I'm very nervous

[Eaglesfan27]

I arrived in Kansas City, MO today and I will be taking my oral exams in less than 48 hours. During this exam, I will interview an actual psychiatric patient in front of two board certified psychiatrists. I will have 30 minutes to do a "complete" psychiatric interview which is virtually impossible unless I get the best patient in the world that answers very succintly but with rich detail. Then, I have to present the history back (a condensed version,) a formulation, a diagnosis, and a treatment plan. The two examiners can interrupt me at any time and ask me just about anything. They get 30 minutes to hear me present and grill me. Their subjective grading decides if I pass or not.

I can still work even if I fail this thing, but I'll have essentially wasted several thousand dollars (just to take the test is almost two thousand dollars.) The first part of this exam was a written exam and at least I knew if I studied a few textbooks and knew all of the key facts in them I would be fine. I knew I could control all of the variables. I did well on that portion of the exam.

However, there is just so many directions that this interview could go that it is impossible to know all of the things that they could ask. I hate feeling this relative lack of control. Anyway, I'm rambling and I'm not sure there is much point to this post except that I'm hoping talking about it will help me feel a bit better. I know it is going to be hard to sleep tonight and much harder tomorrow. I can't wait til 5 PM Saturday when I know this exam will be over (hopefully for good.) Oh yeah, 50% of people who take this exam fail it :(


Edit: Forgot to write that the test also consists of watching a 20-30 minute videotape of an interview and then going into a room and being grilled by 2 examiners about the same sort of questions as well as what I would have done differently in the interview.

[MizzouRah]

Good luck!! I know you'll do just fine and pass with flying colors.

Here's a smiley face to prove it .:)


Todd

[yabanci]

That's a lot of pressure. Good luck.

[TLK]

wowzers.... good luck

[Buzzbee]

Dem midwesterners won know whot kina cajun magic dun hit 'em. I guaronteee!! Aiyeeeee!!!!

Le bon temps rolle!!!

Good luck EaglesFan27. We'll be pullin' for ya, and we're quite confident that if you can hang wid us, you ain got no worries.

[Galaxy]

Play some FM, that always helps relax me. :)

[Fonzie]

I can sympathize, to some extent, with your plight. I may end up doing this in a year or two myself (I'm contemplating going for board certification in clinical neuropsychology), and even thinking about maybe, possibly considering getting boarded forces me to need a change of underwear. Rest assured that you've controlled all of the variables you could - and it isn't your fault if you get a bad draw with either the patient or the examiners.

So hang in there! And remember, when 50% fail, that means 50% must pass, right?

[maximus]

Good luck man. Just be relaxed and dont worry.

[Eaglesfan27]

Play some FM, that always helps relax me. :)

That is what I'm doing right now. I also think that is what I'll probably do for at least a bit tomorrow night.

Good point Fonzie. I do have a 50 percent chance of passing :)

[Emiliano]

Good luck man!!!

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks everyone. I think I had my first ever mini panic attack before I posted and I do feel a bit more calm now. Of course, I might have one or a few dozen more anxiety attacks tomorrow.

[Fonzie]

Thanks everyone. I think I had my first ever mini panic attack before I posted and I do feel a bit more calm now. Of course, I might have one or a few dozen more anxiety attacks tomorrow.

Take advantage of that! Provide immediate self-diagnosis and describe your treatment plan to the examiners. :p

Seriously, best of luck tomorrow. We'll be thinking of you.

[Eaglesfan27]

Take advantage of that! Provide immediate self-diagnosis and describe your treatment plan to the examiners. :p

Seriously, best of luck tomorrow. We'll be thinking of you.
Tomorrow is just the registration and orientation. Then again, I'm nervous about that even. Least tomorrow I'll know which hospital(s) I'm going to and what times my exams will be Saturday.

I've heard that the examiners do know we are nervous and try to factor that in. I've heard that it can be good to acknowledge your anxiety. I've also heard it is best not to show any fear and be as confident as possible or at least present the facade of calm. That is part of my anxiety as well. There is a lot of conflicting advice even from the so called experts in the books that I've read.

[BigJohn&TheLions]

Don't blow your oral! (Wait a minute... that don't sound right.)

I mean break a leg!

[Fonzie]

Tomorrow is just the registration and orientation. Then again, I'm nervous about that even. Least tomorrow I'll know which hospital(s) I'm going to and what times my exams will be Saturday.

I've heard that the examiners do know we are nervous and try to factor that in. I've heard that it can be good to acknowledge your anxiety. I've also heard it is best not to show any fear and be as confident as possible or at least present the facade of calm. That is part of my anxiety as well. There is a lot of conflicting advice even from the so called experts in the books that I've read.

I hope you don't mind, but here's some unsolicited, possibly pithy-sounding, and probably annoying advice from someone who has never been in quite your position: I'd recommend doing whatever feels the most comfortable for you and not worrying about what the examiners might (or might not) find desirable. The latter is simply unknowable, so focus on what you know: yourself and what makes you most at ease.

[Danny]

Good luck man. Have confidence, Im sure you have the ability.

[Tara]

Good luck! I know that's almost impossible, but try to relax...

[JonInMiddleGA]

At the risk of repeating some stuff that's already been said ... Doggone it EF,if you can hang with this place without trying to hang yourself or anybody else, you're clearly prepared for anything these people can throw at you.

Although you may not remember it, you've probably seen my mini-rant on the subject of "The 80" -- that 80% (really more like 90% IMO) of the people you meet in your life are simply too blasted stupid to be worth your time or trouble. Well EF, I've seen your posts on things related to your field ... brother, you ain't in the 80. Which means you're way ahead of the blasted pass curve on this thing.

You've trained, you've studied, you've worked ... all that's left is to do that voodoo that you do. So remember to breathing has both an inhale & exhale component, don't tug on Superman's cape, and don't spit into the wind ... the rest of this stuff is already covered by all your preparation. Just do what you do, it'll all be good.

[ice4277]

Good luck, no worries, I'm sure everything will be fine :)

[JeeberD]

Best of luck to you, Doc. I know you're gonna do well... :)

[Blackadar]

Eagles: Two words. Sam Kennison.

Just remember: WWSD?

[albionmoonlight]

Good luck. I agree with Jon. From everything I have seen on this board, you have what it takes to pass any test. Here's hoping that the randomness of this particular test does not screw you over too much.

[digamma]

Good luck! I think you'll do fine. How long do you have to find out your scores?

[FrogMan]

best of luck doc, all the way from Quebec City!!! :D

FM

[Passacaglia]

Good luck, EF!

[CamEdwards]

I wish you well, and I'm sure you'll do a great job. Just don't pass out or wet yourself.

[weinstein7]

Good luck boss.

Be sure to casually reference your incredible success in the eNFL and with Man U. I'm sure it will impress them mightily.

[Eaglesfan27]

LOL @ Weinstein's comment and Blackadar's in particular. Thank you all for the positive comments.

Today, I have registration in about 3 hours and then orientation after that. All together that will last about an hour and a half. The rest of the day, I have been/will study some more til about 8:00 PM when I'm just going to relax before bed.

