during the second half of my 4th year. It would be nice to start now, as I'm sure I will have less time to study during residency.

No, you can't gain access until you become a resident.

My program gave us a username/ID and they have the ability to track what tests you take, how you perform, etc. I think all programs get access to it.

 

[Strongman]

Have you heard anything about the CORD tests (http://www.emtests.com/) as a way to prepare for the inservice exam? Is there any way to gain access before starting residency? I'm going to have a lot of free time during the second half of my 4th year. It would be nice to start now, as I'm sure I will have less time to study during residency.

1. I think you have to be part of a residency since you actually get a password and login name from your RD.

2. I am leaning towards just waiting until Jan 2006 and getting my Rivers then.

 

[saffron]

How many in-service exams there are and when you take them? Are they just like national licensing exams you take to get board certified? Sorry for the ignorance, I just finished step II and only know about step III after intern yr...gotta love standardized exams! 🙄

 

[USCDiver]

In-service exams are like Shelf Tests for each residency program. They are specific for that specialty and they are given on the same day for each program within that specialty in the country (IM had theirs last week I think). Some programs use them as criteria for promotion to the next class. Ours uses them as a general gauge of progress and to predict who will do well on the National Board Exam so they can provide remediation to those that are at risk of not passing.

 

[Jeff698]

You can also use the Tintinalli study guide (not the big book, and not the pocket book, but the paperback 600-page or so study guide).

"Just the Facts". I just ordered it from Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/00...4?v=glance&n=283155&n=507846&s=books&v=glance

Take care,
Jeff

 

[GeneralVeers]

In-service exams are like Shelf Tests for each residency program. They are specific for that specialty and they are given on the same day for each program within that specialty in the country (IM had theirs last week I think). Some programs use them as criteria for promotion to the next class. Ours uses them as a general gauge of progress and to predict who will do well on the National Board Exam so they can provide remediation to those that are at risk of not passing.

Ours uses the results to punish residents who don't measure up to the arbitrary standards set by the program director. In this case >80th percentile. The punishment is not even in the form of something useful like remediating weak skill areas, rather it's harrassment and veiled threats about competence.

 

[saffron]

Thanks USCDiver. How many in-service exams do you take each yr for EM? Also, is there just one national board exam at the end of residency or is that annual too?

 

[Seaglass]

Thanks USCDiver. How many in-service exams do you take each yr for EM? Also, is there just one national board exam at the end of residency or is that annual too?

You only take one inservice each year, and it is always the last Wednesday in February. The board exam consists of two steps. I think everyone can take the written in November then you are assigned to an oral group in either April or the following November. This is after you've graduated residency.