Studying for Step 1 while raising a family...

[alpha06]

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Now I have poured through various forums about Step 1 study schedules...advices.....study 6-8 hrs/day.....last week study 12 hours/day....study for six weeks straight....etc


And I know just about all the review books that are recommended for each subject....

But no where have I read about studying for Step 1 while still raising a family...?

To me it seems kind of frustrating! 😡

I mean, don't get me wrong. I love my family.😀

But when I try to study and I factor them in, one ends up suffering. Either I neglect my studies or my family. Both of which are very important to me obviously.

Let me just give you an example. I was studying for my boards for lets say 2 weeks straight, putting in the average time. On a roll, doing well. When suddenly my son comes down with bilateral otitis media😱. Spiking fevers, not eating well, the whole nine. Needless to say, my wife works, and she cannot take off work soo easily. Since I am just studying, I end up nursing him back to health. This takes one whole week out of my study schedule. So now the previous information I learned those last two weeks are probably gone and I have to spend the rest of my time regaining what I lost. Putting in additional time to my schedule that I didn't account for.😡

And what happens if he gets sick again or my wife gets sick (unforeseen events). More time gets added to me study schedule, exam gets pushed back, etc. You see, its like a never-ending cycle. What's a person to do in my situation?

And of course there is QT time with the wife and all that I cannot neglect either. Trying to find the right balance between studying and relaxation can be very difficult.

I feel like I'm in a never ending tug of war. Either I am studying too much and neglecting my family or spending too much time with the family and I feel like I'm slacking-off in my studies....

Please, help me! If anyone out there has had a family while studying for Step 1, could you give me your insight as to how you accomplished such a task? What study schedule did you follow? How did you do it?

Are the two incompatible, family + Step 1?? Am I off to a bad start by having a family before I complete med school? I know a lot of people suggest that significant others, family, kids, etc are all distractions you should avoid while in med school in order to concentrate on studies, but I can't turn back the clock now.

Thanks for all your time and your input in advance!😀

I know my post is long, but its something I felt that needed to be discussed since I haven't seen it anywhere in the forum.
​

 

[medhacker]

Overfiend,

Dude, I haven't finished, but am going through the same thing you are. As you say, there's no turning back the clock my man. Shouldn't, couldn't, didn't.

We gotta make the best of what we got. It is a tug of war!, the way I see it, one is better off letting board prep win that war temporarily so that later on your family can win that tug of war.

Sorry I can't give you any specific advice. I thought I would let you know you are not alone in this. 👍

 

[mudphudwannabe]

Take a deep breath - it's going to be ok! Are you a first year or second? How have you done in your classes? If you've done well, a lot of the work has already been done. You just need to do a little brushing up to do well on the exam. I studied for 3 weeks, 6-8 hours a day, and did just fine. I don't have a family, but I certainly ended up with enough time to goof off, exercise, cook really good meals, etc. If you haven't done very well in your classes, you might need some more intensive review, but I think that's still manageable. Is there an advisor at your school you could talk to about your study schedule and budgeting your time? If you're still in first year..well, forget about it. Don't worry until you're in second year. 🙂

If emergencies come up, you might have to postpone the exam, but that could happen to anyone and it's not that big of a deal. I think if you're organized and efficient with whatever time you can get, you can certainly make it work. Basically do the same thing you've been doing while in med school - except now instead of going to lectures and small groups, you will be studying. You can definitely do your studying at home if you are able to concentrate there. You don't have to lock yourself up in isolation unless you really need that to concentrate. Anyway, I completely understand that having a family can be very demanding, but if you've been able to deal with other med school exams, you should be able to handle this one.

 

[alpha06]

We gotta make the best of what we got. It is a tug of war!, the way I see it, one is better off letting board prep win that war temporarily so that later on your family can win that tug of war.

I tell my wife that all the time, but she still likes the QT time. There is only soo much you can push your family aside before you push them away for good, if you know what I mean. You need to still factor them in, as hard as it may seem.

medhacker, our reasoning is there but sometimes it may be difficult for them to understand it, esp if they are not in the medical field themselves. But in my case, to make matters worse, she IS in the medical field. A resident to be exact. And she still can't see why I need to devote soo much time into board prep. Go figure.

But it is nice to see that I am not alone. Good to both of us! And my hopes at the end of this war we will both come out victorious!