In regards to Digamma's question. Despite this being an oral exam, and despite the fact that they decide our grade at the end of the day, it takes 4-6 weeks for them to mail our grades :(

I've heard a few conspiracy theories about this: They don't want people who fail to have as good of recall to challenge the results, they don't want you to be as emotionally invested and potentially come after them, blah blah blah..

In any case, it's going to be a rough 4-6 weeks after this weekend, but I'm just going to put it out of mind. Oh yeah, if it is a thin envelope, you passed. But a thick envelope is bad news (because it contains the date and info for your next test. If you fail, they make you take it again ASAP - which is usually several months later.)

[Eaglesfan27]

I hope you don't mind, but here's some unsolicited, possibly pithy-sounding, and probably annoying advice from someone who has never been in quite your position: I'd recommend doing whatever feels the most comfortable for you and not worrying about what the examiners might (or might not) find desirable. The latter is simply unknowable, so focus on what you know: yourself and what makes you most at ease.
Actually, I think that is VERY good advice. I'm not a psychoanalyst and I'm not going to try to pretend I'm one even if I think one of my examiner's is an analyst. I'm going to stick to what I know as much as possible and just try to make myself as comfortable as possible. I'm going to try to be myself as much as possible and hopefully that works.

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

Best of luck Eaglesfan27.

Just think how relieved you'll feel when it's all over and the little thin envelope is waiting in your mailbox in August.

[Senator]

You will do fine. It would be funny if the patient said he was cured after the session.

[HomerJSimpson]

I'm going to try to be myself as much as possible and hopefully that works.


I know it will. You're going to do fine.

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks everyone.

Time for an update:

We had registration and orientation about an hour and a half ago. I saw about a dozen people I know including several that are examiners. The examiners and examinees aren't supposed to interact this week, so I freaked out a bit when one of my former attendings (from when I was a second year resident) came up to me and started talking. It turns out he didn't take the boards for several years after his residency, and he finally took them last year and failed the oral portion :(

This scares me because he is a VERY bright guy who is well read, has a good diagnostic mind, and knows medications well. We talked (and just finished lunch together) and it turns out that he failed the tape portion because he interperted things that weren't in the tape, and also because he ruminated about doing poorly in the morning session. He had a 5 hour break between the sessions (and that isn't uncommon) and he couldn't stop thinking about all of the bad things he did during the live interview. It seems this the reason he failed, which makes me feel a bit better.

That brings me to my own registration. The good news is that I only have a 15 minute break between exams! That is awesome in my mind as I won't even really have time to start thinking about what I did wrong in the first exam. I'll just want to grab a drink of water, use the bathroom, and clear my thoughts.

The bad news is that my exams start at 8:30 AM! I was really hoping to be one of the afternoon examinees as I'm not a morning person. The chartered bus that is going to my location leaves the hotel at 7:25 AM! So, I have to get up by about 6:15 at the latest to make sure I'm all set. I usually don't get to sleep til about midnight or 1AM, and I doubt my anxiety is going to make it easier to sleep tonight. Anyone have any good suggestions how to get to sleep? On the plus side, anxiety should have my mind going fairly quickly in the morning. I just need to master my anxiety and make it work for me. Oh well, time to study for a few hours (I'm not going to study any more after 8:00 PM. I'm just going to relax by playing some FM or watching a movie in my room.)

The plus side of the early start is that I'll be done my exams by 11:00 AM and back at the hotel room by 11:30 with plenty of time to enjoy the city before the soccer game tomorrow night.

[Desnudo]

You could try some light excercise. Even something like walking for a few miles. I find that's very helpful for relaxing.

[judicial clerk]

You are going to do great. i also agree with Fonzie's advice.

[Pyser]

good luck EF. im sure youll handle it well.

[MizzouRah]

You have FOFC vibes with you....

[Fonzie]

Anyone have any good suggestions how to get to sleep?

Aside from taking a Benadryl or drinking heavily (both of which will, of course, get you to sleep, but might screw up your sleep architecture and leave you feeling crappy in the morning), I'd recommend physically exhausting yourself as much as possible. Perhaps you could use the hotel's workout room? Even if you're not big on exercising, it is a surefire way to help get to sleep.

Another few sleep-hygiene recommendations you might already aware of: don't drink anything caffeinated after 2pm-ish (if you drink caffeine). And find try to find a pleasant diversion in the hours leading to bedtime, like recreational reading, a mindless-but-entertaining TV show, or listening to relaxing music. Another option is to take a warm bath - the muscle-relaxant properties aid sleep onset. Also, as the evening wears on, I'd recommend dimming the lights a bit. This can have the effect of leading your body to "wind down" for the evening by starting the secretion of melatonin.

I hope some of this helps - and best of luck tomorrow!

[judicial clerk]

A more crass member of the forum might recommend that you rub one out to releive stress/anxiety, but I would never stoop to that disgusting level just for a chuckle

[WSUCougar]

You're ready, buddy - take 'em down!

[kingfc22]

good luck

[duckman]

Best of luck, EF.

[Eaglesfan27]

So, I just took a study break (to burn off some excessive energy/anxiety) and started walking through the mall that is attached to this hotel (which is an awesome idea IMHO) and I run into a few of my friends that are down in the lobby as I'm walking back. They are going out tonight! They tried to talk me into going out and having just a few drinks. "We'll be back by 10 for sure!"

I told them thanks but no thanks. I told them I'll be glad to go out tomorrow night if they want. In any case, I'm definitely going to engage in some light exercise tonight with either the exercise bikes or maybe the pool once I'm done studying. Also, the Italian Festival looks interesting. I'll check that out more tomorrow.

[Galaxy]

So, I just took a study break (to burn off some excessive energy/anxiety) and started walking through the mall that is attached to this hotel (which is an awesome idea IMHO) and I run into a few of my friends that are down in the lobby as I'm walking back. They are going out tonight! They tried to talk me into going out and having just a few drinks. "We'll be back by 10 for sure!"

I told them thanks but no thanks. I told them I'll be glad to go out tomorrow night if they want. In any case, I'm definitely going to engage in some light exercise tonight with either the exercise bikes or maybe the pool once I'm done studying. Also, the Italian Festival looks interesting. I'll check that out more tomorrow.


This should be in the dynasty forum. :D

A mall attached to the hotel? Pretty cool. I know the super-large malls like the Mall of America has it, but didnt realize they had them in smaller malls.
Where were they going out to drink?

[finkenst]

are you staying in the hotel at the mall?

I've stayed there.. pretty nice place...

Why not prescribed yourself a valium or something...



:)

[condors]

best of luck

[terpkristin]

First off, good luck!! This reminds me quite a bit of the oral quals I had to do before qualifying to truly enter my Master's program. Just go in there with confidence, you've got a lot of people (and years of experience!) behind you!!

As for sleep, you might try some PNR or meditation of some sort..
PNR is basically where you go through and, while focusing on breathing deeply, flex and extend each joint/muscle in turn, working up from your toes to your face and head.

