Phase 3A revision tips
By Rob Jones
PHASE 3A REVISION TIPS
Getting ‘in the zone’ for the Phase 3a exams is difficult. The horrors of Phase 2 are still relatively fresh in your memory, and you can't see how two little written papers could be anywhere near as bad. You've been on placement for most of the year, and have very few (if any) textbook notes to revise from. You can't decide whether the lectures you attended were relevant or a total waste of time. In summary, your revision prospects seem bleak… but don't worry, because these tips are here to help!
1. START REVISING EARLY
There is, actually, quite a lot of content in Phase 3a. The earlier you start revising, the more likely you are to be able to cover it all. I would suggest starting at the beginning of your final 7-week rotation. (Admittedly, I am a bit nerdy. Just start as early as you feel capable.)
2. KNOW WHAT TO REVISE
This is simple: only revise Phase 3a material, forget about Phases 1 and 2 (and enjoy this luxury while you can!)
3. REVISE THE RIGHT AMOUNT FOR EACH MODULE
Lots of people understandably fall into the trap of revising loads of Paediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, but somewhat neglecting the other modules. Don't do it!
If previous years are anything to go by, the SAQ question format will be something like this:
The SBA questions will also be similarly weighted. So, what I'm trying to say is: don't neglect the ‘smaller’ modules in revision! It is disheartening to think that your knowledge of psychotic disorders could be worth as much as your knowledge of the Swiss cheese model, but that's just the way the cookie crumbles unfortunately.
4. USE THE RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS
Particularly Illustrated Textbook of Paediatrics (Lissauer, Clayden) and Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Impey, Child). They are perfectly pitched at medical student level.
5. KNOW THE LECTURES REALLY WELL
Particularly the lectures in the smaller modules (PPD, Public Health, Sexual Health). The exam questions for these modules will most likely be lifted directly from the lectures.
6. DON’T NEGLECT YOUR PLACEMENTS
Some of the placements, particularly Paediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, require a lot to be signed off and therefore a lot of commitment. Prioritise revision whenever possible, but don't risk failing the placement because you were too busy in the library to feed a baby, use a start chart or (insert other ridiculous hoop to jump through here).
If you are on Paediatrics or Obstetrics and Gynaecology and feel that you can't get enough revision done – try not to worry too much. These modules will be fresh in your minds and that will help you when it comes to answering questions on them. You might just have to pull a few late(r) nights of revision – such is life!
7. DO ALL THE THINGS THAT USUALLY WORK FOR YOU
By now, you probably know how you revise best, whether it's Pro-Plus-fuelled nights in the IC, ploughing steadily along at home with the occasional remedial Pop Tarts, or crying into your textbooks and an oversized tub of Ben and Jerry’s. Just do what works for you. To be honest, if you've got the motivation to read through these incessant ramblings, you'll almost certainly be fine! Best of luck.
Getting ‘in the zone’ for the Phase 3a exams is difficult. The horrors of Phase 2 are still relatively fresh in your memory, and you can't see how two little written papers could be anywhere near as bad. You've been on placement for most of the year, and have very few (if any) textbook notes to revise from. You can't decide whether the lectures you attended were relevant or a total waste of time. In summary, your revision prospects seem bleak… but don't worry, because these tips are here to help!
1. START REVISING EARLY
There is, actually, quite a lot of content in Phase 3a. The earlier you start revising, the more likely you are to be able to cover it all. I would suggest starting at the beginning of your final 7-week rotation. (Admittedly, I am a bit nerdy. Just start as early as you feel capable.)
2. KNOW WHAT TO REVISE
This is simple: only revise Phase 3a material, forget about Phases 1 and 2 (and enjoy this luxury while you can!)
3. REVISE THE RIGHT AMOUNT FOR EACH MODULE
Lots of people understandably fall into the trap of revising loads of Paediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, but somewhat neglecting the other modules. Don't do it!
If previous years are anything to go by, the SAQ question format will be something like this:
The SBA questions will also be similarly weighted. So, what I'm trying to say is: don't neglect the ‘smaller’ modules in revision! It is disheartening to think that your knowledge of psychotic disorders could be worth as much as your knowledge of the Swiss cheese model, but that's just the way the cookie crumbles unfortunately.
4. USE THE RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS
Particularly Illustrated Textbook of Paediatrics (Lissauer, Clayden) and Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Impey, Child). They are perfectly pitched at medical student level.
5. KNOW THE LECTURES REALLY WELL
Particularly the lectures in the smaller modules (PPD, Public Health, Sexual Health). The exam questions for these modules will most likely be lifted directly from the lectures.
6. DON’T NEGLECT YOUR PLACEMENTS
Some of the placements, particularly Paediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, require a lot to be signed off and therefore a lot of commitment. Prioritise revision whenever possible, but don't risk failing the placement because you were too busy in the library to feed a baby, use a start chart or (insert other ridiculous hoop to jump through here).
If you are on Paediatrics or Obstetrics and Gynaecology and feel that you can't get enough revision done – try not to worry too much. These modules will be fresh in your minds and that will help you when it comes to answering questions on them. You might just have to pull a few late(r) nights of revision – such is life!
7. DO ALL THE THINGS THAT USUALLY WORK FOR YOU
By now, you probably know how you revise best, whether it's Pro-Plus-fuelled nights in the IC, ploughing steadily along at home with the occasional remedial Pop Tarts, or crying into your textbooks and an oversized tub of Ben and Jerry’s. Just do what works for you. To be honest, if you've got the motivation to read through these incessant ramblings, you'll almost certainly be fine! Best of luck.