 

[alpha06]

Take a deep breath - it's going to be ok! Are you a first year or second? How have you done in your classes? If you've done well, a lot of the work has already been done. You just need to do a little brushing up to do well on the exam. I studied for 3 weeks, 6-8 hours a day, and did just fine. I don't have a family, but I certainly ended up with enough time to goof off, exercise, cook really good meals, etc. If you haven't done very well in your classes, you might need some more intensive review, but I think that's still manageable. Is there an advisor at your school you could talk to about your study schedule and budgeting your time? If you're still in first year..well, forget about it. Don't worry until you're in second year. 🙂

If emergencies come up, you might have to postpone the exam, but that could happen to anyone and it's not that big of a deal. I think if you're organized and efficient with whatever time you can get, you can certainly make it work. Basically do the same thing you've been doing while in med school - except now instead of going to lectures and small groups, you will be studying. You can definitely do your studying at home if you are able to concentrate there. You don't have to lock yourself up in isolation unless you really need that to concentrate. Anyway, I completely understand that having a family can be very demanding, but if you've been able to deal with other med school exams, you should be able to handle this one.

I am a second year. And basically I was a "C" student. I just did the bare minimum to pass each class and each exam. I guess I would be at fault here. This is really hitting me hard as far as my knowledge base. I really didn't take the first two years of med school seriously because I wanted to have a life and didn't want to be a hermit and my head buried in the books somewhere. I was also working during my first two years of med school too. This may have also hindered me. And I crammed for 90% of my internal exams and shelf exams. I guess you can say, I am not a stellar candidate for AOA.🙄 But I never considered that while I was in med school and how it would impact me later.

Yes, there are advisors at my school who are helping me as far as my schedule. But they are much different from me. It is easy for them to say, study 8hrs/day for 6 weeks. Focus on these subjects the first two weeks, and these the next......but they don't consider the family factor. Yes, they are aware that I have a family. But they don't see what I see as far as those unforeseen situations that can arise which can break my schedule. And it is ultimately ME putting in the time, not them. All they can do is advise me and I have to put in the time. Self-discipline as you would say. And I really do put in an effort to stick to my schedule......but as i said before, stuff happens.

Lastly, I would have to disagree with that last statement you made. Although I was able to get through my med exams, Step 1 is quite different. Step 1 is unlike any med exam I have taken. I don't know how they teach the first two years at your school, but at mine, they taught by subject. One subject at a time. I can study for one subject and pass an exam, no prob. But when you throw multiple subjects, incorporate multiple disciplines, and then ask me a 2 or 3-step question, o boy...we got problems now. Going back, I still had hard times passing my exams, it wasn't easy. I guess my lack of knowledge correlates to my lack of enthusiasm. Whatever the case may be. I guess thats why I'm having such a difficult time now with the Step 1. Compounded with the fact that I now have a family.

Do you see my dilemma?🙁

 

[Terpskins99]

I tell my wife that all the time, but she still likes the QT time. There is only soo much you can push your family aside before you push them away for good, if you know what I mean. You need to still factor them in, as hard as it may seem.

One of the few instances in life where you want an increased QT interval.

Sorry, couldn't help myself. 😀👍

 

[alpha06]

One of the few instances in life where you want an increased QT interval.

Tru!!

 

[mudphudwannabe]

I think you need to think about this from a different angle -- figure out how much time you can carve out of your schedule, and do your best to be efficient in that time and make it work. Find out when your school's deadline for taking step 1 is, figure out the childcare situation, and have a serious talk with your wife - let her know that you are making family and your quality time as a couple a priority, but studying needs to be a priority too. I know since she is a resident she probably has a busy schedule and may not be able to help you much with childcare, but I think it will be much easier if she takes your concerns seriously and is understanding.

Figure out how much time you can carve out of your schedule each day. If it's only 2-4 hours, you can probably make it work if you have a somewhat longer period to study, like 6 weeks as opposed to 4. If someone (babysitter, family member, friend) can come over and help with the kids for just an hour or two a day while you are studying, that might make it easier for you to study at home. It might be helpful to go back to one of those "unhelpful" advisors and say, "This is how much time I have - help me figure out a schedule and how to use that time most efficiently." The dean of students at your school might have some more suggestions about fitting studying into your life, or at least be able to tell you who to talk to.

Anyway, I was hoping someone in a similar situation would jump in with more practical advice, but I hope this was at least somewhat helpful. There are several people at my med school with small children who have been very successful, so I know it can be done!

 

[Blesbok]

That sounds like bad timing, but honestly how often does something like that happen? I am sure it is freaking you out, but you will be fine.