It works best (for me) when lying down. So, the first thing you'd do is curl your toes tight. Hold it for a breath cycle. Then relax it out. Then "extend" your toes so they're all apart. Hold. Relax it out. Then do ankles. Point your toes and hold that for a bit. Relax it out. Pull your toes up towards your head, there by working your calf muscles in the opposite direction that pointing your toes did. Do the same for all the muscle groups working up. Next would be quads/hamstrings, then hips if you can. Then back. Then stomach. Then chest. Hands. Forearms. Biceps/triceps. Neck. Jaw. Eyes. Hopefully this description makes sense.

I dunno, it works for me anyway (and it's really nice to be uber-relaxed).
Either way, good luck!!! :)

/tk

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks again. I'm done studying for tonight, and only plan on a brief period of refreshing in the morning to get my brain going. I actually feel very calm right now which is good. I'm going to play FM for a bit, and then go swim in the pool for a while and then relax in my room.

TK, I'm definitely into Progressive Muscle Relaxation and plan on doing that tonight if I can relax enough to do so. I actually teach PMR to my anxiety patients.

I've actually been very tempted to take a PRN medication tonight for sleep or tomorrow for anxiety, but I'm not going to give into that temptation on either account.

Finkenst - Yes, I'm in the hotel at the mall. The Westin Crown Center. It's a very nice hotel, and more importantly it is where our registration was today. It is also where we get on the chartered bus tomorrow to go to our clinical site. Convenience is very nice, and I love that I was able to go to the mall and grab a quick dinner and take a walk to relieve some stress.

Galaxy - I also didn't realize that hotels were actually attached to malls and this is the first time I've ever stayed in one. It does seem quite cool :) I have no idea where they were going drinking. Since, I KNEW that would be a bad idea for me, I just said no ;)

[kcchief19]

Good luck, Eaglesfan! Do you know where your exams are being done? I didn't know if that information was given out in advance or they just blindfold you and drag you out in the woods. :)

In 8,490 posts, it's pretty evident to me that you are very sharp and thoughtful. It sounds like you're in a great mindset. Do your best and don't look back. Good luck!

[oliegirl]

You'll do great!!! Good Luck :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Good luck, Eaglesfan! Do you know where your exams are being done? I didn't know if that information was given out in advance or they just blindfold you and drag you out in the woods. :)

In 8,490 posts, it's pretty evident to me that you are very sharp and thoughtful. It sounds like you're in a great mindset. Do your best and don't look back. Good luck!
There are 4 different sights. Mine will be at the Western Missouri Mental Health Center. Therefore, I'm assuming I will be getting an outpatient.

The other possibilities were The University Medical Center, the VA, and a childrens hospital (which was probably used just for the child neurology residents who are being examined this weekend.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Well crud! I just found out that the Western Missouri Mental Health Center is actually an inpatient hospital if this website is accurate! I've been studying lots of outpatient oriented things such as personality disorders, somatic disorders, etc for the last few hours. Of course, my patient could have any of that on top of the typical inpatient problems.

The good news is that most of my work the past few years has been on inpatients and I generally feel more comfortable with interviewing inpatients anyway :)

[Galaxy]

Whats the difference between outpatient and inpatient in regards to treatement and to the test?

[Eaglesfan27]

Whats the difference between outpatient and inpatient in regards to treatement and to the test?
Expectations. You expect things like Schizophrenia and Major Depressive Disorder with suicidal ideations for inpatients. Outpatients have a much greater variety of diagnoses.


Speaking of which, I'm done the test!!! :D


The bad news is that I let anxiety get the better of me in my live interview. I didn't interrupt the patient enough (to do a very through history in 30 minutes you need to interrupt the patient frequently and keep it focused.) However, it is so against my nature to interrupt people, and I didn't interrupt this lady nearly enough. Also, I forgot to ask about family history. However, I did acknowledge this on the discusssion session.

But, anxiety made my presentation some what disorganized. Particularly the first two or three minutes of it. Also, I left out a major possible diagnosis until the examiner mentioned it :( However, I quickly acknowledged that I forgot to mention it.


The good news is that I kicked butt on my videotape session. It was a more complicated patient, but I presented her story in a very organized fashion. I had a great differential diagnosis. I had a great psychodynamic formulation. I knew the answers to all of my examiners questions. That part went great. So, I'm hoping that they overlook my mistakes on the first part and pass me, because if so, I know I passed the 2nd one with flying colors.

Oh well, I'll find out in a few weeks. I'm jubiliant yet feeling blah at the same time if that is even possible. I was looking forward to doing all kinds of fun things, but the weather isn't really cooperating (oh yeah, bad thunder storms woke me up last night.) I hope the Wizards don't get rained out tonight.

[digamma]

Congratulations! Have a cold one for me.

[DeToxRox]

Expectations. You expect things like Schizophrenia and Major Depressive Disorder with suicidal ideations for inpatients. Outpatients have a much greater variety of diagnoses.


Speaking of which, I'm done the test!!! :D


The bad news is that I let anxiety get the better of me in my live interview. I didn't interrupt the patient enough (to do a very through history in 30 minutes you need to interrupt the patient frequently and keep it focused.) However, it is so against my nature to interrupt people, and I didn't interrupt this lady nearly enough. Also, I forgot to ask about family history. However, I did acknowledge this on the discusssion session.

But, anxiety made my presentation some what disorganized. Particularly the first two or three minutes of it. Also, I left out a major possible diagnosis until the examiner mentioned it :( However, I quickly acknowledged that I forgot to mention it.


The good news is that I kicked butt on my videotape session. It was a more complicated patient, but I presented her story in a very organized fashion. I had a great differential diagnosis. I had a great psychodynamic formulation. I knew the answers to all of my examiners questions. That part went great. So, I'm hoping that they overlook my mistakes on the first part and pass me, because if so, I know I passed the 2nd one with flying colors.

Oh well, I'll find out in a few weeks. I'm jubiliant yet feeling blah at the same time if that is even possible. I was looking forward to doing all kinds of fun things, but the weather isn't really cooperating (oh yeah, bad thunder storms woke me up last night.) I hope the Wizards don't get rained out tonight.

Sounds like you did well. Congrats.

And whats a little rain, you'll wind up playing FM in your head anyways.

[Eaglesfan27]

Maybe I did well. I'm trying not to obsess about everything I did wrong in the first section. It could have been enough to fail me, and if I fail either part, I fail the whole thing. However, I'm doing my best to think positive and not just mope in my room. At least I wasn't in tears afterwards on the bus which was the case with several of my fellow examinees.

I still haven't seen Star Wars Episode 3, so maybe I'll get myself motivated and go do that in a bit. I definitely know I'm going to do my best to find a good sports bar tonight after the game (or instead of the game if it gets rained out.)

[Tara]

Good to know. It's seems you did a great job. BTW anxiety is part of every exam...don't worry about that!!!

[Lorena]

Great job EaglesFan!!

BTW, have you tried playing some relaxing music shortly before going to bed? Lay down and really listen to the music. It can be tremendously soothing and can lull you into a trance-like state. Leave it on all night while you sleep and you'll feel well rested and completely at ease when you wake up in the AM.

