u/CarelessLab8035

Hello all! I feel like I'm struggling transitioning from UWorld to NBME. One thing I notice is that NBME often has conflicting patient symptoms and a physical exam that is not helpful to decide which one is important.

For example, in neurology form 6 question 9, it specifical says a patient has a 6-week "history of stiffness and pain of her neck, shoulders, and hips," but then also processed to say "she also has had generalized weakness." The only physical exam is then decreased range of motion of joints with no discussion of motor strength.

Clearly the question is about myositis (like dermato-/polymyositis) vs. polymyalgia rheumatic. However, the question stem lists both stiffness and weakness without a good physical exam finding to distinguish a true muscle weakness or not.

Any ideas how to deal with this? Thank you!

Hi all! MS3 applying anesthesia this upcoming cycle and strongly considering pediatric anesthesia.

My question is about how much weight to place on residency programs with home pediatric anesthesia fellowships. Many of such programs are highly competitive academic centers, especially in cities I’m interested in like SF, LA, Boston, and NYC. Should I still prioritize these programs, or should I diversify my list with strong programs that may not have a home peds fellowship. For example, in the Southern California region, how important is it to say apply just UCLA + USC + Loma Linda vs. including places like UC Irvine, Cedars Sinai, UCLA-Harbor, UCSD, etc.

I’m also wondering whether direct vs. indirect affiliation with a children’s hospital matters. For example, Stanford residents rotate at Lucile Packard within the Stanford system, while places like Boston Children’s or CHLA have affiliations with multiple nearby programs.

I’d really appreciate any insight from residents, fellows, attendings, or anyone pursuing pediatric anesthesia. Thank you!