Questions whose answers I should probably know

[gschl1234]

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I see people talking about these things all the time and everyone else seems to know what they are but me so here goes:

1. What's a "shelf exam"? Does everyone take them or is it only at some med schools and not others?
2. What's a "white coat ceremony" and why is it that a lot of people are planning on inviting family? What I mean is, what's the significance of it? Is it a big deal if family doens't come?''

Thanks

 

[Stinger86]

I see people talking about these things all the time and everyone else seems to know what they are but me so here goes:

1. What's a "shelf exam"? Does everyone take them or is it only at some med schools and not others?
2. What's a "white coat ceremony" and why is it that a lot of people are planning on inviting family? What I mean is, what's the significance of it? Is it a big deal if family doens't come?''

Thanks

A shelf exam is a 125 question exam that covers a particular basic science (such as pathology, microbiology/immunology, pharmacology, etc). Think of them as comprehensive exams for all your individual courses. I think you can only take them through your school, so it's up to them as to whether you get to take it.

The White Coat Ceremony IS designed for the family. It's when all the matriculants are formally congratulated on getting accepted to medical school and are presented with their dorky, short white coats that they'll wear for their next four years. I personally thought the WCS was stupid, but then again, it's really for the families of the students, because the vast majority of them are very proud of their kids and want to celebrate their achievement. It's up to you whether or not your family makes it.

 

[Seaglass]

Shelf exams are standardized subject exams published by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), the same entity that administers the allopathic licensing exam (USMLE). As a result they are primarily used at allopathic schools and not osteo schools.

Shelf exams exist for preclinical and clinical subject areas. Most Allo schools I know of use them to evaluate students on their standard 3rd year rotations (i.e. the medicine shelf, or the surgery shelf). I haven't come accross an allo place yet that does not use them in third year.

Their use for preclinical years seems much more hit or miss depending on the school.

The white coat ceremony is where medical students receive their white coat which symbolizes their entrance into the profession of medicine and patient care. It's importance varies school to school and person to person. It is nice for family to participate as it tends to be semi-formal along the lines of a graduation ceremony. How much of a big deal it is that family doesn't attend depends mostly on you.