Template for study guide

When you are studying  each disease, do not just memorise them but to understand them throughly.

For me I always remind myself of the 5 key points to make sure I fully understand each disease from its core. Hopefully it is useful for you and gives you a rough idea what to do when you are studying. 

Don't rush unless you have no time. the point is to understand how all this works in real working life. 

Key Points for each Disease 

Definition	Disease name, definition - what are the cause, factors - signs and symptoms - common in which age group? - significant characteristic
Ix&I	Investigation and their interpretation Example: CXR, ABG, CT, CTG, Partogram, etc.  what is the point of the investigations?
Lab values	Normal lab values for each FBC, LFT, etc… how the changes of value affect how you treat the patient?
Medications	What are the common medications - normal dose - any side effects? - contraindications? what are the meds you need to avoid if the it is contradictory
Others	Differential Diagnosis - a great help to make you remember the disease "characteristic" better.

Some other commonly used diagrams

Murmur locations

causes: MR: RHD, CHD, IE, 
MS: Rheumatic fever
TR: RF, IE, VSD
TS: RF, CAD, CTdisorder
AS: degenerative calcification

NYHA classification

GCS charting

ECG sections

TIMI

Killip class

week before HO

What to do a week before HO?

or at least the things i wished i could have done during my time😂

1. fitness

- It is easy to tell everyone to start exercising, ain't easy but we need to start keep fit before starting work. especially to those who has been slacking behind for about a year before getting into hospital. waited for 2 years and I cant imagine how rusted I am going to be, oh lord...

2. Prepare things for work and your PTM documents

- Stethescope

- HO kit (measuring tape, ruler, small stapler, lanyard, scrubs, black pen, notebook)

- Prepare photo and documents (different hospital different document)

- Rubber stamps (blue ink/depends on hospital) and name tags(magnetic)

- Formal clothes and comfortable shoes

- Bag that can be used during rounds (girls)

3. Start revising

at least 30 minutes a day to get it started, the more the better!  (How much I have hoped that I could do before starting, instead of shopping.)

- revise format of documentation

- 5 core knowledge brush up - N&A

- build networking

4. Hospital orientation

- weekend off you try to go for pre-tag. 

- list of thing need to do during pre tag

- need to ask if senior ho can help and bring you around. (informal orientation of the respective department). They will be more available and free during weekend rounds. 

checklist to ask the senior:

1. department orientation & layout (how many ward, how many male/female where is the ward, OnG antenatal or postnatal, labor room; OT?poly OT? where to find things to get blood)

2. ward work flow & Timing

- make sure you clear up all patient before turn over. 

- all different in different department, reach 2 hours before specialist come. 

- how to manage & prioritize ward work: what to do during ward round, what must do immediately, what can wait?

3.  how to do review, how to do round? 

    --first day report to the department clinic first, to the HOD/kerani. give logbook or documents.  

    -- go to the ward that you are assigned. 

4. introduce urself, name in front of others(especially nurses)

- use ur free pass to ask all question, help senior ho as much as possible. 

- pm round, take a few patient for review. 

- what are the common cases. question to ask, sign to look out, how to do review. ask how many pt to cover during morning round. 

5. how to do referral, request for radiological investigation, posting case to anaesthetist.

6. common procedure for department (how to fill up common forms, order investigation through Hospital System)

7. know your superiors and adjust to their work style, hod, supervisor, specialist, MOs in charge 

8. books, reference, app needed

- incident of extend

- know the style of supervisor, what are their favourite question. 

9. assessment, structure and deadline

- short case: cpd, long case: bdcs, mcq

- make sure you take the long case assessment with specialist 2 weeks before.

- present one cma topic, log book submit 2 weeks before finish posting. 

 

Readings you can do before going into HO

- https://mmc.gov.my/laws-regulations/

- code of professional conduct

- Guides to good medical practice

- Guidebook for Houseofficers

good luck and all the best to everyone in and those going into the system.