EUI FOR CSA EXAM?

Hellooo Frienddd!

Hema Here!

Give me a Bigggg Hi 5!!!

I am thinking! about the correct mindset to have for passing CSA :-)

What I learnt from my Personal experience?

You need 2Ps -

Both of the Ps -  Strong Psychological and Physical fitness on the BIG day of CSA.

Otherwise, It would cost you a lot.

The Correct Mindset for CSA involves E.U.I....

I can hear you wondering  - What is thattt?

E - Education - Realising that You have to learn New skills and to unlearn the wrong ones :-)

U - Understanding - Making sure you understand WHAT you are doing!

I - Implementation - Taking ACTION and Implementing your New Skills - Most trickyyy Bit!

Please Have a Daily Plan -  To make it easy to stick to!

Please Enjoy your Weekends!(unless on OOH)

Hooray!!!

Have a Every Day Plan  

Concentrate on ONE small thing like exploring Ideas or Concerns or Expectations and stick with it in all patients on that day.

Not all at a same time :-)

Finally -  

You will be doing All in <10 minutes.

(where is the stop-watch?)

Believe me!

Wowww!

Observe your Trainer, other GPs, Colleagues to see how they deal it with superb efficiency and Above all, Naturally...

The MOST important thing is to Take Action EVERY day!

The most valuable lessons of all are the ones You teach Yourself.

It takes a PASSION to face a New CHALLENGE.

Remember -  It is a Marathon, Not a Sprinter :-)

This isn't kindergarten where you will get a Gold star just for showing up!

The Key to Success - is  Taking Consistent Action!

At the End of the GP Training - 

Everything. YES...

Everything will be Easy -Peasy!!!

You will be another little Roger Neighbour or Liz Moulton!

( I almost wrote Roger Moore!)

Your Patients Will Love You Forever!

To Your Success,
Hema xoxo.



P.S.

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TOP SECRETS GPR SHOULD KNOW!

Hellooo Friend!

Hema Here!


Give me a biggg Hi 5!


I am here to share some TOP SECRETS with you...

Yesssss, Top Secrets...

Because, Nobody will Explain These Things Properly....

Many Will Even Say These Are WRONG...

So Beware! I Warn You!

Double/Trible Check with the CORRECT PEOPLE!

Even it means to check with your Programme Directors, RCGP, BMA, other trainees etc, etc.

You know - How Courageous we are!


Share your Top Secrets in the comments area - Join In!

First of All,

'There is no such thing called Exam Leave'....

'We will encourage you to take exams but the leave should be come from your Study  leave / they would be deducted from your  Annual leave/ Work to Pay Back as you are away from surgery and get paid for it. 


Time away from work for exams may well be encouraged by the deanery but you still are taking leave from your job. 


Talk to me (trainer) or practice manager when you get back but I suggest you need to cancel your holiday. 


If this is difficult let us know and you could work your PDP afternoons and drop a tutorial ( as you have already taken study leave from us for your education).''


Have you heard such stories ????

Not stories....

REAL Incidents!!!


I am sure you would have....I am not kidding!

FACT is -


''Exam leave is a PROFESSIONAL leave -  It should not be included in your study leave and Certainly must not be deducted from your annual leave'', says my Programme Director, Dr Adams. 

I can see You Jumping in Joy!

Well, I am....


Next,


''You cannot claim your travel expenses during GP training.''


Some may even say - 
''Read the regulations very carefully and if in doubt ask your practice manager. I would not think that asking each other is very wise because this tends to promote misunderstanding. 


You CANNOT claim mileage from home, but only for mileage within work. The attached document might help.''


'' It looks as though you are claiming your mileage from home to work and home again - which you CANNOT do. See the print out regarding the rules. So I have crossed all the 20 miles off from your chart''.


AND they might even attach the deanery guidelines sheet!!!


WITHOUT EVEN READING FULLY!


But I wonder if they really, really, REALLY want to help the trainees or just pretend as though they do and take the trainees for granted!


BECAUSE..... 


FACT - 


The DEANERY document or regulations is saying - 


''No mileage allowance is payable to a GP registrar for their normal daily journey between their home and the practice premises, EXCEPT that a mileage allowance for ONE RETURN journey on any day when they use their car on an official journey, up to a MAXIMUM of 20 miles, is PAYABLE.''


Official journey includes our Homevisits.  Woo Hoo!


One more Good News!