You can't neglect your family and kids aren't going to understand, but your wife should be understanding that you do not have a lot of time for QT with her right now. Think of it as an investment in your future. If you spend less time with her now, you will have a much more enjoyable life when you get the residency that you want rather than having to move to alaska to get a family medicine residency.

I don't think it is the best choice to have kids while in med school, but at the same time there are a lot of people that go to med school long after college and so that really isn't an option. There are plenty of people like you and plenty have done it before, therefore just keep at it and you will do great. 👍

 

[mudphudwannabe]

That sounds like bad timing, but honestly how often does something like that happen? I am sure it is freaking you out, but you will be fine.

Ok, now I'm confused -- overfiend, the scenario with your son having ear infections was just hypothetical, right? Or are you actually studying for boards *now*? 😕

 

[alpha06]

Ok, now I'm confused -- overfiend, the scenario with your son having ear infections was just hypothetical, right? Or are you actually studying for boards *now*? 😕

mudphud, to answer your question quickly, my son's ear infection is not hypothetical. It is happening as we speak....well....maybe getting better now....he's taking oral susp ceftin (stuff is gross) and is on day 7 of a 10 day course.

And yes I am currently studying for the boards now. And am about to meet with someone to talk about my schedule and progress.

I'll have to respond to your previous post as well as those posts made by others at a later time.

Sorry for the confusion. If you have any more questions, let me know. 🙂

 

[lilnoelle]

I'm in this situation as well. I'm actually not all that worried about it. Its no different for me than the previous two years and actually, I'm going to demand more time to study for Step I than I have in the past for tests, so it'll be easier.

My kids go to daycare. I study during the day for school and after they go to bed at night. On weekends before a test my kids spend time with their grandparents and their dad. I focus on the test and my husband pitches in a little bit extra at night the week before the test. Otherwise, I basically run the domestic scene at home and so I don't feel guilty about asking for some help right before a test. I do most of it most of the time and when I really need help, then he better help me. When my kids are sick, I stay home with them - luckily that hasn't happened a lot, but it has happened. I don't mind that at all. After all, my husband is bringing in our income and I have a relatively flexible schedule at this point in time. This changes if its the week of a test and it definitely will change the weeks before step I. My husband has sick days and vacation days. He can (and will) use them to watch the kids if its required. Its not like we use them for a real vacation anyway.

My situation is different than some, I'm sure, but we are basically investing in my career over my husbands. It is, in a sense, more important. (Terrible to say, but since my husband looks forward to the day when he can quit his job and invest in a business from home because my career is supporting the family, I feel justified in saying so.) Therefore, if it is NECESSARY for me to study, then we'll do whatever we have to to make that happen. If its not necessary, then we're more flexible.

If you find it difficult to study for Step I because of your family, how are you gonna handle your third year?

 

[SOUNDMAN]

I basically took a picture of myself and have given it to my wife...she shows it to my kids everynight so they don't forget who their dad is, so far it's worked they still recognize me in the morning before I leave for school.

 

[Scottish Chap]

Now I have poured through various forums about Step 1 study schedules...advices.....study 6-8 hrs/day.....last week study 12 hours/day....study for six weeks straight....etc


And I know just about all the review books that are recommended for each subject....

But no where have I read about studying for Step 1 while still raising a family...?

To me it seems kind of frustrating! 😡

I mean, don't get me wrong. I love my family.😀

But when I try to study and I factor them in, one ends up suffering. Either I neglect my studies or my family. Both of which are very important to me obviously.

Let me just give you an example. I was studying for my boards for lets say 2 weeks straight, putting in the average time. On a roll, doing well. When suddenly my son comes down with bilateral otitis media😱. Spiking fevers, not eating well, the whole nine. Needless to say, my wife works, and she cannot take off work soo easily. Since I am just studying, I end up nursing him back to health. This takes one whole week out of my study schedule. So now the previous information I learned those last two weeks are probably gone and I have to spend the rest of my time regaining what I lost. Putting in additional time to my schedule that I didn't account for.😡

And what happens if he gets sick again or my wife gets sick (unforeseen events). More time gets added to me study schedule, exam gets pushed back, etc. You see, its like a never-ending cycle. What's a person to do in my situation?

And of course there is QT time with the wife and all that I cannot neglect either. Trying to find the right balance between studying and relaxation can be very difficult.

I feel like I'm in a never ending tug of war. Either I am studying too much and neglecting my family or spending too much time with the family and I feel like I'm slacking-off in my studies....

