At MedStudy, we love meeting physicians, and learning what makes them tick. Jane Shaw, DO, attended our 2018 Immersive Review Course in Dallas and was gracious enough to tell us a little bit about herself.
MS: What was it that made you decide to become a doctor?
JS: I decided to become a doctor late into my nursing career. A big part of it is not financial gain at the later stage of life … but rather seeing a need for people who want to practice in rural areas. Also, there was the consideration that I am not a good follower. I ask a lot of questions and enjoy being a leader.
MS: What is the most rewarding thing about your career so far?
JS: I hate to sound cliché, but here I go: The most rewarding part of my career is being able to help people. I enjoy my job.
MS: What was your favorite part about residency?
JS: The relationships I have with my colleagues. To this day I can call on any one of them if I have a question or need assistance.
MS: If you had to describe your residency in 3 words, what would they be?
JS: Procedure heavy, promoted autonomy, regionally contained
MS: Tell us about your experience at the course.
JS: My experience was definitely a positive one. I have been out of internal medicine residency for a couple months and immersed in an ER position. This has taken me away from some of the disease processes more specific to internal medicine. I really needed to be brought back to that mindset for the boards. I also enjoyed the fact that all I had to do was focus on the review. The hotel had everything I needed onsite. The staff with the course were helpful with any additional needs. The lecturers were all easy to understand and willing to stay and answer questions. The room the lectures were held in was comfortable and conducive to learning.
MS: What have been some of your best memories in the ER so far?
JS: When I am able to help and a patient or family relays to me later that they are doing well. I am very fortunate that I work with wonderful people who truly care. We have a lot of laughs along the way but always work as a team for the best patient care possible.
MS: Who is your mentor and what advice have they given you?
JS: I have several mentors. I believe in learning from as many sources as you can. That being said, for boards you have to pick a learning source or it can be too overwhelming. Attending the review and using Q-banks are the advice they have given.
MS: Prior to taking the Immersive Review Course, how confident were you about passing your board exam and why?
JS: I was not confident about passing at all. I am not a good test taker. I am also a hands-on learner and hadn’t revisited a lot of the information since med school, since honing my floor skills and thought patterns.
MS: After taking the course, how confident are you about passing? What was it about the course that made the difference?
JS: I am much more confident about passing now. The course was a thorough review, touching on topics and associations I had forgotten about.
MS: What was your favorite thing about the course?
JS: The ability to take notes in the binder provided [by MedStudy] as we went through the lectures.
MS: Have you used other MedStudy products? How did they help you feel prepared?
JS: I have used the question bank in the past. I like the way it is set up and the explanations are easy to understand.
MS: How else are you preparing for your exam?
JS: I am using the question bank and plan on taking the Accelerated Review Course immediately prior to the exam. In the meantime, I also have access to the videos from the in-depth review and my binder with my notes.
MS: How do you find time to study?
JS: I am taking off three weeks prior to the boards and I use my phone a lot for the question bank.
MS: What will you do on test day to ensure you are prepared?
JS: My test is out of state, so I will spend the night in a hotel near the site. I will go out to eat the night before. I will not study anything that isn’t quick review or something that requires memorizing like statistics formulas that night.
MS: Outside of being a doctor, what else do you enjoy? Hobbies?
JS: I love to swim, hike, ride my motorcycle, travel and explore new cultures. I also enjoy the arts.
MS: How do you find time for yourself outside of preparing for the board exam?
JS: I schedule time for myself. It goes on my calendar, time/outings as well as days for exercise, all on the calendar.
Thanks, Jane, for choosing MedStudy for board prep, and taking the time to chat with us. Best of luck on your upcoming boards. You have a well-thought-out plan in hand, and we think you’ll do great!