Credit Tests (5th - 12th semester)

The syllabus says the following about during the course assessment:

1. Method of passing individual classes – oral (discussion during classes, observation of student work, assessment of activity during classes).
2. Method of passing individual seminars – oral.
3. Method and form of completing all didactic classes in a particular unit – a written test (multiple choice test) and passing the history of the disease (implementation of a specific task, multimedia presentation).
4. The block begins with checking the knowledge of physical examination in the field of Internal Medicine – a form of checking at discretion of the Departments.
5. Preparation to classes is assessed on the ground of active participation in the class (analysis of clinical cases under discussion).
6. Preparation of the medical history during the block of classes.
7. Credit of seminars – based on discussion and participation in the seminar.
8. At the end of the block there is a test of knowledge following the curriculum (the subject matter covers seminars, classes and lectures). The most common form of checking knowledge is a test. In case of failure – a retake test within 14 days after finishing the block.

Final Exam ("Test Exam"), theoretical part (12th Semester)

Both the theoretical and practical/oral exam are written in the summer examination session in sixth year. NB! You can only have 3 takes total for both parts (e.g. if you fail the Test exam once, you have one less take for your Practical and Oral exam).

Before the exam: All groups had to attend and complete all Internal Medicine blocks before the exam. We were allowed to bring our own water and snacks to eat. Phones were asked to be left in bags at the coat check, but some were collected and left in the front, too. Definitely make sure yours is off, because if it is not, they will cancel your exam! No smart watches!

Outline: There were 100 multiple choice questions (one correct) with some departments having more than others. This is the format of the exam:

• Cardiology – 22 questions

• Gastroenterology – 16 questions

• Nephrology – 10 questions

• Pulmonology  – 10 questions

• Hematology – 10 questions

• Endocrinology  – 8 questions

• Metabolic Diseases – 8 questions 

• Allergology – 8 questions 

• Rheumatology – 8 questions 

The questions were a mix of cases and facts, all based off the Harrison's book (during review, they can specify which page and paragraph the question was derived from).

Time: We had 200 minutes (the exact time fluctuates based on word count in the exam) for all questions. We found the allocated time sufficient to read through each question calmly, select an option and move on. If you want to go back to review your answer choices at the end, you might run out of time.

Writing: Each student was handed out a question booklet and an answer sheet. There were one set of the exam. Students should write the exam with a pencil 2B and rubber. Walking outside to the toilet was allowed, but singly, and an assistant always accompanied each student outside of the exam hall. You have to report your willingness to leave, and the test and answer sheet should be left on the assistant's table.

Passing: 60% is required to pass. Each part [theoretical/practical] gets graded and counted 50% towards the final grade. The answer sheet is read electronically, and we were encouraged to carefully mark the answer sheet (fill in the circle carefully, with no deletions). The results were sent out to each student individually on the university email the day after writing the exam. 

Around 30% of the class did not pass on the first try. Insight was granted in a week after the results were announced, strictly only to view your answer sheet (meaning we were not given permission to see the question booklet or answer key).

Please mind the special retake rule about the number of attempts (read below).

Comments: It is considered the toughest exam within the UMB English Division because it covers a vast amount of knowledge in different fields (and it is impossible to remember it all). We found that the exam questions are long and detailed, and take time to get used to. We also know that it is very common for about 30-50% of students to fail the first try. But do not worry yet, because when retakers can grasp the structure and timing better on the retake, they perform a lot better on the retake – usually outscoring the first-take passers, too. To be successful, we suggest to become familiar with the questions as much as you can beforehand and prime yourself to read and answer quickly. Questions are new every single year but follow similar formats – so it is worth asking politely for training questions from all the departments.

Final Exam, practical and oral part (12th Semester)

Before the exam: You must have all signatures in your Internal Medicine booklet, they are checked during this exam, and you must have passed the first theoretical "Test exam". Lots were drawn several months beforehand to determine in which department you will absolve this exam.

Procedure: 

1. First, you will go to a real patient's room in the department where you have to perform a textbook-worthy patient history and physical examination, and then conclude with making a diagnosis. 

2. Second, you are handed a few sets of  ECG's (3 per set). All departments got the same sets from Cardiology. After you randomly pick one, you get a few minutes to decide on what you believe each one is. Don't stress, you got plenty time for this part!

3. Lastly, you move to the oral exam and randomly select questions from slips of paper. The topics come from all departments independent from the department you're in (plus may be about your diagnosis and differential diagnosis from the patient earlier). You have to answer three questions correctly in order to pass.