While you are in the hospital posts, You can claim for your DAILY mileage. 


Check your local TRAVEL claim form guidance NOW!


I agree, some trainees are not bothered, 


But it does not mean we also should not be bothered about it. 


You are entitled for these things!


Next,


'Your pay might go down because you are ST1','When you move from your previous job to GPST1


 FACT - Your Basic Pay is protected as per BMA...

Please join BMA as soon as possible if you want to avoid unnecessary chaos, problems, etc,etc ....If your practice refuse to pay, you have a right to raise this formally first through your trainer. If you are a BMA member, you can contact Ask BMA on 03001231233.

Next ,

Your Annual Leave is Fixed?


FACT - Annual leave entitlement increases with your years of experience/Pay scale in NHS.

So if you have worked in other specialties before commencing GP, then you will be entitled for more annual leave days than someone directly from Foundation Year 2.

Please check with BMA or 'local policy'.

Beware they may not be correct EVEN if said by your HR Department, always double check it with BMA.

It worked for many!

Next,

'Study Leave Allotment is Fixed -  If you need more, Take them using your annual leave or work extra to Pay Back'.




Sounds familiar?

How do you feel?

(Grrrhhh :-@)

 FACT - Study Leave is negotiable.

If you need it for your professional development, You can request more.
  
Usually Trainers and Deanery will certainly support and encourage trainees particularly struggling ones...

Plan ahead! 

Do whatever You Love to do!  Like Golf  (Just kidding...
No, You are not dozing off...)

Like DCH, DRCOG, DFSRH, DPH, Diploma in Diabetes, MSK, Pain Management, Substance Misuse, etc, etc.

List is Endless :-)

Lets see what Bradford VTS Programme Director,

Dr. Ramesh Mehay says in his BOOK ...

The Essential Handbook for GP Training and Education ( Page - 10)...

He says as follows,

'' We were bit shocked that the practice was so rigid in thinking that the trainee was not entitled to any more study leave as Half Day Release ate most of the study leave and how they could get the trainee to give the time back. 

In our Practice, if a trainee needs more input, they need more input - end of the story!

Why all the unnecessary fuss about paying back time?

As for the 3 hours per week of educational time - well that's just a minimum, not the expected.

With respect to Study Leave - yes, Half Day Release does eat it all up.

But if this trainee is hard working and diligent and would benefit from going, what's an extra three days of Study Leave?

As long as they are not taking the Mickey!

We felt this practice needed to get a grip and revisit their reasons for engaging in GP training in the first place.


Was it for an extra pair of hands or was it because they truly wanted to help new young trainees flourish?

WE WONDER...''

Hmmm....(Very bigggggg Sigh)

Wish I were with Dr Mehay...(wishing ever since I saw his website - www.bradfordvts.co.uk.

I LOVE IT !!!!

We can support our junior Registrars, Can't we?

What do you think? 

Yes, I Definitely Support You!

I wonder what else I should add ????(Blank Brain)

                                        
Now, Share Your TOP SECRETS!  
Keep interacting!  You are not alone....

To Your Success,
Hema xoxo.



P.S.

I 'd love to hear from You...
Share your Comments ---> Sign Up!  

Go Ahead, Its FREE - Share it!

SHARE Your Top Secrets in the Comments Section Below!

WILL YOU KISS IN THE CSA EXAM?

Hellooo Friend!!!


Hema Here!


Give me a biggg Hi 5 !


KISS...KISS...KISS...

If you are thinking about something physical Here....
Hi Friend, I would say You have got a very good imagination and need a holiday!

Remember... We are in CSA Preparation Blog...

No Time to even Stand and Stare!

I am going to Tell you What Happened in my Surgery recently...Aware of confidentiality :-)

One of my patients recently told me that he would kiss me if allowed (hope not :-) when he came for a medication review.

As I took time to get the histology report from our hospital ICE page and told him the biopsy tissue was a harmless thing, NOT Cancer!

He was totally elated...
It had taken the HUGE burden off his heart.

He would be dreading about cancer for weeks before he got to see the surgeons.

Now he can enjoy the fantastic sunshine!
Temperature is 26- 27 degrees  this weekend!

Just finished some gardening. Clematis blossoms are sooo beautiful...


All that EXTRA effort is very rewarding, Isn't it? 


NOW Seriously,
I am not talking about THAT kind of KISS....
Yes, You might be shouting now -

''Hema, I know all about it-  It is - KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID''.
Hooray!!!  You are right!


