Radiology Finals--The dreaded war!
"You can afford to lose the battle but not the war" said some anonymous leader.
And that exactly summarizes the gist(not GIST 😉😜) of what I am about to write.
The most stressful phase for any postgraduate student is the final exit exam. For me atleast it was physically, mentally and emotionally draining. Being a DNB student and uncertain about examination center, examiners and dismal passing rates only added up to the distress. Here I am gonna list out what worked for me and I hope it will benefit all the postgraduates.
Step 1:
When to start preparing for finals?
Now for the final year students, to be realistic you need to gear up from the final 6 months and put in all your might in final three months.
Step 2:
Where to begin?
Now this seems a silly question, but its important. Start with what you are comfortable with (it was neuro in my case). Because in the beginning your speed will be slow and you will get bored easily unless you pick a subject which you find interesting.
Every day dedicate a portion of your studies for physics, because it is one of the most difficult to understand subject for most. The most important aspect of physics is discussion. Discuss with your colleagues, its easier that way. Moreover you get insight into the different aspect of physics only when you discuss the concepts. The more the number of revisions the better.
Step 3:
Where to read from?
You will find a wonderful list of books to be read during residency elsewhere but here I will talk about reading books from exam point of view.
It all depends on what you are comfortable reading from, I'll list what I read
Neuro - Osborn
HNF - Articles/Berry.
MSK-Yochum (conventional), Berry /articles (for remaining part).
GI- Haaga, Berry.
GU - Haaga, Berry.
CVS - Sutton/Webb
RS- Sutton/Grainger/Webb.
IR- Berry/articles/Few topics from Kandarpa.
Physics- Christenson Curry/ MRI in practice(Blackwell)
Recent Advances - Berry plus articles.
Step 4:
What about practicals?
The approach to practical exams is entirely different with more emphasis on case presentations and discussions. As far as books are concerned the Rad cases series by Thieme publication are exemplary.
Participation in discussion at various groups is very helpful (you can't miss the Telegram group run by Sanjay sir) and so also spotters posted there as well as Radiogyan website. Wherever possible try to give mock viva either infront of faculty or amongst yourselves. And so also the videos on conventional radiology and instruments are available on the said Telegram group.
Before I finish I intend to list some topics with high mortality rates (failing to answer which will surely be adverse for your results)
1. PCPNDT Act (read the booklet).
2. Types of contrast media their use and management of adverse reactions (Refer latest ACR Manual)
3. Radiation Units and Radiation Protection
4. MRI Safety (Room layout, compatibility issues, Quenching)
5. AERB Guidelines / Everything about RSO.
6. Specifications of the machines at your department.
7. How to take and interpret a chest radiograph (Don't call it X RAY!)
It is impossible to enumerate the nuances of practical exam preparation but stick to
Time management ( practice finishing seeing and writing cases swiftly)- 15 minutes are allotted for each case.
Be descriptive (Use appropriate adjectives - imagine the lesion to be your crush!!)
Write only relevant positive and negative findings.
Navigate yourself towards a diagnosis instead of being random.
Remember approach is everything, nobody cares about your diagnosis but how you justify it with appropriate supporting points.
Always give differentials.
Most importantly write a note on further management or advise. It shows the examiner that you are not just stopping at the diagnosis but thinking beyond.
And above all keep your calm, never argue and be polite (not just for exam but in life!!).
Signing off with goodluck to all those who will be writing their exams very soon!!
And that exactly summarizes the gist(not GIST 😉😜) of what I am about to write.
The most stressful phase for any postgraduate student is the final exit exam. For me atleast it was physically, mentally and emotionally draining. Being a DNB student and uncertain about examination center, examiners and dismal passing rates only added up to the distress. Here I am gonna list out what worked for me and I hope it will benefit all the postgraduates.
Step 1:
When to start preparing for finals?
A very common question that we encounter. Now the most accurate answer is the day you joined the post graduation. And yes without sounding like old professors (who are wise btw) I reinstate that everything you learn in these two/three years will help you in one way or the other in the final exams (and beyond!!). I cannot overemphasize the importance of seeing the cases daily, discussing, presenting the cases before your teachers and interdepartmental meets. No matter how much you whine about it in PG life in the end they indeed help you speak in exams (especially the practicals).
Step 2:
Where to begin?
Now this seems a silly question, but its important. Start with what you are comfortable with (it was neuro in my case). Because in the beginning your speed will be slow and you will get bored easily unless you pick a subject which you find interesting.
Every day dedicate a portion of your studies for physics, because it is one of the most difficult to understand subject for most. The most important aspect of physics is discussion. Discuss with your colleagues, its easier that way. Moreover you get insight into the different aspect of physics only when you discuss the concepts. The more the number of revisions the better.
Step 3:
Where to read from?
You will find a wonderful list of books to be read during residency elsewhere but here I will talk about reading books from exam point of view.
It all depends on what you are comfortable reading from, I'll list what I read
Neuro - Osborn
HNF - Articles/Berry.
MSK-Yochum (conventional), Berry /articles (for remaining part).
GI- Haaga, Berry.
GU - Haaga, Berry.
CVS - Sutton/Webb
RS- Sutton/Grainger/Webb.
IR- Berry/articles/Few topics from Kandarpa.
Physics- Christenson Curry/ MRI in practice(Blackwell)
Recent Advances - Berry plus articles.
Step 4:
What about practicals?
The approach to practical exams is entirely different with more emphasis on case presentations and discussions. As far as books are concerned the Rad cases series by Thieme publication are exemplary.
Participation in discussion at various groups is very helpful (you can't miss the Telegram group run by Sanjay sir) and so also spotters posted there as well as Radiogyan website. Wherever possible try to give mock viva either infront of faculty or amongst yourselves. And so also the videos on conventional radiology and instruments are available on the said Telegram group.
Before I finish I intend to list some topics with high mortality rates (failing to answer which will surely be adverse for your results)
1. PCPNDT Act (read the booklet).
2. Types of contrast media their use and management of adverse reactions (Refer latest ACR Manual)
3. Radiation Units and Radiation Protection
4. MRI Safety (Room layout, compatibility issues, Quenching)
5. AERB Guidelines / Everything about RSO.
6. Specifications of the machines at your department.
7. How to take and interpret a chest radiograph (Don't call it X RAY!)
It is impossible to enumerate the nuances of practical exam preparation but stick to
Time management ( practice finishing seeing and writing cases swiftly)- 15 minutes are allotted for each case.
Be descriptive (Use appropriate adjectives - imagine the lesion to be your crush!!)
Write only relevant positive and negative findings.
Navigate yourself towards a diagnosis instead of being random.
Remember approach is everything, nobody cares about your diagnosis but how you justify it with appropriate supporting points.
Always give differentials.
Most importantly write a note on further management or advise. It shows the examiner that you are not just stopping at the diagnosis but thinking beyond.
And above all keep your calm, never argue and be polite (not just for exam but in life!!).
Signing off with goodluck to all those who will be writing their exams very soon!!
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