NMAT: The Beginning

The 'mind-boggling' NMAT review:


One week ago, I finally received the NMAT reviewer that I purchased from e-bay, which deducted more or less 400 pesos from my pocket (including delivery charge). I considered that as a better and more convenient option than to enroll in any one of the capitalistic review centers for NMAT (National Medical Admission Test). Also, sparing myself a thousand bucks by doing an arduous yet economical self-review instead of attending an expensive review class will save my mother from financial anxiety and will further give myself an opportunity to learn the basics of self-discipline. I ordered the first set of NMAT reviewer (200-pages reviewer/handouts)from an e-bayer who happened to be a third year medical student from Antipolo. Upon receiving the package, I purchased a ring-binder on our local bookstore to make the documents more organized and well-prepared for the three months that I will spend reviewing for that career-defining exam. Although the online registration for the April NMAT is not ready yet (usually, registration starts one month before the actual exam), I've already been reading the contents of the reviewer just to make some essence out of my long period of hibernation. Resources wise, I already compiled all the necessary information that will be of great help to me for the exam, including tips in acing the NMAT. For the record, NMAT consists of two parts:

Part I:

Verbal. This subtest consists of two types of test items, namely, word analogies and reading comprehension, which measure verbal ability in English. Items in reading comprehension are based on the content of portions of published materials covering a wide range of topics, e.g., social, scientific, medical,
philosophical, literary.

Inductive Reasoning. This subtest consists of number, letter, and figural series and figure grouping items. These items are known to measure induction which is the ability to form and test a hypothesis directed at finding a principle with which to identify an element fitting a given relationship.

Quantitative. This subtest consists of three types of items, namely, fundamental operations, problem solving, and data interpretation. These items are intended to measure general reasoning which is defined as the ability to organize and apply knowledge of basic mathematics and reasoning to find solutions for them.

Perceptual Acuity. This subtest consists of three types of items, namely, hidden figure, mirror image, and identical information. Solutions to these items involve accuracy in visual perception, an ability linked to extensiveness of scanning, a cognitive style associated with meticulousness, concern with detail, and
sharp, yet wide-ranging focus of attention.

Part II:

The four subtests that compose Part II are Biology, Physics, Social Science, and Chemistry. Social Science includes items in psychology, sociology, and anthropology. The items in the four subtests are limited to the content coverage of the areas that are common and basic to the curricula of the degree programs considered as premedical
courses. On the whole, these four subtests measure complex mental abilities because solution to the items require the use of the different cognitive skills of knowledge, comprehension, application (process), analysis, synthesis, and
evaluation.

Source: NMAT Online

The reviewer that I have in hand covers almost all the subjects included in Part 2 (Social Sciences, Biology, and Chemistry) and some from Part 1 (English and Mathematics). For a while, I have considered self-review as a better choice for it will bring out more the best in me but at this point in time, I'm still struggling to set aside at least 3 hours of daily review in preparation for the NMAT because of my busy daily schedule. I think my success for the NMAT lies on the strategy that I will apply in apportioning my time and practicing self-discipline. The subjects are purely basic and because I really want to ace the NMAT, I began my review 2 months ahead of time, not taking for granted all the information that I have learned from my past classes and from the reviewer itself. I also ordered the MSA NMAT Reviewer by Allan Carreon from the MSA website, but after almost one month of waiting, I have a strong feeling that I will never get the book either because of fraudulence or technical problems in the website itself. It will be better if you just purchase the book directly from bookstores. Nonetheless, it's really not of a great loss for me if I will base it on the reviews made by past NMAT takers for that specific book. Most of them said that the reviewer is far more difficult than the actual NMAT exam. Doing a comprehensive self-study and practice (upon registration, CEM will provide 2 sets of practice tests which according to past NMAT takers, are of a great help as far as having a good grasp of the actual exam is concerned) are still the best way to prepare. I'm still not halfway from finishing my self-review but with the grace from God and a sprinkling of perseverance and discipline, I know I can surpass the Herculean task of absorbing a major load of information that I badly need to get a good grade. And if you're going to take the same path this April, let's just hope and pray that God will give us the desires of our hearts. Good luck April 2010 NMAT takers!


