J.D., M.D.

i guess it does have a nice ring to it. :)

after several years in med school, and more than 2 months of burying myself in review books, I've finally made it.

I feel as if I've won the lottery--- and that analogy isn't really far fetched. I was simply guessing for the most part of the exam. and those weren't intelligent guessings at all--- i was guessing without basis for I couldn't eliminate the other choices. Questions were so specific. It wouldn't matter if they asked about common diseases or "must know" topics. Instead, They asked a lot of "out of this world questions"! Like playing the lottery, i just picked a random letter, hoping that I would be lucky enough to be pick the right ones. I guess luck was really on my side on those days. Thank God. :)

In my opinion, I don't think they should make board exams that way. What's the purpose of board exams anyway? Isn't it to determine if we are fit for the profession we choose? how can they determine if we are fit enough when they ask a lot of "out of this world" questions? shoudn't they ask questions about the "must know" topics? those topics that anyone entering a certain profession should know? It's so frustrating when you know you've studied enough, and then you're faced with a lot of esoteric questions. Also, since a lot of people have also been guessing, everyone seemed to be on equal footing, whether they studied or not. hence, many of those who really prepared for the exam, and a number of intelligent people didn't make it. and a lot of those who barely prepared for the exams passed, with plain luck in guessing on their side.

That's why I don't look down on those who didn't pass. I know a lot of them are intelligent. And I know that they would be good doctors. it's just that in the lottery that they call the Physician Licensure Exam, wherein luck is a very big factor, they weren't lucky enough to win. I even feel a bit guilty for being so happy, knowing that some close friends of mine didn't make it. It kinda seems wrong to celebrate.

***

now I have to look at the grueling journey ahead. I haven't really decided on which path I should take. A few more years in residency, plus a few more in fellowship. The actual journey has only begun.

*groan*

in the meantime, i'll drown myself in pure bliss. Just for a few days, then I'll get back to business and plan for the grueling journey ahead.