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 available for your Practical and Oral exam).

Before the exam: All groups had to attend and complete all Internal Medicine blocks. We were allowed to bring our own water and snacks to eat. Phones were asked to be left in bags at the coat check. If they find you wearing a smartwatch or bringing your smartphone, they will cancel your exam.

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 theoretically based off the Harrison's book (during review, they should be able to specify which page and paragraph the question was derived from).

Time: We had 150 minutes (the exact time fluctuates based on word count in the exam) for all questions. Most people found the allocated time sufficient to read through each question, 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. Students should fill out the answer sheet with a pencil and an eraser, and we were encouraged to carefully mark the answer sheet by filling in the circle carefully, with no deletions. Walking outside to the toilet was allowed, but alone, and an assistant always accompanied each student outside of the exam hall.

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 the results were uploaded to the Virtual University on the same day as the exam (in 2024/2025). 

Around 25% of the class did not pass on the first try. Insight was granted a few days after the results were announced, upon making an appointment by phone.

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

Comments: It is considered the toughest exam within 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 – usually outscoring the first-takers. To be successful, we suggest you to become familiar with the questions as much as you can and prime yourself to read quickly. Questions are new on every single take but follow similar formats – so it is worth practicing.

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 weeks beforehand to determine in which department you will absolve this exam.

Procedure: 

1. First, you will go to a real patient in the department where you have to perform a textbook-worthy patient history and physical examination, and then conclude with making a diagnosis. You usually do this with your co-examiner, and during the physical exam, they may speed it up by only asking you to check a few specific signs. Then, you return to your examiner who usually has follow up questions about the patient AND the disease with its differential diagnoses. 

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! In order to pass, you have to diagnose all 3 ECG's correctly.

3. Lastly, you move to the oral exam and randomly select questions from slips of paper in envelopes. In 2024/2025, we had to pick 1 from the Cardiology envelope, and 2 from the rest.  The topics come from all departments independent from the department you're in. You have to answer three questions correctly in order to pass. Additional questions may be asked by the examiner, though.

Conclusion: After your last part, your examiner meets with your co-examiner to discuss your performance in all parts and agree on a grade together. Then, they will sign the last page of the Internal Medicine booklet and finalize the grade (that goes into the system).