My 'personalized' NMAT reviewer:

Surgeons Do Not Cry: Book in Focus

Click the image for more book details


"A doctor, or any medical worker for that matter, has to learn to draw a line between his personal emotions and the job he has to do, if he is ever going to be able to do it well"- Dr. Jose Tiongco, author of "Surgeons Do Not Cry"

I'm still in so much trepidation regarding the decision that I'm obliged to make for myself: to be or not to be a doctor. Needless to say, the financial issue and the length of time involved in taking up medicine are just too much for me. On the other hand, I must admit that my inner consciousness is stubborn enough in urging me to become a doctor no matter how absurd it might appear. During these trying times, I only need one thing to come up with a final decision, and that is enlightenment. And as they say, the universe will conspire to gradually reveal the mysterious puzzle that is life.I first learned about the magic of this book two weeks ago when a good blogger posted a book review for the same subject of concern. The book, entitled "Surgeons Do Not Cry" (written by Dr. Ting Tiongco and published by U.P. Press), is an old doctor's account of his ten years of stay in the premier government hospital in the country, UP-PGH, as a medical student, intern, and resident surgeon. And within two days of non-stop reading, I have realized that this well-crafted book has so much to offer as far as personal and professional enlightenment is concerned. This is not just an ordinary book; its a compilation of stories that matter and will last for eternity. Dr. Tiongco, for being an outstanding doctor-writer that he is (the book is actually a compilation of his articles originally submitted for mindanews.com), presented the realities he encountered while studying in UPCOM (UP College of Medicine)and training in UP-PGH that have molded him as the doctor that he is now. He carefully disclosed the harsh and hapless condition of our own health care system that still haunts our society up to this date. In connection with these, he also revealed his frustration for the discrepancy that exists between the theory-based curriculum of UPCOM and the actual practice that occurs inside the Philippine General Hospital. Through the stories, the author will make us cry for the gruesome condition of the poor patients at that time and laugh for his follies and 'misadventures' in his life as a starting doctor. But in general, the book is a literary masterpiece that will serve as an eye-opener for all of the people who will read these stories behind the walls of the top medical school and hospital in the Philippines. After reading his book, I have realized that being a doctor is really not just a walk in the park; its a profession that is not valued because of the luxury it brings to any doctor that will bring what he has learned to the Land of Milk and Honey, but for the lasting contributions it will bring to the poorest societies in the country. We should look at the medical profession in the context of the Philippine society and not based on foreign principles. The same should be followed inside medical schools, where medical theories are taught with the American setting in mind most of the time. For me, this is the best medical book I've ever read so far because it has made me realize that someone like me who has a dream of becoming a doctor should think a thousand times before pursuing this career. And I hope, as I'm already preparing for the NMAT, time will reveal if this will work out for me or not.

What's the best pre-med course?

Recently, I happened to stop by on an online forum to check what is the best pre-med course that will give one an additional advantage the moment he pursue the medical career. Here's the top 5 pre-med courses based on my analysis combined with the ideas of forum members which I really liked a lot:

1. NURSING

Advantage(s) : Acing the clinical Setting and some medical Procedures (e.g. First Aid tx; CPR; BLS/ACLS; Physical Assessment; IV insertion; NGT insertion in some and many others...) the most respected PreMed ever; one of the most respected profession in the society.. A very good fall back (demand of nurses overseas)..Nursing is already almost half of medicine..


Disadvantage(s) : lack of in deep knowledge and theories regarding basic and advanced sciences...lack of extra sciences subjects.


2. MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Advantage(s) : Acing the lab stuff. knowledge of phlebotomy is an advantage; the best premed in terms of theories and good foundation for pursuing medicine; almost complete curriculum..a must have to become pathologist either...

Disadvantage(s): less opportunity for overseas employment


3. BIOLOGY / ZOOLOGY / CHEMISTRY / BIOCHEMISTRY

Advantage(s) : have very strong sciences subjects that could help in getting high NMAT score...acing hard subjects during first year...

Disadvantage(s): some sciences subjects can't use during 3rd and 4th year level...not a good fall back undergrad degree..


4. PHYSICAL THERAPY

Advantage(s) : have strong sciences subjects too..acing the first year level in Med coz of Anatomy...a good foundation to become a surgeon

Disadvantage(s): 5 years to take...time consuming...lack of presence in the hospital setting...


5. PHARMACY

Advantage(s) : a good fall back 2nd to Nursing....acing the pharmacology aspect of medicine...


Disadvantage(s): lack of in deep knowledge and theories regarding basic and advanced sciences like Nursing...

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Doctor

There's only one way to have a fresh new start for this blog, and that is to have a simple glimpse of what this blog is really about: becoming a doctor. We are all aware of the pride and prestige that 'MD' can bring to an individual once it is connected to his name. However, in order for someone to achieve this feat, the willingness to embrace a lot of sacrifices and hardships must be existent. Is becoming a doctor worth all these? Maybe in one way or another but here in the Philippines, especially, where doctors turn into nurses to experience the greener pasture abroad, becoming a doctor is really not a simple walk in the park. Nonetheless, many are still responding to their "inner calling" to be a doctor amidst not-so-favorable environment. And for those who are still undecided to pursue the medical career, I included here the pros and cons that you have to consider before making that big decision. The pros are an excerpt from an outstanding analysis by Dr. Willie T. Ong, which he posted on one of the forums in Pinoy MD, an online community of Filipino doctors.

