How to ace Medical Board exam of Pakistan!

 Hello friends!

Today I am here with a post that's specifically fir my medical peers. This is the first time I am posting something which has a target audience. It’s about after completing your medical school, how can u just nail pne of the postgraduation board examination in Pakistan namely, FCPS part 1 conducted by a body known as College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP). The purpose of writing this post is to spread awareness among my juniors who would wish to do postgraduation in Pakistan after cimoleting med school. I felt that there is a dire need to guide my juniors regarding this essential matter in the life of a doctor and there are very little platforms in our country from where you can benefit in this regard!

For those who are unaware of it, this exam can be given in any speciality of your choice after which you have to get inducted for 4 to 5 years of training in that speciality in CPSP recognised tertiary care hospitals. The speciality that I have chosen is Pathology and thanks to Allah that I have cleared FCPS part 1 exam in it. Therefore, below I will discuss how to nail this exam in Pathology.

However, first I would like to tell you about Pathology as a field and why you can consider it as your speciality. Basically, Pathology is a bridge between basic sciences and clinical specialities. I was always fascinated at how microscopy and laboratory testing can yield definitive diagnosis of a vast majority of diseases which can greatky impact treatment. This field is further sub-divided into haematology, histopathology, chemical pathology and microbiology. You can choose anyone according to your interest. The combination of laboratory work, research opportunities and undergraduate teaching along with a good work life balance that this field offers actually sparked my interest to pursue my career in it. Now lets talk about how to clear FCPS part 1 in Pathology!

Firtly, the exam was very basic, there were one liners as well as scenario based questions too.

Everybody has their own style and pattern of studying. I will share my own.

I completed theory system wise simultaneously from  Pathoma videos(watched  majority of videos except few chaps due to less time but they were helpful in making and retaining concepts ) and 4 books: Brs physiology, First Aid systemic pathology, Brs pathology, and Rafiullah golden files which is given system wise too. See only important topics of pharma , embryo and  anatomy from first aid systems while doing each system. Make a target to complete these things in  1month 20 days. 

Then I did general pathology and immunology from brs pathology (first 10 chapters) with Rafiullah general pathology and immunology chapter. I also skimmed immunology chapter from first aid esp transfusion, transplant and hypersensitivity reactions topics.

Next do microbiology from first aid (whole). U may just see antibiotics superficially from its pharma portion. And then do microbiology chap from Rafiullah simultaneously. 

After these do minors from Rafiullah. They are given chapter wise. 

Most important minor with respect to pathology exam is histology especially epithelium of different bodily structures. Also always do see histology written anywhere in first aid while u are doing systems so that when u do this topic from Rafiullah u may compare the epitheliums and correct them from first aid.

This should be done in 20 days. I had 3 months in total so after all the above stuff I was left with 20 days in which I did sk 16 past papers: all medicine, surgery and anasthesia papers. I skipped gynae and radiology papers because of shortage of time. Then I did sk pathology. I started from most recent papers and 2022, 2021,2014 and 2016 paper. Some senior said to do 2014 and 2016 papers so I did them too since CPSP sometimes repeat questions from old pastpapers. And most importantly I did 2023 Feb and May pathology.

Finally, for the end I made a list of important topics which I needed to revise just before exam so that I won't forget and did revise them from theory books and Rafiullah. Lastly, a day before exam I revised sk16 amd sk Pathology past papers which I solved previously. 

This was my study schedule. U may have a different one so adopt the one that suits you. I wasn't into job so 3 months were good to go but if u have a job then I would suggest keep a range of 4 months.

Tips: 

1. Study with concepts plus rote learning wherever needed.

2. Stay focused and don't waste time on social media please.

3. While solving past papers, confirm the answers directly from standard theory books like fa and brs. This will save you from wasting time on watsapp groups controversial answers.

4. Don't waste time on controversial mcqs. 

5. Maintain a proper and healthy routine.

6. Sleep well daily plus before the day of exam.

7. While attempting the exam, keep an eye on time although time was quite sufficient for me. 

8. For any documentation issue, email to cpsp directly rather than wasting time by asking unauthorized individuals. They do reply on email.

9. Most importantly, while offering prayers daily, make Dua and also ask your family to pray for you. Seek Allah's help in every matter. Give your best and leave rest on Allah. Allah knows what is best for you so always ask for that from Allah. And everything that happens happens with order of Allah so place your trust in Him.

10. Most important topics for pathology exam:

Microbiology, immunology, blood chapter including leukemias, lymphomas. Histology epitheliums, general pathology topics like cell injury, apoptosis, necrosis, thromboembolism.

Biochem topics like inborn errors of metabolism, genetics, vitamins and  dyslipidemias.

That's all

I hope my medical viewers will find this post helpful. Feel free to ask any queries.

All the best!

Lets Value Research

 Early civilizations hadn’t been curious about the dark sky, we wouldn’t know anything about space. Decades of research have led us to where we are today: a civilized society with the knowledge and tools to move forward.

If that research slowed to a standstill, what would happen?

We’d become ignorant and unaware. We wouldn’t understand or go forward. Without research, we couldn’t say we were close to finding the cure for cancer or find the most eco-friendly way to light up our homes and offices. We wouldn’t know that, even though bees are not our favourites, they do a job that help us all. 

There are a thousands of such examples which shows the need for research at all times. From astronomy to medicine to botany to chemistry; we wouldn’t have known anything about these subjects without research and to use it in the best of our interests.