YOU are very Smart! (Big Hi 5 again!)

I would say - Keep It Simple Smart!

It is ALL about keeping our Explanations bit Simple.
During our Practice, one of my friends called Chaitra always used to tell me - 'LESS IS MORE'.

You know me by now, right?
That is very DIFFICULT for me. (You can see from my blog).
I would try to Make my Poor Patients 'EXPERT' about their Problems.
That too in TEN minutes.
How annoying it would be!

That is not at all necessary.

The Secret Keys are to....

1. Ask what they KNOW already?

(Our programme director told us about asking a patient if she knew about virus. She replied back that she was a VIROLOGIST!) Is the spelling correct?

2. What they WANT to know?

When I started GP post,

I was explaining all about NSAIDS for OA but the patient simply wanted to try Physio!!!

(How silly me!)

3. How MUCH they want/need to know?

I always struggle here-
Just need to Ask them to make it Easier.
Tailor the explanation according to the patients' individual needs.

That brings in the importance of finding out their ideas, concerns and expectations!
Now I remember seeing a great Secret on my HSBC relationship officer's mouse pad.
I am sharing it just with you....It is our little secret! :-)
That Secret MANTRA is...

''LISTEN, UNDERSTAND, DELIVER''.
If it works for them, Definitely, IT will work for us too.
I am sure it will save lots and lots of time, energy, etc, etc.( feel free to add whatever suits you).



The Best Thing we can do for ourselves is to Keep it Simple.

Keep it to the bare minimum to start with.

The important thing is to consistently practise them.
So it becomes our HABIT!  
Consistent Practice makes Actions into Habits!
We will certainly look and feel more confident! Wowww!
Good luck with your practice!

To Your Success,

Hema xoxo.


P.S.


I 'd love to hear from You...
Share your Comments ---> Sign Up! 
Go Ahead, Its FREE - Share it!

THE CSA AND THE IMG CONUNDRUM?

Hellooo Friend!!!

Hema Here!
Give me a Hi 5 now!!!

Here again, Dr Kashif Bhatti is sharing his thoughts about the CSA preparation specially for you all :-)

He is one of the TOPPERS in our Beautiful Great Yorkshire Deanery in the February 2012 CSA Batch.

Handed over to Kash...Kash..Kash...

The IMG Conundrum???

We all know the pass marks of local graduates versus International Medical Graduates –

But is this an over-simplification?

Whatever the politics of disseminating these figures to GP trainees ONCE they enter training, the fact remains that the high failure rate (in comparison to local graduates) is a massive Negative barrier to SUCCESS.

Yet, IMGs do pass, and Locals do fail.

There are no analytical statistics on these candidates.

A more interesting question is what is the pass-mark of candidates, graduated from the UK, post FY1-2 only, versus doctors from previous specialty backgrounds, regardless of country of graduation or employment.

I postulate, until the RCGP tells me otherwise (updates soon!), that the former have a higher pass mark than the latter.  

Do you think an IMG, long-in-the-tooth, has less experience or wisdom than a fresh-out-of-FY2-local candidate?

My inference of the situation is that IMGs are good consulters/communicators.

After all, the RCGP tells us it is not about usage of English that fails IMG – but are going about it in the wrong way versus lesser-experienced local graduates.

From personal experience, I feel no difference in what I can achieve in 10 minutes between my new-into-ST3 consultation style versus my optimal-for-the-CSA-and-forever consultation style.

The difference is HOW I gather the information and communicate with my patient. 

Yes, some IMGs are not up to scratch, from a doctor point - of- view, but so are some local graduates.

This is common sense - different specialties require different information and how to acquire this.

The same is in General Practice.

So what does this mean for IMGs?

We should remember firstly that statistics are only that – numbers on a page.

The high failure rate to me suggests lack of adaptation – little else.

This is fundamentally positive news for any IMG!

You CAN pass, You ARE good enough!

You possess ALL the tools anyone else has.

You just do not know how to CHANNEL this.

Let go of your reservations and watch videos of good consulters versus your own!

It is NOT YOU that needs adaptation;

IT is your Behaviour! 

Watch your Behaviour!

Become Positive and Interested.

Show Empathy and Place yourself in your Patient’s Shoes.

The medicine will come through.

You have so much more experience than the local graduates in this regard.