Please, help me! If anyone out there has had a family while studying for Step 1, could you give me your insight as to how you accomplished such a task? What study schedule did you follow? How did you do it?

Are the two incompatible, family + Step 1?? Am I off to a bad start by having a family before I complete med school? I know a lot of people suggest that significant others, family, kids, etc are all distractions you should avoid while in med school in order to concentrate on studies, but I can't turn back the clock now.

Thanks for all your time and your input in advance!😀

I know my post is long, but its something I felt that needed to be discussed since I haven't seen it anywhere in the forum.
​

It should be no different from studying for medical school exams and you've done that for two years now.

I also have a family and, yes, it's hard when there's sickness, but you've gotta roll with the punches. When I was studying for Step 1, I would study 8-5 and spend time with my family. After the little one was in bed, I would do Qbank. Step 1 is an important exam, but the herculean task of doing alright is often blown out of proportion. I say this as a pretty average test-taker. Again, it's a lot of work but it's over-rated.

I disagree with the advice above which suggests temporarily neglecting your family for Step 1 is needed (the tug-of-war/battle analogy). That's very crap advice, frankly.

In the end, keep in mind that having a family as well as studying to be a doctor are enormous blessings in themselves. While time spent with one of those is a huge undertaking, accept that this privilege means you can't possibly be 'top dog' in both. Things will look brighter on the other side of Step 1; you'll see. 🙂

As a lilnoelle alluded to, the demands of MSIII are worse....much worse.....but it's still a huge privilege to be here.

Good luck!

 

[lilnoelle]

I disagree with the advice above which suggests temporarily neglecting your family for Step 1 is needed (the tug-of-war/battle analogy). That's very crap advice, frankly.

I agree that you shouldn't have to neglect your family. The important thing is to make studying a priority, which means you may need extra help from your wife in the month prior to taking step I. While I plan on studying some for the test prior to the end of school, I'm not really making Step I priority one until after the second year of med school is out. At that point, then I expect my husband to step up with household/family duties until the test is over.

 

[medhacker]

I disagree with the advice above which suggests temporarily neglecting your family for Step 1 is needed (the tug-of-war/battle analogy). That's very crap advice, frankly.

I disagree with "your" interpretation of the tug-of-war analogy = neglect your family. That's very crap interpretation, frankly.

 

[Scottish Chap]

I disagree with "your" interpretation of the tug-of-war analogy = neglect your family.

I agree, colleague. But it's still possible to prevent an exam from interfering with a normal family routine if you plan well.

 

[DrMom]

If you find it difficult to study for Step I because of your family, how are you gonna handle your third year?

Or residency?

 

[medhacker]

I agree, colleague. But it's still possible to prevent an exam from interfering with a normal family routine if you plan well.

Agreed 100% 👍

 

[Jonathan13180]

Medhacker-

is that dr sesso (pcom)?????

 

[medhacker]

Medhacker-

is that dr sesso (pcom)?????

 

[Mr. Freeze]

I've pretty much got my schedule set, although there will prolly be tweaks here and there. Have an 18 month old, and one due in July. I had a talk with my wife, who I feel gets how important step I is. We came to the agreement that from 7-10 each evening, or similar 3 hr period, will be a study-free zone. She feels like me being home but her not knowing how accessible I am is worse than just knowing at 7p, he'll either be home or come down from the office. And I've blocked out Sundays as largely study-free. I may feel different after I get my results, but right now a 240 isn't worth a divorce. I may get a high-paying specialty, but then I'll just have to cut a check for half my salary anyway...

 

[alpha06]

I'm in this situation as well. I'm actually not all that worried about it. Its no different for me than the previous two years and actually, I'm going to demand more time to study for Step I than I have in the past for tests, so it'll be easier.

My kids go to daycare. I study during the day for school and after they go to bed at night. On weekends before a test my kids spend time with their grandparents and their dad. I focus on the test and my husband pitches in a little bit extra at night the week before the test. Otherwise, I basically run the domestic scene at home and so I don't feel guilty about asking for some help right before a test. I do most of it most of the time and when I really need help, then he better help me. When my kids are sick, I stay home with them - luckily that hasn't happened a lot, but it has happened. I don't mind that at all. After all, my husband is bringing in our income and I have a relatively flexible schedule at this point in time. This changes if its the week of a test and it definitely will change the weeks before step I. My husband has sick days and vacation days. He can (and will) use them to watch the kids if its required. Its not like we use them for a real vacation anyway.