[Galaxy]

Maybe I did well. I'm trying not to obsess about everything I did wrong in the first section. It could have been enough to fail me, and if I fail either part, I fail the whole thing. However, I'm doing my best to think positive and not just mope in my room. At least I wasn't in tears afterwards on the bus which was the case with several of my fellow examinees.

I still haven't seen Star Wars Episode 3, so maybe I'll get myself motivated and go do that in a bit. I definitely know I'm going to do my best to find a good sports bar tonight after the game (or instead of the game if it gets rained out.)


Maybe you'll get lucky like Balldog and end up drinking up with the backup midfielder of the Wizards. :)

Doesn't the MLS play in the rain?

[Eaglesfan27]

Great job EaglesFan!!

BTW, have you tried playing some relaxing music shortly before going to bed? Lay down and really listen to the music. It can be tremendously soothing and can lull you into a trance-like state. Leave it on all night while you sleep and you'll feel well rested and completely at ease when you wake up in the AM.
I used to listen to music to fall asleep, but I haven't tried that in about 8 years. Mainly because I hate falling asleep with headphones and Mrs. Eaglesfan doesn't like sleeping with any noise in the room. I wish I had thought of that last night. However, I actually fell asleep easily around 11:15, but some nasty storms woke me up around 12 or 12:30. It took me another hour or so to fall asleep after that, but I got about 5 hours of sleep. However, anxiety definitely had me wide awake this morning.

[Eaglesfan27]

Maybe you'll get lucky like Balldog and end up drinking up with the backup midfielder of the Wizards. :)

Doesn't the MLS play in the rain?
Good question. I'm not sure. They probably do.

[MizzouRah]

Hooray for you EF!! Sounds like you did great!!!


Todd

[JeeberD]

Congrats on your solid showing, Doc! Now go and enjoy the rest of your time in KC... :)

[Fonzie]

Congratulations, EF!

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks guys, I'm feeling a bit better. The more I think about it, the more I realize that the regimen of medications the patient was on means that the doctor in charge of that first patient agrees with my primary diagnosis. I fumbled over some stuff, but I didn't make any critical mistakes. It *should* be alright. In any case, I finally saw Star Wars and that took my mind off of it for a few hours. Time to relax with some FM before I head out to the Wizards game (it is now sunny out.) :)

[terpkristin]

We're all keeping our fingers crossed for you, EF, but it sounds like you did a damn good job, even with the "fumbling."

Glad it's over and you can breathe again. :D

/tk

[SirFozzie]

Time to relax with some FM before I head out to the Wizards game (it is now sunny out.) :)


You better be rooting for the Revs EF27 ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

You better be rooting for the Revs EF27 ;)


I'll be relatively neutral since the Metrostars are my favorite team ;)

However, I do hope it is a fun competitive game. :)

[SirFozzie]

You root for the Metroscum? The Mutts?

Man, it's like I don't know you any more, man ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

You root for the Metroscum? The Mutts?

Man, it's like I don't know you any more, man ;)
LOL :)

I gotta root for my home team (remember I'm originally from NJ and only moved to New Orleans because of Mrs. Eaglesfan - well she was a primary reason anyway.)

[kcchief19]

This is cute ... I didn't know people got worked up and actually rooted for teams in the MLS. :)

[Galaxy]

You head home in the am Eaglesfan?

[Eaglesfan27]

No, when I registered for this test about 6 months ago, I was told my exam could either be Saturday or Sunday. Therefore, I made my hotel and plane reservations for Monday morning. No offense to those from KC or the surrounding area, but I'd really like to go home tomorrow as I miss Mrs. Eaglesfan and I'd rather relax at home. However, the cost of changing my plane ticket and canceling the hotel makes it counterproductive. So, I'm just going to have as much fun here as possible tonight and tomorrow :)


In that regard, as soon as FM saves, I'm off to Arrowhead stadium to catch my first live MLS game ever :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Ok, I'm a tiny bit drunk so my recollections may be skewed, but my thoughts of the game are as follows:

Arrowhead stadium isn't a great soccer stadium, but it truly appears to be an awesome football stadium. I'd love to go to a Chiefs game sometime.

Jose Cancela is a great flop artist on the magnitude of Vlade Divac. He was laughing so hard after a few of the calls that he drew (he looked away from the ref and laughed at the crowd.)

Oh yeah, that reminds me. Going to an MLS game is great. There weren't many fans (maybe 4,000 max despite whatever they announce.) As a result, I was able to walk up get a seat at midfield only 3 rows from the field for 19 dollars!

The aforementioned Cancela's bogus foul at the 7th or 8th minute, cost KC a goal. Well that and the fact that KC was so busy arguing the call (which should have been argued) that they didn't cover the quick free kick and were caught completely off guard.

Kansas City blew MANY chances. They were also unlucky on a few as at least three balls hit the crossbar.

However, NE seemed like the more disciplined team. Khano Smith is a big guy and he uses his size really well at times. I love how he uses his body (even if it borders on some cheap plays at times.)

Both keepers were pretty good and made some very nice saves, but Matt Reis was better tonight.

The crowd really seemed to like KC's right back Garcia. I liked him too. He made a mistake or two, but he seemed to play a really gritty style of football.

Finally, I had a blast at the game (and a good time afterwards - although sleep deprivation made the alcohol hit me sooner than expected.) I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed the game nearly as much if I haven't become so invested in FM. That is a great credit to the game. Speaking of which, I'm thinking about playing some now, but I'm afraid I might make some stupid mistakes with my team tonight if I do try to play. (Although I really liked how KC tried to overload one side of the field at times, and it has given me some ideas for a slight tactic modification to try at some time.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Wow. I just nearly had a heart attack I think. There are a bunch of fireworks going off right outside my hotel window! I wasn't expecting that.

[Fonzie]

Wow. I just nearly had a heart attack I think. There are a bunch of fireworks going off right outside my hotel window! I wasn't expecting that.

Ah yes, the telltale signs of successful lovemaking! Please congratulate the patrons in room 1425.

And then ask them to get off of your room's patio.

[Eaglesfan27]

Ah yes, the telltale signs of successful lovemaking! Please congratulate the patrons in room 1425.

And then ask them to get off of your room's patio.
ROFL.

Seriously, what the heck is the city doing setting off fireworks at midnight. I mean I know it is a Saturday night, but that was highly unexpected. I think this is why I don't generally drink. I get jumpy when I drink. It's wierd.

[Galaxy]

Ah yes, the telltale signs of successful lovemaking! Please congratulate the patrons in room 1425.

And then ask them to get off of your room's patio.

LOL....

[Pyser]

ROFL.

Seriously, what the heck is the city doing setting off fireworks at midnight. I mean I know it is a Saturday night, but that was highly unexpected. I think this is why I don't generally drink. I get jumpy when I drink. It's wierd.

i just made the drive from philly to north jersey, and passed no less than 3 fireworks shows on the highways.

what the hell is going on tonight?

[Galaxy]

EF,
Did you drink at the game or hit the bars? The "overloading" side you mention by Kansas City is an interesting tatic. Just curious as to how you would use it.

[Fonzie]

i just made the drive from philly to north jersey, and passed no less than 3 fireworks shows on the highways.

what the hell is going on tonight?

