. . . and then a month off to study for boards! I am so excited about seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Focusing on the boards this year has helped a lot. With PBL we are able to set our own learning agenda, and I think almost all of us have focused our learning issues on board appropriate material (you know - bugs 'n drugs, bugs 'n drugs, and more bugs 'n drugs!! Oh no, I think they’re coming out of my ears) 
We took an authentic practice COMLEX a couple of weeks ago, and I did really, really well on it. Now I know my studying is paying off. . . and I know my test taking strategy has improved a lot since the days of the MCAT (which left me wondering what in the world I thought I was trying to do.) 
Anyway, the two weeks that just passed were spent on OB/GYN/Surg cases. We had an acute cholecystitis, a grade IV breast mass, a pregnancy case, and a premature ovarian failure (secondary amenorrhea) patient. The next two weeks will be pediatric cases, and then we will have one more two week mini-module, but we won’t know what it is until we finish this one.
We have our cases ahead of time, and each group meeting day we discuss these, with one person being assigned to be the doctor on each case. We do it in the style of a Grand Rounds. Present the case, ask questions, solve problems, develop our assessment and plan, etc. It’s a lot of fun. Then the last day of the mini-module, all 3 groups meet together with a specialist in that area and repeat our Grand Rounds. I think they’re trying to prepare us for our rotations. . . and I think they’re doing a great job!
Okay. Now I need to get back to my books and study my board review materials. COMLEX is just around the corner. June 7 and 8. . . .then it’s off to the OPM conference in DC to celebrate!
Linda,
I might not be able to get back online due to finals, so good luck on the COMLEX!!
Kathy
Congrats Linda!
It sure sounds like you’re well prepared for the COMLEX, and it will be so nice when it’s over. I remember last year while I was studying for USMLE Step 1 watching out my window as the osteopathic students celebrated their completion of boards playing in the apartment complex pool, and envying them for being done! Having done PBL myself, I agree it’s great preparation for boards. Are you planning a nice celebration after boards?
Epidoc