Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group I passed, I passed, I passed!

Dear all,

One UK exam down, one to go

I was quite nervous about the Professional Linguistics Apptitude Board (PLAB) exam part I, which I wrote on January 23rd, because I hadn't prepared for it for very long. As you likely know, I moved to the UK at the end of November, my shipment arrived a few weeks later, then it was Christmas, and above all else, I was just so darn happy living with my husband at long last, that studying wasn't much of a priority. Suddenly January was upon us, and I, well, quite frankly I freaked out. I almost withdrew my spot from the examination, because I thought surely, this isn't enough time to study for a comprehensive-all-subjects-covered-medical exam. Luckily, I had Loz here to remind me that I didn't have anything to lose by trying (you're allowed unlimited attempts at the exam), so I should just give it my best shot, and that we did.

For three weeks my waking hours were comprised of nothing other than the PLAB. Loz was lovely and took care of meals, and tidying while I focused all my energy on refreshing my medical knowledge. Despite being edcuated in an english speaking country, different training systems put emphasis on different things, and have different expectations. For example, this British exam put more emphasis on eponyms (diseases/syndromes named after people) than my North American training did. Also, different countries have different names for their drugs, and different drugs on their fomularies. A perfect example of this is tylenol (North America) and paracetamol (UK). Luckily, I had spent 3 months of my medical training on this side of the pond, so I was familiar with some of the more obvious name differences, which was good, because besides reading the British National Formulary, there wasn't much I could do!

So, to wind a long post down, I was able to check my status online this morning, and I PASSed the exam, first attempt, and with only about 3 weeks of review under my belt. *phew*

Now I have to study for Part II of the exam, which is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). The format of such an exam is one that tests your practical abilities. There will be a number (15 or 16, I'm not sure) 5 minute 'stations' where you interact with a patient of one form or another. The patient may be an actor, or may be a mannequin, and you are required to perform some element of history taking or physical exam in front of an examiner who is also in the room. I usually enjoy this sort of exam, but realise it is going to take more than 3 weeks of preparation!

So, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I'm one step closer to being able to practice medicine in England, and I'm much relieved for it.

Hugs to you all, and a special thank you to SarahD, who was nice enough to schedule her birthday on the day of my exam to throw some good energy into the universe for me.

A very relieved Strutsy.

You clever, clever, clever girl

Well done, given all the change to your life recently as well having nasty AS to contend with, i think that is simply excellent. You must be very brainy

I like to think i helped!

Congratulations!!!


You sound so euphoric, relieved, proud, excited.....etc..etc. I'm so happy for you and just know that the second part of your exam certainly wont fail you, your bedside manner is the best I have ever witnessed by a Doc. Well considering my opinion just because I have never had you at the foot of my sick bed doesnt mean I dont know the type of wonderful caring soul that you are.

Your whole start to this year sounds wonderful and I'm so happy that it is all coming togther so well for you both.

I'm bubbling over here with happiness for you as to reach a goal no matter what size, (yours are always impressive) is to reach another level of your soul.

Keep up the great work!
Hugs
Sal

Thanks Sarah, and you DID help. I'm a bit of a freak when it comes to good luck omens around an exam. I look for symbolism at every turn, and your birthday is precisely the sort of thing I gravitate to. The 23rd was also the same date I wrote my english language exam (IELTS), my seat number when added all together was 9, which is the number of the month and date on which Loz and I were married (9th Sept), and I'm sure there were some other good vibes that I was feeling too!

Yup, I'm a weirdo, but I'm a weirdo who's just passed a big exam!

About being brainy , I dunno, but I was lucky enough to study for my Canadian licensing exam within the last year, so had prepared for another similar exam in the not too distant past, and I haven't yet lost that 'what sort of question could they ask about this' brain action when I'm reading yet either, so that's good

Thanks again Sarah. I was really nervous when you asked openly in another post recently, because I was really concerned about the outcome, and didn't want to tell people that I hadn't succeeded, but luckily, I didn't have to!

Big hugs,
Jeanna

PS - Our birks should meet at some point, don't you think?

Sally! So good to see you! How've you been stranger?!

I AM euphoric, and I'm so happy that there are some friends from Oz and the UK to play with so early in the day. North America doesn't wake up for a few hours yet, and I'm dying to call my family back home (another two hours until it's 6 am for them, they're getting an early wake-up call today!)