We had inexplicable fireworks in our town tonight as well. Happy June 11th, everyone!

This just happens to be my wife's birthday - dare I mention the global celebration to her?

[Pyser]

We had inexplicable fireworks in our town tonight as well. Happy June 11th, everyone!

i think this is a bug. i mean, 5 fireworks displays confirmed for no reason? i guess the fireworks 'seed' was set off, and i demand a re-sim of today.

[Eaglesfan27]

EF,
Did you drink at the game or hit the bars? The "overloading" side you mention by Kansas City is an interesting tatic. Just curious as to how you would use it.
I hit a bar. It was a quiet sedate little sportsbar. I also had 2 drinks at the game. However, I was shocked at how expensive drinks and food were at the game. I assume it is because the prices are set by the stadium as opposed to by the team?


I'm not sure how I would use it yet either, and I'm not going to think about it now. Time to go to sleep. However, I'll think about it more tomorrow.

[Eaglesfan27]

As far as the fireworks here, I'm assuming they were related to the Italian Heritage Festival. Are there Italian Heritage Festivals all over the USA right now? Shrug, hopefully I don't have any more surprises tonight.

[Galaxy]

As far as the fireworks here, I'm assuming they were related to the Italian Heritage Festival. Are there Italian Heritage Festivals all over the USA right now? Shrug, hopefully I don't have any more surprises tonight.


Never know about the suprises in the hotel.

[JeeberD]

i think this is a bug. i mean, 5 fireworks displays confirmed for no reason? i guess the fireworks 'seed' was set off, and i demand a re-sim of today.

Brilliant! :D

[Galaxy]

EF,
What did you do today to kill time?

[Eaglesfan27]

EF,
What did you do today to kill time?
Hmm. I checked out the Italian Festival, checked out the hottub, swam in the pool, and had a massage. I was going to go and check out some festivities throughout town, but I decided I just didn't feel like it and there were some severe storms coming through town (which I'm afraid might delay my flight tomorrow as there are supposed to be storms throughout most of the night possibly even into the morning.) Now, I'm playing FM for the evening :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Time for an update:


About a half hour ago, my friend who is very bright but was extremely nervous taking the test (she told me that she almost left without taking the test because she was so nervous) called to say that she received her results in the mail today and I should go check my results. She sadly failed :(


So, I went to my mailbox and couldn't find it there. However, my mailbox was fairly full and I remembered that they sometimes put my mail in the business mailbox (I have two mailboxes at the hospital where I work and live) so I went to that mailbox and made it there just before they locked that room up for the night...

I found a big envelope in my mailbox. This freaked me out because big envelope = fail. I freaked out even more as I tore the envelope open and saw that there were a bunch of dates of future tests. However, I flipped through the pages and made it to the cover page.

I passed my oral Boards!!!!!

I'm shaking with excitement right now. Just got off the phone with my mom telling her the good news. Those dates were actually times that I can take my Child and Adolescent subspeciality boards. I really wish I could go celebrate, but I'm on call tonight and tomorrow. However, I'll celebrate Weds. and Thurs. (Friday I took weekend call for an associate who is paying me extra to cover July 4th weekend call for him.)

Anyway, I'm just thrilled right now! :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

I actually have spent at least a few minutes (sometimes many more) every day since I took the test thinking about all of the stupid things I said on the first part of the exam and wondering if it was going to be enough to fail me. It is such a relief to be able to stop ruminating about it :)

[jeff061]

That's awesome. Congrats man!!

Christ, I can't even get the stones together for a piddly MCSE exam.

[Peregrine]

Congrats Eaglesfan! Way to go!

[Senator]

CURE US FOR FREE!!

congrats!

[DeToxRox]

Congrats, EF!

All that FM was worth it.

[SFL Cat]

Congrats, EF....time to celebrate!!!!

[MacroGuru]

Gratz!

[vtbub]

A hearty well done!

[JonInMiddleGA]

WTG, EF, WTG.

Good job all around, and hoist one for yourself especially from all of us here at FOFC.

Just send SD the tab ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

WTG, EF, WTG.

Good job all around, and hoist one for yourself especially from all of us here at FOFC.

Just send SD the tab ;)LOL :)

Weds. Night I will definitely do that. Just got done calling all of my family.. well except for my wife who is at work and isn't answering her cellphone :mad:


Oh well, I'll get to tell her tonight :)

I'm practically bouncing off the walls with joy right now.

Thanks everyone for the gratz :)

[Barkeep49]

Congrats on a genuine achievement.

[Franklinnoble]

I passed my oral Boards!!!!!

Must... not.... post.... pix....

[TroyF]

Congrats!!!

[digamma]

Sweet.

[terpkristin]

HOT DAMN!
CONGRATS EF!!!!!!!!!!!!

So um....you passed your oral boards. Is there anything left, or can we now call you a board-certified psychiatrist (sorry if I killed the spelling...)?

Congrats again! :)

/tk

[Eaglesfan27]

HOT DAMN!
CONGRATS EF!!!!!!!!!!!!

So um....you passed your oral boards. Is there anything left, or can we now call you a board-certified psychiatrist (sorry if I killed the spelling...)?

Congrats again! :)

/tkI'm officially a board certified psychiatrist (you got the spelling right) :)

I'll get my framed certificate in 90-120 days.

I'll also have my name included in multiple publications within the next year listing me as a certified psychiatrist. I also have my official diplomat number (I'm considered a diplomat of the board) and I can use that to start applying for higher reimbursement rates from insurance companies as well as joining some panels that require a board certification. However, I really won't mess with this at this time since I start working for a local medical school as a professor of psychiatry on Friday. I'll be seeing plenty of patients as well as teaching medical students and residents, but I'll be seeing all free care patients at various mental health clinics throughout the state (they'll all be children and adolescents even though I'm not officially child board certified yet.)

The only thing left for me is my Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Boards. Once I do that I will be a board certified Adult AND Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. The next available date for that is June 12th-16th, 2006. I'm thinking about going ahead and biting the bullet and taking that as soon as possible. That will mean that I will have to start studying around December and start doing an hour/day for a month with a gradual taper upwards over the next 6 months.

The interesting thing about those boards is that as of right now, it is one long 4 day test in which the first day or two is the written exam and then you take the oral board that very weekend on either the 3rd or 4th day (with a live Child or more frequently teenage patient.)

Once I finish that test, I will never have a truly difficult test again. I'll have to take re-certification tests every 10 years. However, those are just written tests. They are fairly easy with their stated primary purpose of making sure we are keeping up with the science. However, they more practically weed out the old demented psychiatrists.

[Franklinnoble]

Sweet... mind-altering prescriptions all around!

[Eaglesfan27]

Oh yeah, my contract with the medical school states that if for each set of boards I pass, I get a 10% raise to my base salary! I just got a very nice raise effective immediately (well when I start on July 1st) :)

[NYFAN]

congrats...don't mess with my mind though.

[Coffee Warlord]

Oh yeah, my contract with the medical school states that if for each set of boards I pass, I get a 10% raise to my base salary! I just got a very nice raise effective immediately (well when I start on July 1st) :)

So you're taking us all out for booze, right?

