Why is it so difficult to start revising for your OSCE’s?
Why is it that sometimes we just can’t seem to start revising..? We have the pens, the books..the computer…now lets start. Mind blank.
This is a very common theme amongst many medics. It can be over whelming, and the longer you try to tackle it, the harder it can be to start.
Here I have outlined some reasons why and hopefully this will allow you to take a step back, reflect and make this revision process more “fun” (well not fun, but less traumatic)
1) “there is too much to learn and keep in my brain”
Bite size : approach it by systems i.e Respiratory system for 1 week. This means the history, the examination, the interpretation of results, the difficult consultations etc. Approaching it as “bite size” will make the task less daunting.
choose the order of topics logically ie, respiratory and cardiology are closely related so would make sense to choose these topics together when revising.
Other examples are :
- Gastroenterology + renal/urology medicine
- neurology and musculoskeletal
2) “Where do I even start"?”
Have a time table of how you will “generally” approach the topics. Remember this will change as time goes by. You may be ahead of the time table…or may be behind (which is fine too). One great idea is to have a buffer of 1-2 weeks of no planned revision before exam, in case you fall behind. Don’t have a revision plan that takes you to the day before the exam.
3) “There are topics I just hate looking at”
Focus on those topics you hate. Yes, you heard me. Those horrid topics that give you anxiety, you focus on them, get good at them, and stop avoiding them, as its “sods law” they will be in that OSCE.
4) “I just spend hours looking at one page..”
Don’t spend ages on a topic giving you anxiety. Don’t waste time spending hours going round and round on how to analyse the anion gap…ask someone or switch off and go back to it later (and no doubt, it will make sense)
5) “It is just such a boring and time consuming thing to do right now, I want to go out and enjoy the sun!”
enjoy revising. Yes this is hard to believe. Make those practice OSCE sessions a fun time. Have snacks, regular break, switch off in between and enjoy. Obviously you have to get down to revising, but this is a time of embracing your communication skills, learning about what doctor you want to be, and having a chance to read around topics (which you wont get time to do, when running around on the wards as a junior doctor).
6) “the stress of how much this exam costs puts me under so much pressure”
yes, this exam is expensive. This is along with maybe training abroad.. BUT the cost of the exam is not the reason you HAVE to pass, it is the great achievement at the end of all of this. Do not let the cost anxiety inhibit your ability to revise- trust me, this wont be your last expensive exam (they get pricier the more qualified you get!)
Best of luck in your revision, stay focused and happy :)