Structured Learning in Fourth Year

[Gracie_1984]

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Hey SDN community,

The shelf exams are done, the boards are done. I am headed into fourth year and plan on doing IM.

I've been trying to think of structured ways to continue learning this year... Last year, it was very centered around shelfs and Uworld for step 2CK. The urgency of it all kept me on top of things. Now I have more free time... but no structure. Any advice as to the next level of resource to use in my free time? I've thought about purchasing and going through MKSAP this year or even doing Uworld for step 3. I'm a person who needs structure or I will netflix my way through fourth year... Thanks for any tips!

 

[FutureEyeGuy]

You'll find that as 4th year begins, you'll be just as busy as you were during third year. Applications, interviews, thinking about rank lists will consume all your time up till January-February. Then you have just a few short months before you graduate and start residency, so this time is key to spend with loved ones/travel. I wouldn't study a whole lot if I were you. If you must, try reading NEJM articles weekly, or Journal Wiki.

By all means, Netflix your way through 4th year though. Good luck!

 

[ndafife]

I will netflix my way through fourth year... Thanks for any tips!

My tip: Do that^^^

 

[mrbreakfast]

Not sure if this post is serious or not, but:

-First quarter of M4: study for and take both CK and CS. You ideally want CK score before interviews.

-Second quarter of M4: take AI, line up letters, and submit ERAS. After ERAS is submitted, turn off learning part of brain.

-Third quarter of M4: interviews. Take online electives or things you don't have to show up for.

-Last quarter of M4: take your vacation time and watch TV/travel.

 

[Gracie_1984]

Hey guys! This was a serious post! Thanks for the responses 😀 I have found some really amazing resources so I wanted to pass them on in case others going into IM find this thread.

1. Podcasts
-- The clinical problem solvers
-- Curbsiders

2. NEJM has a ton of great learning tools
-- resident 360
-- Image Challenge
-- Interactive Medical cases


3. Books
-- IM essentials with the online component

4. Journals
- the Cleveland clinic journal of medicine. It is extremely readable

 

[Cheeni17]

Spend a couple hours per day reading something toward intern year then relax