[Eaglesfan27]

So you're taking us all out for booze, right?
If you want to make the trip to New Orleans, I'll be glad to take any of you out for a few drinks :)

[yabanci]

glad to hear it. Congratulations, Eaglesfan27.

[MJ4H]

http://sidesalad.net/archives/Booya.jpg

[Greyroofoo]

If you want to make the trip to New Orleans, I'll be glad to take any of you out for a few drinks :)

FREE BEER!

[MizzouRah]

*Claps Hands*

Nice EF, Nice!!!!!

CONGRATS!!


Todd

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks everyone :)

[cartman]

If you want to make the trip to New Orleans, I'll be glad to take any of you out for a few drinks :)


Congrats!

I'll be there in September to take you up on that offer!

:D

[CamEdwards]

congrats, EF. Now tell me what the %$#! is wrong with my 14-year old.

BTW, I'll bet the fireworks were related to Juneteenth celebrations.

[Fonzie]

Congratulations EF! That's no trivial accomplishment - be sure to celebrate in a non-trivial manner! :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Congrats!

I'll be there in September to take you up on that offer!

:D
Sounds good :)


Cam what is Juneteenth? I've never heard of that holiday or anything like it.


Fonzie, I plan on a few good non-trivial celebrations :). I just feel bad that I can't really celebrate with any of my friends as the two that I know about failed it :( I'm afraid to ask any of my other friends. Hopefully, when we get together on Weds. I'll find out from one of them that she passed it.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nevermind, I just googled Juneteenth. Can't believe that I never heard of it before.

In any case, according to their main website, it was celebrated in Kansas City from June 17th to the 19th. So, it probably wasn't what caused the fireworks that night, but that was an interesting website to read and learn about.

[kingfc22]

Woot! Congrats!!!!!

[duckman]

Holy shit, that's awesome, EF! I expect my first prescription to be in the mail tomorrow. ;)

[Tara]

Happy to know everithing went very well! Congrats!!!!!!

[Emiliano]

Congratulations!!! EF27 is da man.

[FrogMan]

WEEHEE!!! congrats doc!!! :D

FM

[albionmoonlight]

If you want to make the trip to New Orleans, I'll be glad to take any of you out for a few drinks :)
Is there any expiration date on this offer? ;)

Seriously, congrats, man. You are an honest to goodness psychiatrist. And a professor. Very, very cool.

Sounds like an excuse for you to get together with your nearest and dearest and stuff yourself silly at Jacque-Imo's.

At what med school will you be teaching?

[HomerJSimpson]

Good job, EF.

[kcchief19]

Way to go, Eaglesfan. Nicely done!

I was thinking of you last week. One of the people who works for me came in Monday morning and three voicemail messages saying that she needed a lawyer because there were people from Somalia doing experiments on her. She left a name and number and when we called it guess what we got? None other than Western Missouri Mental Health Center. Maybe you know her.

We talked with someone in her unit and they said they would take care of it, but she got another phone call that afternoon. She explained to her she had the wrong number -- did I mention we're a trade association, not a law firm? -- and we haven't heard back from her. It freaked my employee out because it was her second week in the office and she couldn't figure out what someone at a mental health hospital would have her name and number.

[Eaglesfan27]

It's possible kcchief. I don't think I'll ever forget my very helpful patient. She probably had schizophrenia, but she was polite, talkative, and was a great help to me in passing this test.

Thanks everyone.

No expiration on that offer Albionmoonlight :)

I'll be joining LSU's Faculty. This is a rather tricky proposition, because I did my residency at Tulane (but my Child and Adolescent Fellowship at LSU) and Tulane also wanted me to join their faculty, but LSU ultimately offered me a better deal at this time.

Funny that you mention Jacque-Imo's - Mrs. Eaglesfan and I were just discussing when she would be off so we could go :) As it is, about to head out to lunch with a buddy and maybe catch a movie and hang out a bit.

[Buzzbee]

Hmmm...he's a board certified psychiatrist. He's an Eagles fan. Perhaps a call to T.O. is in order?


Congrats EF, you should be very proud!!

[albionmoonlight]

Funny that you mention Jacque-Imo's - Mrs. Eaglesfan and I were just discussing when she would be off so we could go :) As it is, about to head out to lunch with a buddy and maybe catch a movie and hang out a bit.
As you may or may not know, Jacque has opened a lunch place--Crabby Jacks (where Jefferson Highway turns into Claiborne Ave.). Very much like Jacque-Imo's without the three hour waits.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

Good Luck! and remember if you get nervous just think of me top less.

[condors]

congrats!

[Desnudo]

Congratulations! Since we're all in a good mood, are you a werewolf by any chance?

[Eaglesfan27]

Congratulations! Since we're all in a good mood, are you a werewolf by any chance?
Nope. I give you my word I am not a werewolf. Don't hang an innocent villager :)

[Eaglesfan27]

As you may or may not know, Jacque has opened a lunch place--Crabby Jacks (where Jefferson Highway turns into Claiborne Ave.). Very much like Jacque-Imo's without the three hour waits.

Yes, we've heard that. It's on our list of places to go to eat, but we haven't been there yet. Thanks for the heads-up though :)

[judicial clerk]

Congratulations! If I was there I would give you a high five.

(Somewhere Tom Cruise is weeping).

[Eaglesfan27]

Congratulations! If I was there I would give you a high five.

(Somewhere Tom Cruise is weeping).
:D

[3ric]

I bet reading these boards qualifies as good preparation for a psychiatric test, considering all the wackos we have here. :D Congrats EF!

[CraigSca]

Congratulations, EaglesFan! :)

[Gallifrey]

Congradulations! That is very cool.

[Gallifrey]

I bet reading these boards qualifies as good preparation for a psychiatric test, considering all the wackos we have here. :D Congrats EF!

I think that is hitting a nail on the head :D

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks everyone :)

[JeeberD]

Congrats, Doc... :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks Jeeber! Good to have you back :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Odd reading this thread and looking back on everything that has happened since. So, I take my Child and Adolescent Psychiatry "Written" (it's on a computer) boards tomorrow. I've studied for over 500 hundred hours over the last 5 months including 40 hours the last 4 days. My plan was to study for another 10 today, but I'm finding it VERY hard to do so. I feel prepared for the exam. I've read through the last 5 years of the main child journal (I actually skimmed a number of articles that were in an area of strength) and I've re-read the best (most recent edition) Child Psych textbook the last 4 days. Can anyone help convince me to study hard this last day? I feel very prepared and a big part of me just wants to look over a few figures that are key and cut my studying down to 3 or 4 hours in between lots of relaxation..


Oh yeah, assuming I pass this year, the oral portion just happens to be in Kansas City (first time in 10 plus years for the child boards) which is an interesting coincidence.

[dacman]

I've seen several test prep materials that recommend not studying at all the day before a big exam. Does that help?

[BrianD]

I've seen several test prep materials that recommend not studying at all the day before a big exam. Does that help?

I agree. If you feel prepared, take the day off and relax. Additional cramming probably won't help.

As an aside, looking at this thread made me notice that FN has been banned. How long ago did that happen?

