DEAR TOPNOTCH FRIENDS (MARCH 2020 AND SEPTEMBER 2020 BATCH)
Here is Practice Exam #5.
For March 2020 Batch: https://forms.gle/jZTGZDTRWdWAdKfX9
For September 2020 Batch:
https://forms.gle/BjfZoerPkyiQdAN19
How to prepare for the Med Boards from April 13 to June 30, 2020:
*** Regarding Books to Read to Prepare for the Med Boards at this point:
Don’t use Topnotch Handouts yet at this time. Let’s build some background knowledge first that will allow you to complement the Topnotch readings and optimize your preparation with Topnotch.
We recommend that you buy the actual books whether the kindle versions or the actual hard copy versions. If available, best is through Kindle - which will allow you to use you laptop, ipad, kindle device or cellphone. the “search” function is also highly useful in Kindle. And you can buy the kindle editions of the books immediately via amazon.
1 - Biochem - Integrative Medical Biochemistry by Michael King
2 - Anatomy - Anatomy BRS
3 - Microbio - Sketchy Micro
4 - Physiology - Physio BRS, Pre-Test Physio, Ganong Physio
5 - Legal Med - Philippine Medical Jurisprudence (Med Juris Platinum); Solis Legal Med
6 - Pathology - Robbins Pathology (actual textbook)
7 - Pharmacology - Katzung Pharmacology (actual textbook)
8 - Surgery - Schwartz Surgery ABSITE review, Surgery Platinum
9 - IM - IM Platinum
10 - Ob-Gyne - most medical schools have very good OB-Gyne programs - your school notes/transcriptions are actually best for this. For those going into Ob-Gyne residency, read William’s and Compre Gyne/Novak’s Gyne.
11 - Pedia - Pedia Platinum
12 - Prev Med - Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Preventive Medicine by James F. Jekel; Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health practice.
If you have to prioritize particular books at this time, we recommend that you start with Physio BRS, then Robbins Pathology and then Katzung Pharmacology. Knowing your physio, patho and pharma very well will have an impact in the other subjects.
*** To help take care of your mental health during this time, participate in the Lockdown Mindcare Challenge:
https://www.facebook.com/lockdownmindcarechallenge/?tn=K-R&eid=ARDwgEO4T6sJI9IHuTvRV4fiPTEoWM4LbqnKxEhW_aK6s_A3c4HoAZ9vb5IWYzommKk0FGJTbM6NvEhD&fref=mentions
*** Regarding PPEs for donation
1.) One of our teachers, Dr. Loubomir Antonio (FF profile: Loubomir Antonio II) has been coordinating PPE donations to various hospitals across the country by coordinating directly with the frontliners of each institution (most of which are our former students). If you would like to donate money/PPE to the frontliners, you can rest assured that Dr.Antonio will have those sent to those who really need it. Message him on facebook if you want to make a donation - any amount would be appreciated. Also, if you’re a frontliner yourself and would need the PPEs, message Dr.Antonio also. We would do what we can. The Platinum and Topnotch team have coursed our donations through Doc Lou.
2.) My sister-in-law, Mrs. Rosanna Lim Ting (FB Profile: Rosanna Lim Ting ), has her workers creating some DIY PPEs at cost (non-profit). There are coveralls (P260 to be upgraded next week to a thicker water repellant fabric that will then cost P310), Face shields (P50, made of gauge 10 acetate, foam), gown (P165), aerosol box for newborn/infants (P2850) and alcohol 70% isopropyl with moisturizer (P580 per gallon). She also has contacts with several other people selling protective coverall, surgical masks and KN95. Message her also on FB if you’re interested. She has also facilitated donations to the hospitals.
*** For Managing Finances during these times (for you or your parents):
Here’s is very good article on how to manage your finances during this crisis. Read it. Thank you to Topnotch MD (our financial speaker during the Moonlighting Seminar) Dr. John Francis Lee Hok for writing this.
https://www.dropbox.com/…/Financial%20Advice%20in%20the%20M…