As the end of another trimester quickly approaches, I have been preparing for the upcoming practicals and written exams. During Week 14, I have three practical exams and one written exam:

• I need to carry out various orthopedic tests and physical exams on simulated patients. Afterward, I must come to a diagnosis, be able to support the diagnosis with exam findings, and come up with a list of differential diagnoses.
• I need to carry out a focused history and physical exam for a simulated patient’s chief complaint. Afterward, I must come to a working diagnosis and explain what imaging and/or laboratory findings would confirm or support the diagnosis.
• I need to demonstrate the application of selected therapeutic modalities (i.e. ultrasound, electric stimulation such as TENS and IFC) for various clinical case scenarios, and answer questions about the particular settings of each modality.
• I have a written test that covers various point-of-care tests (i.e. urinalysis, rapid strep, random blood glucose) and functional lab tests (i.e. SIBO, food sensitivities, hormone panels, DUTCH test, organic acids test, micronutrients, comprehensive digestive stool analysis).

During Week 15, I have written exams for clinical endocrinology, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, psychopathology and health psychology, and physiological therapeutics – modalities.

There is a different quality to this trimester’s practical exams as compared to previous ones. This time, I must heavily rely on the overall knowledge I have accumulated throughout the entire naturopathic medicine program. I need to be able to not only recall information, but I also must apply the information in order to clinically reason and problem solve. My exams are also with simulated patients, so I must effectively apply my communication and interpersonal skills. These practical exams feel like a rite of passage of sorts. Once they are completed, I will enter the Lombard Student Clinic as an official naturopathic medicine intern. 

I am excited for the approaching break from school. The next time I write a blog entry, I will be in clinic!

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