[Ksyrup]

Given the amount of time you've had to study, I think it's quite reasonable for you to rest up before the test. It will likely serve you better to be rested than to keep going over stuff and putting in a full day of studying and wearing yourself down further before you need to be at your sharpest.

Now, in my situation last year with the KY Bar, I was so far behind in studying that I had no choice. About 6 weeks to learn/re-learn 22 subjects' worth of law required that I go non-stop up until the test days. Man that sucked!

[albionmoonlight]

Rest. If you don't know it by now, then you won't know it.

100 hours of studying a month for 5 months is enough.

When I took the bar, I found it VERY helpful to take the last two days off and just let the stuff settle in my subconcious. Rest, drink fluids, etc.

Just my 2c

[Ksyrup]

Rest, drink fluids, etc.

Non-alcoholic fluids, that is. :D

[Eaglesfan27]

Non-alcoholic fluids, that is. :D

:D


Yeah, I've decided to do a bit of casual review for the next hour or two (plus I already did 2 before I got on here this morning) and I'm going to end by noon. Then, nothing but relaxation (without any mind altering drugs ;)) Either I know the stuff or I don't. I'll give it some time to percolate and do my best tomorrow. I hate that despite it being computerized we don't get results for "6 to 8 weeks" particularly since as soon as I find out I passed, I need to get hotel reservations, airline tickets, etc for November. Maybe, I'll be able to catch the Chiefs since this test is actually during football season :)

[Fonzie]

Funny you should bump this now - I'm in the process of studying (finally!) for the Clinical Psychologist licensing exam. I've got a couple of months before I need to take it, but studying is already quite a bear. I can sympathize.

And for what it's worth, I agree with the folks who've already said to take it easy the day before. Good luck with your boards!

[finketr]

my darling girlfriend is studying for the Step 3 of the USMLE...

She's studying all the time... And it's slightly more difficult for her since english is not her native language.

[st.cronin]

My formula for testing has always been: Study lots and lots until about 3-4 days out, veg out completely for a day or two, then do a total review right before the test. If this means pulling in all-nighter, so be it.

[Ksyrup]

I hate that despite it being computerized we don't get results for "6 to 8 weeks" particularly since as soon as I find out I passed, I need to get hotel reservations, airline tickets, etc for November. Maybe, I'll be able to catch the Chiefs since this test is actually during football season :)

My brother took his boards for opthamology a couple of months ago and gave them my address hoping that he would get his results soon enough that he would get scheduled for the July orals in Boston. We got the results 2 weeks ago, but they still scheduled him for July 2008 in San Fran. That sucks to have to wait an entire year.

[Eaglesfan27]

My formula for testing has always been: Study lots and lots until about 3-4 days out, veg out completely for a day or two, then do a total review right before the test. If this means pulling in all-nighter, so be it.


I used to do that in college, but then I learned more about the value of sleep and haven't done so for about 10 years. I've been purposefully getting up very early (for me at least) for the last 5 days, so that I'll hopefully be ready for bed by about 9:30 tonight to get up at 6:15 tomorrow morning. Only 1 more hour of casual review to go!

[st.cronin]

I used to do that in college, but then I learned more about the value of sleep and haven't done so for about 10 years. I've been purposefully getting up very early (for me at least) for the last 5 days, so that I'll hopefully be ready for bed by about 9:30 tonight to get up at 6:15 tomorrow morning. Only 1 more hour of casual review to go!

Yeah, my formula's definitely not for everybody. I just find it too hard to access information in a test environment if I've been using my brain for something else most recently.

[Eaglesfan27]

I just received the notice in the mail that I passed my written Child and Adolescent Psychiatry boards. Actually, I crushed them :)

Now, I travel to Kansas City (where I did my adult boards) for the oral portion which will be on November 16th-18th. Once I get past that anxiety provoking experience I'll be done these types of exams for the rest of my life and will only have to take relatively easy written recertification exams every 10 years to make sure I haven't gone senile. :)

Edit: Just checked and I'm disappointed to see the Chiefs are at Indy that week. Otherwise, I would have tried to catch my first Chiefs' game in person.

[FrogMan]

way to go doc! :)

FM

[st.cronin]

I just received the notice in the mail that I passed my written Child and Adolescent Psychiatry boards. Actually, I crushed them :)

In other surprising news, Lance Bass is gay.

Seriously, congratulations to one of my favorite fofc personalities.

[JonInMiddleGA]

WOOT !

[gkb]

I just received the notice in the mail that I passed my written Child and Adolescent Psychiatry boards. Actually, I crushed them :)

Now, I travel to Kansas City (where I did my adult boards) for the oral portion which will be on November 16th-18th. Once I get past that anxiety provoking experience I'll be done these types of exams for the rest of my life and will only have to take relatively easy written recertification exams every 10 years to make sure I haven't gone senile. :)

Edit: Just checked and I'm disappointed to see the Chiefs are at Indy that week. Otherwise, I would have tried to catch my first Chiefs' game in person.

Congrats! I hope you mentioned this to your hot co-workers and then received many congratulatory hugs. :)

[terpkristin]

Congratulations, Doc!
Always knew you would, but it's still awesome news! :) :) :)

/tk

[MizzouRah]

I just received the notice in the mail that I passed my written Child and Adolescent Psychiatry boards. Actually, I crushed them :)

Now, I travel to Kansas City (where I did my adult boards) for the oral portion which will be on November 16th-18th. Once I get past that anxiety provoking experience I'll be done these types of exams for the rest of my life and will only have to take relatively easy written recertification exams every 10 years to make sure I haven't gone senile. :)

Edit: Just checked and I'm disappointed to see the Chiefs are at Indy that week. Otherwise, I would have tried to catch my first Chiefs' game in person.

Remind me again before you head to KC and I'll see if I can whip up a, "I need to cover someone in KC trip" from my boss.

We'll even get SI to buy us dinner. :)

[JeeberD]

Congrats, Doc!

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks guys, and I'll be sure to remind you of the date to see if we can get together for dinner, Todd. :)

[GrantDawg]

WTG, EF. Knew you'd blow it out of the water.

[BYU 14]

Congrats, great Job EF!!!

[Eaglesfan27]

Sorry Todd about the lateness of the reminder (in truthfulness, I'd probably be terribly company this weekend anyway due to the anxiety of this whole test), but tomorrow is the day I fly out to Kansas City for the oral portion of my Child and Adolescent Boards. My laptop died two days ago, so I doubt I will be on FOFC at all unless my PSP can connect to the hotel's internet. They really stretch this weekend out and I'll be there Friday through Monday morning even though the test is just 2 hours and 15 minutes long. The adult psychiatry oral boards was the most anxiety producing event in my life, but right now I feel good. I'm off today and reviewing a few last things, but I feel prepared and I think luck will be kind to me. Hopefully, I'll get youngish examiners who aren't asking me questions from the 50's and 60's and I'll get a cooperative kid who isn't too difficult to interview.

[albionmoonlight]

Well wishes to you, EF27.

[gkb]

Good luck EF27! :) Try not to get to stressed out about the test...easier said than done I know.

