taking step 1 during IM rotation

[mikemedical]

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I am planning on taking step 1 exactly 13 days into my IM rotation which starts Jan 2. Is that a good idea? I only need a few more days but step 1 isn't offered during the 1st 2 weeks of January.

I know 13 days WILL make a difference in my score if I can get about 4 hours of study time in a day. I just don't know if doing that during IM is a good idea? Any suggestions?

If I wait any longer than 13 days it will start to affect my score, as everything is fresh in my head right now.

Can put off IM for 2 weeks and catch up after I take step 1?

 

[smq123]

I am planning on taking step 1 exactly 13 days into my IM rotation which starts Jan 2. Is that a good idea? I only need a few more days but step 1 isn't offered during the 1st 2 weeks of January.

I know 13 days WILL make a difference in my score if I can get about 4 hours of study time in a day. I just don't know if doing that during IM is a good idea? Any suggestions?

If I wait any longer than 13 days it will start to affect my score, as everything is fresh in my head right now.

Can put off IM for 2 weeks and catch up after I take step 1?

I'm assuming that this is inpatient IM?

If you're going to have Q4 call, like most people do during their IM rotations, you're going to be a wreck.

 

[mikemedical]

I'm assuming that this is inpatient IM?

If you're going to have Q4 call, like most people do during their IM rotations, you're going to be a wreck.

Yep, inpatient. I'm guessing q4 call means overnight?

 

[Depakote]

Yep, inpatient. I'm guessing q4 call means overnight?

q4= every 4th day.

Call schedules tend to depend on the institution and the rotation, but I would expect to have some sort of call with internal medicine.

I'd really try to get it taken before starting rotations, you're going to have lots of distractions once you hit the floors, you'll be exhausted and overwhelmed that first couple of weeks. It's not a good time to be trying to study for or take a licensing exam.

 

[smq123]

Yep, inpatient. I'm guessing q4 call means overnight?

It depends. Some places, yes, it means overnight. Most places, though, it means "long call," which can mean that you're there until 8 PM or that you're there until 10 PM, or you're there until stay-until-we're-finished-dammit.

 

[Noeljan]

I am planning on taking step 1 exactly 13 days into my IM rotation which starts Jan 2. Is that a good idea? I only need a few more days but step 1 isn't offered during the 1st 2 weeks of January.

I know 13 days WILL make a difference in my score if I can get about 4 hours of study time in a day. I just don't know if doing that during IM is a good idea? Any suggestions?

If I wait any longer than 13 days it will start to affect my score, as everything is fresh in my head right now.

Can put off IM for 2 weeks and catch up after I take step 1?

i would HIGHLY advise against this. I had a hard enough time finding any study time while on inpatient IM for the shelf (i had inpatient last). I couldnt even imagine taking step 1 then. If you could avoid doing this I would say so. (Unless of course you dont care about your IM grade and see you patient in the am, "hide" during the afternoons to study, peace out as fast as you can) etc.

 

[mikemedical]

Well my dilemma is that I need to review pharm, neuro, psych, and biochem which I haven't done yet. I originally have it scheduled on thursday, should I just take it or is it worth it to sacrifice a little in IM for a better step 1 score?

 

[Depakote]

Well my dilemma is that I need to review pharm, neuro, psych, and biochem which I haven't done yet. I originally have it scheduled on thursday, should I just take it or is it worth it to sacrifice a little in IM for a better step 1 score?

Haven't reviewed them or haven't touched them at all?

Have you been taking practice tests and using a QBank? If yes, how are you doing with those?


At this point, I still think delaying is a bad idea. I doubt delaying into your clinical rotations would do anything to increase your score.

 

[mikemedical]

I haven't touched them for almost a month (been studying for 7 weeks). My avg on uworld is 64 and the latest nbme I scored 225. I'd really like to hit 240. I have forgotten a lot of biochem and pharm and I feel if I had a few more days to do that it'll help but it seems that doing it during IM may even DECREASE my score?

 

[werd]

i agree with above. you'll be stressed and tired from your IM rotation and won't be able to study effectively. i'd check with your school to see if there's any way to avoid this situation... studying for step I (well) and doing a 3rd year medicine rotation (well) are mutually exclusive.

 

[molossus]

bad idea,bad idea, bad idea take it when you have a clear mind, when you are on rotations, your stress will only increase , and you dont want that while youre preparing for something as serious as step one