What was medical school like? Years III and IV

After completing years I and II, you have a small break. At our school, this break was only a few weeks....and it wasn't really a 'break' at all.After completion of year II, it was required that we take (and pass) the USMLE Step I. This first part (of a three part series) tests your basic science skills. Basically, the things we learned in years I and II are being tested. Our school was pretty good about teaching to the test (somewhat), and boasted a high first time pass rate. But you see, that 'break' was spent cramming for this licensing exam.This exam was very difficult. You know, one of those exams that you can't even discuss afterwards because there were just so many uncertainties. You have no idea how you did. On other exams we've taken, most of us had a feeling about it:"I think I did okay...but number 10, you know, the question with the xray...I wasn't sure if they wanted this answer or that answer...etc.'" OR, "that exam was horrible...what?! you put C for number 4?? geesh, I musta missed that one too...etc" (like this). After this exam, it didn't happen. When I took the exam it was 2 days long...all day (except an hour for lunch). After lunch on day two...I just started marking everything 'B'. I was so tired of testing. After you take that exam, you begin your third year. By now it seems as if everyone knows what they wanna specialize in. And if you do, that's a good thing. The sooner you know, the better. No one told me that...and I wish they had. If you know you w...
Source: EM Physician - Backstage Pass - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Source Type: blogs