My situation is different than some, I'm sure, but we are basically investing in my career over my husbands. It is, in a sense, more important. (Terrible to say, but since my husband looks forward to the day when he can quit his job and invest in a business from home because my career is supporting the family, I feel justified in saying so.) Therefore, if it is NECESSARY for me to study, then we'll do whatever we have to to make that happen. If its not necessary, then we're more flexible.

If you find it difficult to study for Step I because of your family, how are you gonna handle your third year?

Don't follow how you will demand more time to study for Step 1 and it beinf easier. I don't follow. Could you please explain. I'm glad to see your optimistic about the whole thing but for me I guess I have a hard time managing a decent schedule. One little wrench in the mix and it stops everything.

They say studying for Step 1 is the hardest thing in med school to do. Third year is filled with clinical rotations and class lectures, write-ups, on-call days. All of which to me is much easier to handle than studying for Step 1. More people drop or fail out of med school from not getting through Step 1 than not getting through 3rd yr clinicals. I haven't heard of ONE person failing out of clinicals so I know I will not have such a difficult time when I get there.

To me studying for step 1...its like....I have bucket of water stitting out in the sun. The longer that bucket sits out there that water is going to evaporate, so I have to keep filling it up with water again to get it back to the same level. I feel that when I have these bumps on the road I am setting that bucket of water back out into the sun. And I'm not sure when I'll be back to get it. And I hope when I DO get back to it its not dry. In my studies, I am constantly filling myself with knowledge and trying to get to the point where OK I know it all now and NOW I need to take the exam before all of the knowledge is gone. Like people have said before "peaks and valleys." Except my peak is Mt. Everest and my valley is buried in the ocean somewhere.

I guess thats why it seems like, to me, I am having such a hard time....

 

[alpha06]

I basically took a picture of myself and have given it to my wife...she shows it to my kids everynight so they don't forget who their dad is, so far it's worked they still recognize me in the morning before I leave for school.

Don't see how thats working, but a simple picture won't do for my wife and son. They need some interaction.

But thanks for your input tho...🙂

 

[alpha06]

Or residency?

To me, I love work. I just hate studying!

 

[alpha06]

It should be no different from studying for medical school exams and you've done that for two years now.

I also have a family and, yes, it's hard when there's sickness, but you've gotta roll with the punches. When I was studying for Step 1, I would study 8-5 and spend time with my family. After the little one was in bed, I would do Qbank. Step 1 is an important exam, but the herculean task of doing alright is often blown out of proportion. I say this as a pretty average test-taker. Again, it's a lot of work but it's over-rated.

I disagree with the advice above which suggests temporarily neglecting your family for Step 1 is needed (the tug-of-war/battle analogy). That's very crap advice, frankly.

In the end, keep in mind that having a family as well as studying to be a doctor are enormous blessings in themselves. While time spent with one of those is a huge undertaking, accept that this privilege means you can't possibly be 'top dog' in both. Things will look brighter on the other side of Step 1; you'll see. 🙂

As a lilnoelle alluded to, the demands of MSIII are worse....much worse.....but it's still a huge privilege to be here.

Good luck!

Totally disagree with that first statement. I've addressed it in an earlier reply.

The second statement.....disagree......agree. It is a priveledge to even take Step 1, but I don't believe MSIII is all that difficult. IMO

 

[alpha06]

huh?? I totally don't get what you guys are addressing here....😕

 

[alpha06]

I disagree with "your" interpretation of the tug-of-war analogy = neglect your family. That's very crap interpretation, frankly.

Agreed. 👍

 

[alpha06]

I agree, colleague. But it's still possible to prevent an exam from interfering with a normal family routine if you plan well.

Totally agree. 👍

Herein lies the problem...

 

[Jonathan13180]

medhacker- nicely done

 

[Scottish Chap]

You have control over how you allocate study for Step 1. You have no control over your clinical hours in MSIII. You're basically asking for advice, then claiming you know better than several people who have been where you are and where you want to go. You had my sympathies....but good luck.

 

[alpha06]

Then a rude awakening may be in the mail. You're basically asking for advice, then claiming you know better than several people who have been where you are and where you want to go. You had my sympathies....but good luck.

All right. Hold on here. I am listening and taking in everybody's advice. 😡

But I also have a right to opinionated. If I feel that the Step 1 exam is harder than my regular medical exams....IT IS.

Now maybe they made my medical exams super easy, I don't know.