Thanks for your belief in my abilities for the upcoming exam. Any challenge is not without it's obstacles, and frankly, I'm a bit concerned about the fact that I haven't had any patient contact since the spring last year. I'm sure it's all like riding a bike though. I'll enjoy the studying once I get into it, and am looking forward to taking a weekend course with instructors to get some hands-on practice and feedback.

Thank you for bubbling with me! And your sentiment about reaching a goal is like reaching another level of your soul. Is that a paraphrase of a quote from somewhere, or is it a Sally orginal? I'm impressed nonetheless.

Hugs to you, glad to see you playing with us again,
Jeanna

Hi,

Yes I find it's late here at night well not that late, its only 9:30pm but it does mean most of the times that I'm online no-one else is usually around!

the whole goal reaching thing is all MINE!!! hehe....i'm full of fascinating phrases......my whole life is beyond belief at the moment and all sorts of wonderful tidbits and advice comes spewing forth and usually sounds full of great wisdom...(If only they really knew me thay would likely think twice). I've probably had one too many people come up to me lately and say "I just want to rub up against you as you have such great energy???"

I gave up my goal of going back into ambulance work due to the AS, I just wouldnt be able to keep up the pace in an M.V.A I'm afraid and the positions and lifting would just be too much......so as Healing is still so much a part of me I'm getting into the holistic side of things, I'm starting reiki and moving into counselling of grief and trauma for emergency service personell. I'm doing a few other wacky things and thankfully they are not as mind straining as the great work your doing. Gee I'd love to one day sit down with you and just hear the whole story again straight from your mouth. The whole story from the deciding to move into medicine in your post, right through to the last exams. The good and bad....it really does seem fascinating!

The UK is one lucky counrty to have on board a very profesional compassionate doc like yourself, Well done....

P.S who cares what the time is back home, do what I do and call family whenever .....it's half the excitment...lol (you just dont know how they'll react)...its part of the inbuilt family contract to put up with early excited calls from over pumped personalities...........hang on that may just be my weirdness coming through. thats one tidbit, pharse your best to ignore.....

Sal

That was rather "big gobbed" of me to ask so publicly Of course i knew you would pass so I don't feel too bad!

Have I read somewhere that you eventually want to be a GP? I hope so, just from your posts i know you would be a fab GP, and lord knows we need them.

And yes, a meeting sometime soon would be just great!

Hey Sal!

Thanks for a second reply, I'm a lucky girl

You ARE full of fascinating phrases, AND energy. But, goodness me! People wanting to rub up against you?! Best you give me a crash course on Ozzie society before I ever set foot on your continent .

I'm sorry that you've had to give up the hands-on emergency work, but I know what you mean completely. There were some disciplines that were eliminated before I even began medical school. ER work and surgery to name a few. Interestingly, neither of them fit in with my personality anyhow *sigh of relief*. I honestly needed to get talked into going to my ER shifts when I was on that rotation. There's just something so innately wrong about going to the hospital at midnight. I performed well enough when I was there, but the constant threat of something really bad coming through the doors was enough to do my head in. Different strokes for differnt folks.

I'm THRILLED that you're moving into the other professional realms of caregiving. It's funny how many disciplines there are when you start looking at the opportunities, isn't it? I look forward to being a GP who encourages patients to use other forms of healing. There's just sooo much more to wellness than a prescription pad.

Thanks for saying my story seems fascinating , but honestly, it seems pretty ordinary from here. A lot of living day by day, and sometimes moment to moment when at the steepest part of the hill. I would love to sit down and compare notes one day though, everyone has a great story to tell

Hugs,
Jeanna

PS - It's nearly a 'decent' hour to call, though some would challenge me on the fact that 6 am is decent hour to do anything! My dad has some sleep issues over the last few years, so I really don't want to contribute to mid-night insomnia if I can help it. And besides, it'll be a great start to the day for them.

Hi Strutsy:
I would like to add my congratulations also
I also believe you can do the same great performance with your upcoming exam. People will be happy to have you as a doctor soon.
Very best wishes with your upcoming exam
Charlie

Way to go Strutsy......
That's great that you pulled that portion off. Now come the part where you can dazzle them with your practical skills. I always freaked a little at the practicals in emergency medicine, but found that if you take the initiative and begin asking the proctor questions about your patient before they can question you, it gives you a nice advantage. Don't know if the same holds true in your case but it always worked for me.
Give ol Loz my best.

Keep Kickin'AS
Chris