Research is what propels humanity forward. It’s fueled by curiosity: we get curious, ask questions, and immerse ourselves in discovering everything there is to know. Learning is thriving. Without curiosity and research, progress would slow to a halt, and our lives as we know them would be completely different.

Although research is important in every field and profession, but particularly it should be inculcated in the curriculum of medical school. Previously, research had been a part of extracurriculars in med school however now it is the demand of time. There are always new and novels ideas and advancements which need to be researched so that our doctors can be aware of latest guidelines leading to effective management of their patients. Apart from treatment protocols and getting insight of newer drugs, research also provides medical professionals to know about rare diseases and presentation that they can encounter in OPDs and Emergency. 

Thus, research is fundamental to advances in human society. It emerges from our innate desire as human beings to seek to improve our lives and to control the world around us. To do this we have to improve our understanding and our insight – we have to know how things work (or don’t work) so that we can find different ways to use them or make them more efficient.

Conclusively, researches will empower the generations to thrive in this dynamic area of ever changing medical science. By instilling the passion for research, individuals will be prepared to shape the future, challenge conventions and bring about meaningful change in the world.

I hope to see my readers getting involved in research.

Happy researching!

Food for thought

Salam Everybody!

Ahh! Finally summer vacations  have arrived and Ramadan are just to come. Its again been quite long since I updated this corner of my life. So today I am here this time with a short advice...

I did learn from somewhere words of great wisdom. Nowadays, in this busy and selfish world where we live cruelties, violence and all kinds wrongs are being done. Most of the problems in this  world arise from the evil nature of man. Nobody wants to forgive the other. All kinds of immorality  are common. All I want to say is that believe me most of sins are due to the misuse of one but most important organ of human beings that is our TONGUE. If a man controls his desires that is his conscience  he will never commit any sinful act. As such, a person with a strong character is the one who has a brilliant command on his tongue since mostly by either backbiting or slandering  or lying or taunting we hurt the other person and earn the wrath and curse of God.
For sure, if we learn when to speak and what to speak this world can become a much better place to live in.
I hope this will let us atleast ponder over iur actions. ☺

Ciao~

*life is given only once, live the way it should be lived*

                   The irreversible loss

The screams, cries, tears, sufferings have encircled Peshawar. This is the height of insensitivity. The blood is all over! What provoked the beasts soo much that they went frenzy for suicide and along killed numerable innocent lives too. How would peace find way in the hearts of mothers, sisters and fathers.
Now, the only greatest fear that lurks is that as this lot is morned over today how many more are to be mourned over tomorrow!
The only appeal is to give punishments to the criminals now and in the open so that it opens the eyes of thousands and in turn they will never dare to flourish.
*Now or Never*😓

Back again!

Hello,

Ramadan Mubarak everyone!

Its been long that I posted as you know that may-june are the toughest month for a student 'cause of those exams. So yeah I completed my olevels and off to AghaKhan higher secondary school, Alhumdolilah.

Another thing i want to mention importantly is that my friend Ayman Iqbal has made her own blog as well. She is very talented writer and brings forth creative notions. I want my followers to have a look at her blog and its my promise that you won't regret it. So ayman a warm welcome to you in the blogging world.  Here is her link : aymeniqbal.blogspot.com

So this is it for now. I will catch you later. :')

Ciao!

 

And here it comes!

Hey!!!

A long time from now. Finaly, i am back with hopefuly another interesting post. Swivelling in the chair, an idea somewhat eery struck my mind: BAKING, one of my favourite hobby. It's actually using one's mind and creativity to steal a bit of innovations from those " on cloud nine " outlets and obviously mustering own interest and planning, I finally turned out with my own backed CHOCO BUNTY CAKE (see the pics what it was like). It was like someone really jolted me out my reverie and after a long time i resorted back to baking. This cake was really mouth watering and scrumptious as it looks. You can figure out the chocolate bars' fence around a chocolate glazed cake with multi-coloured bunties all over the top. This finger-licking cake was another great source of my appreciation.I need to really work hard and bring about more of these endeavours or my hidden talents. However, such time-consuming activities inyour career years are a lot. But hopefully I will!

If you really wish to make one for yourself, you can ask me the recipe in comments' section. So grab a cup of coffee and a slice of a similar cake and share the good times!

Have fun :)

December Diary ;)

Hey!

           It's been long enough since i put up my last post. However, I was pretty much busy in December, rather from the end of November. It's obviously due to the nerve-wracking exams amidst of my Birthday! So, it is quite challenging ( at least for me ) to celebrate birthday when you have your Physic exam the next day. In spite of everything, this time it was a birthday bash for me as a surprise made by my ever adorable sister. The decoration, cake stuff and then finally dinner made my day. I was further endeared when the very next day in school, my closest friend gave me a gift, beyond my expectation, an exquisite photo frame with our photo intact in it. As such, it doesn't matter what we gift others but the abstract feelings of compassion and respect are indeed awe-inspiring.

         
         Thanks to Almighty, that I also went through my exams apart from mathematics pathetic paper which I did :( Ever since my exams, I was looking forward as to when i will snug as bug in rug and sleep for hours under my cozy blanket. Now that I have slept for hours, I am fresh for blogging too. The winter break is relaxing yet Karachi is showing colors of cold. I hope that you all are fine, drinking coffee with a slice of cake and adapting to the environment. Take care and don't let the virus make you catch the cold!

Ciao~