Only four more weeks to go and I can barely believe
it!
With graduation, comes what seems like never-ending tests. I
have previously spoken of comprehensive exams that must be taken as
an intern increases in clinic rank. Well, the Exit Exam is similar
but only for those that are graduating. The exam's purpose, I have
heard, is to make sure the graduates are fully competent and will
be able to pass the boards tests.
The comprehensive test is an accumulation of questions from
various instructors of the program. They often are old test
questions so they should be familiar to the student. The exam
includes sections of Biomed, Foundations, Points, Differential
Diagnosis, and Herbs for those in the herbal program. The comp test
usually includes a practical portion, but this portion is excluded
for those taking the Exit Exam. After taking the Biomed Board and
currently studying for the Herbal Board, I am not worried about
taking this exam; it should be a piece of cake. The comp exam does
require a pass rate of 70% to continue in the clinical portion of
the program. The instructors have chosen the 11th week to take the
exam so there is sufficient time to make up the exam for those who
need to retake it. The same applies for graduates taking the Exit
Exam.
Projects
Another project I am working on is a uterine fibroid
case study for my Herbal Senior Seminar with Dr. Cai. This class
specifically focuses on OB/Gyn topics. This is very important since
at least 70% of our patients are females who may have some
gynecological complaint. Infertility, painful periods, no period,
or menopausal disorders are often seen. I have not had a patient
with uterine fibroids so this is a great opportunity to research
the topic.
I will obtain a complete medical history from the patient and
then come up with a treatment plan and herbal formula for the
particular patient. On the day of class, I will bring the patient
in and we will have a grand round-like atmosphere. I will share the
case with the classmates and Dr. Cai. Then there is opportunity for
any other questions to be asked directly to the patient. After, we
will provide treatment to the patient. This type of class format is
great because instead of paper cases we can actually talk to the
patient, take pulse, and look at their tongue and observe their
constitution. Whatever your learning style, I think one will find
that the program accommodates all of them.