All I know is that my medical exams compared to Step 1, much easier.

They way you learn and are taught medicine at your med school is totally different then the way I learned and was taught. Maybe they made your medical exams super hard or you had some board test writers, whatever the case may be, your exams may in fact be similar to step 1. Who knows?

So please don't get on my back for not taking advice. I already have enough problems as it is with boards and family, I don't need the extra baggage.

I appreciate everybodys comment, just leave the negativity out.

Thanks!!😀

 

[Scottish Chap]

I understand you're frustrated, but please try to be more positive and take it one step at a time. Again (since you apparently only read what you want to believe) you have control over how you allocate time for board study. You have no control over your clinical hours in MSIII. That was my point. Come back when you've experienced MSIII, then say you think it's easier than studying for step 1, but until such times....

 

[alpha06]

I understand you're frustrated, but please try to be more positive and take it one step at a time. Again (since you apparently only read what you want to believe) you have control over how you allocate time for board study. You have no control over your clinical hours in MSIII. That was my point. Come back when you've experienced MSIII, then say you think it's easier than studying for step 1, but until such times....

I apologize. I just have a lot of tension and stress with everything that is going on. I will try to stay more positive.....its just hard...

I see your point much clearly now....you are right.

I can not judge what I have yet to experience.

Thanks for your insight!🙂

 

[DrMom]

To me, I love work. I just hate studying!

You're sorely mistaken if you think you won't be studying signficantly in residency. You'll have no control over your schedule and still be expected to read and learn in your "free time."

Yes, you can find balance in both, but it may not be the exact way you'd like. Both you and your family will have to give up on some expectations.

 

[alpha06]

You're sorely mistaken if you think you won't be studying signficantly in residency. You'll have no control over your schedule and still be expected to read and learn in your "free time."

Yes, you can find balance in both, but it may not be the exact way you'd like. Both you and your family will have to give up on some expectations.

Didn't think about that.

 

[DrMom]

I'd recommend that you and your family start discussing how to realistically deal with all of this. You've (and they) committed to a long road. It's do-able.

 

[lilnoelle]

What I mean is that because I KNOW Step I is so important and is going to be difficult, I'm not going to allow flexibility in my studying that last four weeks. (Or at least not as much as I have in my first two years). That last four weeks is dedicated only to studying while my kids are at daycare. If one of them is sick, then my husband will take off time from work to watch them. I've already told him that, and he's willing to do so.

I think what your struggling with is 1) your probably thinking that you can study as intensely this next 12 weeks or so (I don't know how long before your test) as I plan to do the last 4. I don't think that anyone who puts in longer periods of time is studying intensely that whole time, no, mostly they take it slower and have more flexibility. If you've got some time before your test, it really shouldn't be stressing you out at this point in time that you had to stay home with your kiddo. 2) your putting your current "career" on second burner and your wife's is taking first priority. Thats fine, as long as you have some flexibility. Once you don't have flexibility (as you won't in third year) then there is just no way that you can be the one who always stays home with your sick kid. View your step I studying (once it starts in earnest) as just as demanding as your third year schedule will be. You have a limited amount of time to cover a huge amount of material. You just can't be as flexible during that period of time as you have been able to this last two years.

Don't follow how you will demand more time to study for Step 1 and it beinf easier. I don't follow. Could you please explain. I'm glad to see your optimistic about the whole thing but for me I guess I have a hard time managing a decent schedule. One little wrench in the mix and it stops everything.

They say studying for Step 1 is the hardest thing in med school to do. Third year is filled with clinical rotations and class lectures, write-ups, on-call days. All of which to me is much easier to handle than studying for Step 1. More people drop or fail out of med school from not getting through Step 1 than not getting through 3rd yr clinicals. I haven't heard of ONE person failing out of clinicals so I know I will not have such a difficult time when I get there.

To me studying for step 1...its like....I have bucket of water stitting out in the sun. The longer that bucket sits out there that water is going to evaporate, so I have to keep filling it up with water again to get it back to the same level. I feel that when I have these bumps on the road I am setting that bucket of water back out into the sun. And I'm not sure when I'll be back to get it. And I hope when I DO get back to it its not dry. In my studies, I am constantly filling myself with knowledge and trying to get to the point where OK I know it all now and NOW I need to take the exam before all of the knowledge is gone. Like people have said before "peaks and valleys." Except my peak is Mt. Everest and my valley is buried in the ocean somewhere.

I guess thats why it seems like, to me, I am having such a hard time....