Pros:

* Prestige and respect - There is nothing like adding an MD after your name. Being a doctor, for many, is one of the noblest profession that can influence people by just a simple touch and conversation.

* Ability to help - If you want to make a difference, if you want to help the sick and poor, then this is the profession for you. Armed with only a stethoscope, doctors help multitudes by just sitting, listening and advising. Unlike businessmen who need to donate millions in order to help, for doctors, helping is a way of life.

* Power and influence - Whether you’re caught for a traffic violation or you just need an excuse, doctors usually get away with it. In addition, a lot of doors open for doctors in business, in their advocacy or even their love life. The level of influence is directly related to the doctor’s specialization and status in his or her field. The higher up the ladder, the more the clout.

* Lots of friends (and admirers too) - One thing sure, if you’re a doctor, you’ll never be lonely or bored with daily patient interaction and inside knowledge of people’s darkest secrets. There’ll always be someone asking you for help.

* Caring for ones family - Every family needs a doctor. There’s nothing like a doctor-son or daughter caring for his or her parents. Diseases are detected early, treated correctly and lives are prolonged. Less worry and headache for everyone. This was especially true for Dr. Manuel Chua-Chiaco, Sr. as he confides, “I wanted to be a doctor to be of service to my family. My father had tuberculosis, my mother had hypertension, two brothers had thyrotoxicosis, and one sister had severe asthma.” Many parents appreciate the doctor’s importance. “It was my Dad’s dream to have a physician in the family. I ended up being the ‘chosen one’,” says Dr. Frances Lina Lantion-Ang.

* You won’t starve (but you may not get rich either). - Most rich doctors are already rich to begin with. Earning tons of money in medicine is possible but sometimes your conscience sometimes dictates that you give free services. If you are a believer like me, I guess the doctor’s rewards are in heaven (where moths and insects can’t get to them).

* Doable even with an average IQ - For medical students, earning the MD is the norm rather than the exception. You don’t have to be a genius. A good heart will go a long way. You could be like Dr. Trinidad Echano-Madrigal who hates math, “It was the only career option requiring a minimum of math subjects. I was poor in numbers, hence the choice.”

* Indispensability - As Dr. Ernesto P. Namin says on why he chose to become a doctor, “The most needed professionals in my community were physicians and I felt it was romantic to be indispensable.”

* God’s servant - Spirituality and peace of mind are welcome benefits for doctors. There’s nothing like helping needy people to cleanse ones soul. Dr. Amado M. San Luis understands the spiritual aspect of medicine: “I consider medicine to be the noblest profession and an extension of God’s healing hand, the only profession given the privilege to understand life and cure diseases afflicting man.” Dr. Homobono B. Calleja agrees, “Of the three learned professions (the clergy, law and medicine), medicine serves the totality of the human being, the spiritual as well as the physical.”

* Love of country - Here is something new. In the light of the massive brain drain of health workers, studying medicine and practicing in the country has been equated with heroism. It doesn’t hurt that our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, is also a doctor who studied abroad and came back to serve his country.

Cons:

*Tuition fee- This one is not new to us, as we are all aware that Medicine is one of the most expensive career to pursue (average tuition for a well known private medical school would range around 70-90 thousand++ per semester). Including the years one has to survive for the pre-med course, med proper, and internship plus all the other expenses for books, daily transportation and other things indispensable for a medical student, pursuing a medical career is undoubtedly a burden heavy enough especially for a middle-class family. Unless you are intelligent enough to make it to one of the country's top public medical schools or grab a scholarship that will cover all your five years in medical school, then the financial issue will not matter to you.

*The length of time it takes to be a doctor- After nine years (pre med, med proper and internship combined) you will still have to spend a year or two on hospital residency and a couple years more to be a specialist.In addition to that, a medical student should be persistent enough to withstand the fact that most of his former classmates will be getting high-paying jobs and receiving promotions after promotions within those years that he'll be spending his time in the medical school. That's why pursuing this career is a tough decision that no one should take for granted.

*Limited money-making opportunities- This pertains to all those years that a medical student will be spending inside the school and hospitals where time is extremely limited for extra-curricular activities, especially for part-time jobs and other money-generating activities.

*There's no guarantee of an abundant life- This is the main reason why doctors here in the Philippines have transformed into nurses during the previous years. Working as a nurse abroad is indeed more satisfying than being a local doctor as far as financial compensation is concerned.