[sterlingice]

Enjoy the KC area while you're here, if you can. The weather's a bit brisk right now but not too cold :)

SI

[Galaxy]

Good luck. At least you got a week off to look forward too.

[MizzouRah]

Sorry Todd about the lateness of the reminder (in truthfulness, I'd probably be terribly company this weekend anyway due to the anxiety of this whole test), but tomorrow is the day I fly out to Kansas City for the oral portion of my Child and Adolescent Boards. My laptop died two days ago, so I doubt I will be on FOFC at all unless my PSP can connect to the hotel's internet. They really stretch this weekend out and I'll be there Friday through Monday morning even though the test is just 2 hours and 15 minutes long. The adult psychiatry oral boards was the most anxiety producing event in my life, but right now I feel good. I'm off today and reviewing a few last things, but I feel prepared and I think luck will be kind to me. Hopefully, I'll get youngish examiners who aren't asking me questions from the 50's and 60's and I'll get a cooperative kid who isn't too difficult to interview.

No problem ol buddy.. I'm not allowed to leave the friendly confines of the Verizon campus anyway. :) Have fun and get by Jack's Stacks if you can! Order a plate of burnt ends for me!!!

[Eaglesfan27]

I just arrived home. I didn't do much sight seeing or eating out as I was reviewing material all weekend. The live patient was the best type of patient I could ask for: a very intelligent 17 year old who was easy to interview (although she did have a lot of different problems) and the examiners asked reasonable questions after I did a very solid 30 minute interview. The video tape/vignette section I also felt good about, although I'm a bit more unsure about that section which is the reverse of my adult boards when I first started this thread. Overall, I feel like it went much better than my adult boards and I'll be surprised and disappointed if I failed. Now, I get to enjoy a week of vacation time :)


I'll get results in 4-6 weeks at which point I'll hopefully be doing some major celebrating.

[wade moore]

And major bumping ;)

[sterlingice]

Congrats and good luck. We had pretty good weather this weekend for you :)

SI

[gkb]

Glad to hear that things went well EF27. How do they pick which patient you get to interview?

[k0ruptr]

I'm sure you nailed it. wtg :)

[Radii]

Congrats, EF, sounds like you did very well!

[vex]

Congrats!

[Eaglesfan27]

Congrats and good luck. We had pretty good weather this weekend for you :)

SI

Glad to hear that things went well EF27. How do they pick which patient you get to interview?


The weather was excellent. Also, I didn't explore "the Link" from my hotel last time, but since there wasn't shopping directly attached to my hotel this time, I used the Link. It is quite handy for when the weather isn't that nice.

They pick the live patient based on a variety of factors from what I've heard: Patient (and guardian if the patient is under 17) agreeing (they get paid a small amount to be there) to do it and being available at the appropriate times (my patient was a patient living in a residential facility and I got the sense it was something to fight off boredom), they want a variety of illnesses represented (my patient had Bipolar along with a history of PTSD I believe), and they want someone who is going to be at least somewhat cooperative as well as verbal. However, with a live patient you never know if they are truly going to be cooperative until the time of the interview. My young lady was very cooperative and was easy to interview except for the fact that she had a lot of symptoms which puts time pressure because they only give the docs 30 minutes to do an interview. However, I feel like I did one of my best 30 minute interviews with the only flaw being that I didn't ask her about her relationship with her biological father, although I made that up in the presentation when I mentioned all of the questions I would have asked about her father.

[gkb]

They pick the live patient based on a variety of factors from what I've heard: Patient (and guardian if the patient is under 17) agreeing (they get paid a small amount to be there) to do it and being available at the appropriate times (my patient was a patient living in a residential facility and I got the sense it was something to fight off boredom), they want a variety of illnesses represented (my patient had Bipolar along with a history of PTSD I believe), and they want someone who is going to be at least somewhat cooperative as well as verbal. However, with a live patient you never know if they are truly going to be cooperative until the time of the interview. My young lady was very cooperative and was easy to interview except for the fact that she had a lot of symptoms which puts time pressure because they only give the docs 30 minutes to do an interview. However, I feel like I did one of my best 30 minute interviews with the only flaw being that I didn't ask her about her relationship with her biological father, although I made that up in the presentation when I mentioned all of the questions I would have asked about her father.

If they pick a bad patient do they recognize that and factor it into whether somone passes or fails? Is the biological father relationship more important to a girl than a boy (I have one of each, so I'm curious)? Would you ask about the mom more than the dad if it had been a boy?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Great job, EF. Congrats in advance!

[Eaglesfan27]

If they pick a bad patient do they recognize that and factor it into whether somone passes or fails? Is the biological father relationship more important to a girl than a boy (I have one of each, so I'm curious)? Would you ask about the mom more than the dad if it had been a boy?

Not necessarily. It is up to the candidate being tested to make the best of a bad situation even if they get a "difficult patient."

Neither is more important than the other as a blanket statement, however, a good child psychiatrist definitely assesses both relationships whether the patient is a boy or a girl, and that is the only thing I wish I had got around to during the 30 minute interview that I didn't ask about. However, I asked all of the stuff that I KNOW you fail if you don't ask - drug abuse history, sexual history, medical history, a quick but broad review of symptoms and most importantly the presence of suicidal or homicidal ideations.

[Eaglesfan27]

So, I was bored and was just checking all of the websites that I check when I'm bored and I decided to click on the Psychiatry and Neurology board's website. I wasn't expecting a notice of anything because it was supposed to be 4-6 weeks until grades were mailed out. Well, I found out this time it was quicker as grades were mailed out on the 6th. So, I just went out to my mailbox and sure enough the envelope was delivered today...

I PASSED!!! I'm now officially board certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry granting an immediate raise when I notify HR on Monday. More importantly, it is a helpful factor if I ever need to switch jobs. Even more importantly, this is it for me - my last certification exam. All, I'll ever have now is 10 year re-cert exams starting in 2015 for adult and 2017 for Child. Those are easy and are only written exams - no more oral exams (which make me much more nervous) ever again!! :)

[DeToxRox]

Congrats EF, well done.

It's scary to think you now have even more time for CH2k8 :)

[path12]

W00t!!!!! Congrats!

[rjolley]

Congrats EF27.

[Mike1409]

Congrats!

[PilotMan]

Outstanding, what great news for the holidays. Nice to know who we can send our kids to when we screw them up.

[finkenst]

congratulations, doc!

[Draft Dodger]

I PASSED!!! I'm now officially board certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry granting an immediate raise when I notify HR on Monday.

great news! sounds like you are now officially certified to deal with the people who post here.

[Coffee Warlord]

Kick ass!

[MizzouRah]

Congratulations EF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JeeberD]

Congrats, Doc! :)

[sterlingice]

Congrats :D

SI

[Barkeep49]

WTG EF.

[Neuqua]

Congratulations!

[GrantDawg]

Knew you would!

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks everyone. I'm still really excited and can't wait to go to work tomorrow to let HR know :)

[JeeberD]

I'm sure your bosses are just as excited to know that they're going to have to pay you more... ;)

[terpkristin]

Way to go, Doc!!
Congratulations on entering a new phase of your career!! :) :)

/tk