tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247999972009-02-21T10:39:18.647-03:30Musings. Reflections. Analysis. Essays. Comments. Updates. Just about anything to help you capture the elusive diplomate status.Oikos' Insights!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16158768512785370706noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24799997.post-49887895986116406582009-01-12T00:14:00.003-03:302009-01-12T00:30:30.889-03:30

Our webinar, short for web seminar, has been well-received by many ABPN Part II candidates. When I first introduced this innovative program for board review last year, I never doubted that examinees would love it. Why not? First, it covers a wealth of topics and a certain degree of depth; Second, it's accessible 24/7 as long as you have online access. While drinking coffee or while resting after

Oikos' Insights!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16158768512785370706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24799997.post-78621745069789599122008-11-18T00:02:00.004-03:302008-11-18T00:16:28.982-03:30

Just a few days ago, we've added a new review course to supplement our already intensive and yet cost-effective Psychiatry Board Review for ABPN II.Clinical Vignettes Comprehensive is the latest addition. This component includes clinical cases with detailed answers to commonly asked questions. Amazing!Now our review course contains seven components:1. Passing Strategies book2. Passing Strategies

Oikos' Insights!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16158768512785370706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24799997.post-4737720105257455962008-09-19T20:07:00.004-02:302008-09-19T20:31:38.152-02:30

ABPN Part II may seem daunting. But there are six effective strategies in facing this complicated oral exam.1. Conduct an emphatic interview.2. Organize your history-taking and presentation.3. Elicit safety issues and provide appropriate intervention.4. Demonstrate diagnostic and clinical skills.5. Manage your time wisely.6. Facilitate an adequate psychiatric assessment.Read details here: Six

Oikos' Insights!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16158768512785370706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24799997.post-1155098534440755682006-08-09T01:32:00.002-02:302008-09-19T16:57:45.519-02:30

Exam candidates have asked me how to develop a really nice differential diagnosis. Although there are no hard and fast rule, the key elements of a good differentials include the following:1. A good differential diagnosis can be supported by clinical data or evidence obtained during the interview and MSE. This also means that you should not mention a diagnosis that can't be supported by any

Oikos' Insights!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16158768512785370706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24799997.post-1152758930481606572006-07-13T00:14:00.002-02:302008-09-19T16:58:36.250-02:30

Is preparation relevant to pass the oral exam?This question may sound ridiculous but I pose this query because I've met many exam candidates who don't schedule enough time to prepare for the exam."Too busy" is their common excuse. Majority of them procrastinate for too long, jeopardizing their opportunity to do actual practice interviews, to read relevant topics, and to hone organizing

Oikos' Insights!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16158768512785370706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24799997.post-1147469059017776102006-05-12T18:49:00.002-02:302008-09-19T16:58:59.195-02:30

Oral exam candidates have told me how anxiety has been a stumbling block and how it has ruined their chance to pass the oral exam.What really happens when you're anxious?Well when you're anxious, you can't think straight. Your concentration is off so you can hardly focus on the task at hand. You sweat and have palpitations. You stammer. You feel that your muscles are tensed. In addition, you can

Oikos' Insights!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16158768512785370706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24799997.post-1143427367126961202006-03-26T23:06:00.002-03:302008-09-19T16:59:28.482-02:30

Obtaining a Diplomate status in Psychiatry is perhaps one of the most significant tests that a psychiatrist has to face in one's professional career. It is difficult yet it is surmountable. Given the right strategy and adequate preparation, you can certainly achieve your goal.To be certified, one has to pass two grueling tests of competence. The written exam is probably easier and more objective.

Oikos' Insights!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16158768512785370706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24799997.post-1143425436215341182006-03-26T22:38:00.002-03:302008-09-19T17:00:26.247-02:30

Starting May 2006, the one-hour audiovisual component of the examination will assume a new format. This component will now be divided into four vignettes -- consisting of written clinical cases and brief video clips.This AV hour-long exam used to contain a 25-minute video of a clinical interview shown to exam candidates, followed by about 30 minutes of case discussion with the examiners. This old

Oikos' Insights!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16158768512785370706noreply@blogger.com0