Be Positive, Smile, Enjoy!

Kash.

Dr Kashif Bhatti.



Now, It's Meeee...

Wowww Kash!!  What a thought provoking article!

Thank You, Kash.

Keep interacting!

You are not alone!....

To Your Success,

Hema xoxo.

P.S

Please Add in Your Valuable Comments ! Join in!

I'd love to hear from you!

THE CSA EXAM IS ALL ABOUT POSITIVITY!

Hellooo Friend!!!!

Hema Here!
Give me a Hi 5 first!

I am delighted!!!

I have got a Guest Blogger for You Today!

This blog was written specially for you all by Dr Kashif Bhatti, my great friend, wonderful colleague, fellow trainee who supported us during our CSA preparation.

He is one of the TOPPERS in February 2012 Batch from DWP GP programme.

He is writing about how he feels about CSA preparation.
Handed over to Kash...Kash...Kash...



THE CSA IS ALL ABOUT POSITIVITY !

The CSA examination has a daunting reputation.

It has a perceived unacceptably high failure rate for International Medical Graduates.

We are constantly and consistently informed that 'white females are virtually guaranteed to pass with just showing up on the day'.

It is nearly £1500, which works out to be nearly £10 a minute!

The exam is every few months, so failure is not only costly, it is lengthy too.

In some deaneries, trainees whom pass separate from those who fail, increasing the negative aura of failure.

Finally, we consult for 18 months in General Practice!

How can we fail on the working basic communication we practise everyday?????

Are YOU still searching?????

All of these put up an artificial barrier that we have to climb before we even begin getting to grips with passing the exam.

For some, this becomes insurmountable and they spiral into negativity and repeat failure.

The Key to passing the CSA is POSITIVITY!

We learn much better when we want to learn about something rather than when we are made to learn.

Think about Yourself. 

You will realise you remember what interests you more than what you have to know and which means less to you.

The CSA exam will be the most interesting surgery of your life!

You will have 13 Unique Patients! 

You will never have to worry about their previous health or the future follow up. 

There will be no one with run - of - the - mill problems.

No clinic full of URTI/Stress/Depression/Cough.

(Feel free to add whatever heart - sink situation of your choice!)

THINK POSITIVELY!

For £10 a minute, Enjoy each Moment.

Think of it as a Amusement Park Ride!  Woo-hoo!

You are privileged to have this experience.

You are going to meet the 13 most important people of your career.

Be Interested, Be Inquisitive, Be Positive.

With Positivity will come Interest.

With Interest will come Ease and Relaxation.

With that your natural abilities that made you a DOCTOR will come through.

Your consultation will become natural and flexible rather than forced and pedantically structured.

Trick for you all!! Try it!!

This is the difference between the stressed and panicky IMG who cannot comprehend where their technically sound consultations are going wrong versus the vigilant but ultimately quietly confident local graduate who subconsciously is Positive.

Be Positive, Smile, Enjoy!
Kash.

Dr Kashif Bhatti.



Now,

It's Meeee...

Wowww Kash!! What a Wonderful Article!

Thank You, Kash.

Keep Interacting!

You are not alone!..

Be the first to receive the FREE life changing updates, Tips from Toppers and to be Successful Registrars!

To Your Success,

Hema xoxo.


P.S

Please Add in Your Valuable Comments ! Join in!

I'd love to hear from you!

DE-CLUTTER BEFORE YOUR CSA EXAM!

Helloooo Friend!!!

Hema Here!
Give me a Biggg Hi 5!
This Blog may sound a bit like Counselling..

But I Believe Psychology places a Vital Role in passing CSA.

A lion(ess) cannot hunt while licking on its wounds!

Recently, I realised that I have been hoarding lots and lots of unnecessary things, both physically and psychologically, in my house and in my mind.

I am sure you might have realised at some point in your life like that.
These Clutters are Energy-Draining,

Holding us back and not allowing us to Grow and Shine.

Remember:

You get One Chance. One life. Make it Matter.

Make it work for you in precisely the way that you envision NOW, not later.

This is important to realise while preparing for CSA.

It is the right time to de-clutter the unwanted baggages and feel free and light not only physically but also in mind.

Think about the clutters such as:

1. Physical stuffs - dresses that donot fit anymore, unread books, etc.

2. Virtual stuffs -  fear, unnecessary anger, parasitic relationships, one way friendships, self destructing jealousy, anger, greed etc.

