The Essence of Reviewing: A Strategic Approach

Fundamental Principles of Effective Question Bank Review

When reviewing a Question Bank, it’s crucial to approach it with the right mindset. Your goal should be to answer any variation of a question correctly that test the same concept, provided it's based on the same concept. For instance, if you're dealing with a question about the diagnosis of dementia – whether it’s Alzheimer's, frontal lobe, Lewy body dementia, etc. – the objective is to grasp the overarching concept (in this case, dementia diagnosis). Your focus should be on understanding every type of dementia that could be tested, ensuring you're prepared for any future variations of these questions.

2. Avoiding the Rabbit Holes

It's important not to get lost in unrelated details. Stick to the context of the question. For example, if a question lists five types of dementia but doesn't mention others like vitamin B12 deficiency or subdural hematoma, you don't need to extend your review to these unmentioned types. Stay within the bounds of the question's context.

Three Steps to Ensure Mastery in Question Bank Review

1. In-Depth Understanding of Each Element

Ensure you comprehend every word, phrase, and sentence in the question. This understanding will enable you to anticipate and tackle future variations of the question. If you're unsure about something, don't hesitate to use resources like ChatGPT, Google, or ask your seniors.

2. Review All Questions Equally

Whether you got a question right or wrong, review each with the same level of scrutiny. The aim is to understand the explanation so well that repeating the question doesn't provide any additional information.

3. Structured Review for Enhanced Learning

Begin with the questions you answered incorrectly, then move to those you were unsure of, and finally, review the ones you answered correctly. This methodical approach ensures a thorough understanding and reinforcement of knowledge.

Practical Strategies for Effective Study

• Review Order: Prioritize your review sessions starting with the incorrect answers, followed by marked and correct ones.
• Interpreting Visuals: When encountering images or tables, read the explanation first to better interpret these aids.
• Leveraging Anki Flashcards: Create Anki flashcards for long-term retention and review. Whether you use UWorld’s built-in cards or prefer Anki, the key is consistent review for future recall.

Consistency: The Key to Success

Remember, the review process is crucial for improving your scores. Review should be done on the same day as the questions are tackled to maximize retention and understanding. Tailor the number of questions you review to your available study time, ensuring you don't skip the review process.