Blast cells - Acute or chronic leukemia? Mnemonic!

Hope you are having a good day so far! :D

Acute leukemias are characterized by a predominance of blasts. Chronic leukemias are characterized by proliferation of lymphoid or hematopoietic cells that are more mature than those of acute leukemias.

Opportunity for Medical students to be part of a research study!

Hello!

We are doing a study on internet addiction among medical students in south east Asia ( Mainly 4 countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal).

Step 2 CS: What to ask a patient with positive pregnancy test

What to ask if a patient comes in with a positive pregnancy test:

Step 2 CS: Back pain causes mnemonic

Back pain mnemonic: D(i)SSCC

Step 2 CS: Hearing loss mnemonic

Hearing loss mnemonic:

EBOLA
MBOLA

It’s a desi (Indian) Medico’s thing! Part 2

Neighbours/Relatives: (Knowing that I am taking up internal medicine) So, you want to become a cardiologist later?

Me: Yes, it’s a possibility.

N/R: Nice. So, how long before you start performing surgeries?

Me: Never

N/R: WHAT?!?! Why?

It's a desi (Indian) Medico's thing!

Neighbours/Relatives: What specialization are you taking?

Me: Internal Medicine/General Medicine

N/R: You mean general physician?

Me: Yes

N/R: Chi, Yuck, Thuuu, Ayyoo (disgusted)

Step 2 CS: Blue sheet

What's a blue sheet? A blue colored paper given to you during the step 2 CS exam.

I finally figured out what my blue sheet will be like before entering the room and maybe it will be helpful for you guys too!

I tailored it from existing mnemonics and things I used to forget. You should make a personalized blue sheet according to your need too.

This is what my sheet would look like before I enter the room:

Step 2 CS blue sheet

Step 2 CS: Asking for sexual history

Sexual history is always a dilemma for step 2 Cs exam takers. Here's a simplification.

Are you sexually active?
Patient will answer either "Yes" or "No"

If no: Don't ask why and make it awkward. If the patient has problems, he will tell you.

If yes: How many sexual partners have you had in the past one year?

Step 2 CS: Transition phrases

Once you are done with History, do a Review Of Systems:

Transition phrase: "Just for the sake of completion, I would like to ask you a few more questions - You can answer these questions with a 'Yes' or a 'No'."

These are the questions I would usually ask:
"WAD FUG"
Any changes in your Weight?
Any Appetite changes?
Any changes in your Diet?

Do you have any Fever? (Night sweats / Chills)
Any changes in your Urinary habits?

Gastrointestinal complaints:
Any abdominal pain?
Any diarrhea or constipation?
Any nausea?
Vomiting?

Step 2 CS: Child with diarrhea mnemonic

For a child with diarrhea, make sure you ask these things (D's).

Diarrhea characteristics - Amount, Blood, Color, Consistency, Duration, Frequency, Odor,
Dehydration features - Dry mouth, sunken spot on forehead, Drowsy
Diet - Any new foods introduced that may have caused the diarrhea?

Dr. Thinker: Personal Statement

-          Some say it is very important and some say they only read it after you are offered an interview.

-          Either way, I would say not to take it easy. Just think it as one of those minimum things which we can do to secure our future.

1.      When to start writing?

-          Start writing it as early possible. Don’t delay. The correct time to start writing or think about it is NOW.

-          You will end up making many drafts and corrections.  You would want to make changes even few seconds before applying. You would literally cry if you keep it for the end.

Dr. Thinker: FAQs asked by the members of the USMLE page

1.      Second match guys did you tell the program its your second match and did they ask u?

A.      I mentioned it in my PS that I didn’t match last year. The interviewers mentioned that they noticed it.  At a couple of places where the interviewer didn’t read the PS, they asked me whether I applied for last match.

2.      IM LOR for neuro advisable?

A.      Only, if you don’t have enough LORs from Neuro.

3.      Please mention what extracurricular activities we could add on to our CV and if it is really necessary?