Imagine.....

How free and light You Feel if we unclutter those unnecessary loads?

It's YOUR LIFE...

Consciously Choose What You Want to Have :-)

According to the Law of Mother Nature,

The Emptiness will be filled with Peace and Inner Strength.

It is very important to feel the Inner Peace while working on something Important like CSA.

Have an ideal, blissful environment to prepare  for the big exam.

Let your family and friends know about this important factor.


Have a ' DO NOT DISTURB ' sign. (No Kidding Here).

Enjoy the Zen like Feeling and Kick Start your Preparation for CSA...

and GUESS what? 

SUCCESS will be YOURS Always :-) Hoorayyy!

Wowww!! Give me a Bigggg Hi5 again!!!!

You are not alone!

Be the first to receive the FREE life changing updates, Tips from Toppers, CSA Examiners and to be a Successful Registrar!


To Your Success,
Hema xoxo.


P.S

Please Add in Your Valuable Comments ! Join in!

I'd love to hear from you!

PASSING CSA IS EASY, REALLY?.

Helloooo  Friend!

Hema Here!

Give me a Biggg Hi5!

                                    
'''''CSA EXAM''''''     

Sounds scary.. isn't it?

IT WAS FOR ME...

Yes, I was in the same boat like you ALL...

I Started to panic when I thought about the CSA..

1500 Pounds... Weekends spent in just practising...

Being like zombies...Missing family and friends....

Trying to regain our confidence...Crying...(not really)

Cursing me 'why on earth, I took this medical career?'...

Having nightmares explaining the endless jargon free medical informations...etc ..etc..

One of my Colleagues told me that he saw fairies flying and demanding HRT.

Mine is the worst- 

Really BAD guys haunting and demanding Diazepam and Sick notes :-(

Felt like a 'little NEMO' lost in the Deep, Blue, Ocean...

But BELIEVE me..

It is not that tough exam..(honestly)

Infact, whoever passed told us that it was REALLY A FAIR exam looking for smart GPs who know their strength, power, knowledge, last but not the least, acknowledge their limitations.

Thats why I started this Blog to share our Tips, Resources and Informations with you, 'THE SMARTEST GROUP - THE GP REGISTRARS', who are burning your midnight oil to pass the CSA with flying colours.

IT IS FREE....YES....TOTALLY  FREE.....

SHARE IT......PRINT IT.....COPY IT......LIKE IT....

DO WHAT EVER YOU WANT.



I AM DELIGHTED TO BE WITH YOU ON YOUR MOST IMPORTANT JOURNEY IN YOUR LIFE..

                                YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Now back to our CSA,

The most difficult bit is to forget that it is an EXAM and to carry on as we fantastically run our day to day SURGERY.

YES, YES, YES.... Thats what the CSA exam is all about!!  NOTHING MORE OR LESS...

First thing is to have a CLARITY - This is where we start.
This is your Foundation.

You will learn a whole new way to think about you and your exam preparation.

You will learn how to look at everything you do with new eyes for efficiency and effectiveness.

Here, I am going to share my humble experience, notes,

VALUABLE tips from the Toppers, CSA Examiners, 

Curry Recipes....

( No, just kidding.

OK! OK!  You are not dozing off :-)

Our RCGP President and Chair have kindly agreed to offer their advice. Articles are coming SOON!!

I have grabbed every opportunity to make mistakes in this blog. Nevermind my Grammatical Mistakes!
I am not a Grammar Guru! (Is the spelling right here?)
We all share our own small sweet thoughts.. Thats all...
Your results will drastically increase.

You will shave months of research, reading, courses, workshops - by participating together and working SMART, the Smart Group. 

YOU are welcome to chip in your thoughts...

Those who have passed please join in to support our junior colleagues in their ordeal.

You can email me, drop in your comments, share your thoughts, successes, joys, concerns, doubts,etc,etc.

List is endless..

Hi Friend, You're ready.

I promise you.

And I can't wait to meet you!

Lets Start Our Journey Towards Success...

Start Preparing Now - Sooner is Better!

Wowww!! Give me a Bigggg Hi5 again!!!!

Keep interacting!

You are not alone!

Be the first to receive the FREE life changing updates, Tips from Toppers and to be a Successful Registrar!

To Your Success,
Hema xoxo.

P.S

Please add in your Valuable Comments ! JOIN in!

I'd love to hear from you!