Approach to Theory Exam- for Community Medicine post graduates

Useful information for postgraduate in community medicine

1. Approach to Theory Exam Speaker: Dr Vinodhini Balamurugan., MD(SPM), F.Diab ., Assistant Professor ACS Medical College and Hospital, Chennai & Joint Coordinator - TADCOM PG Wing (Academics and Research)

2. Approach to Theory Exam 2 Student A: PG student A studies for 2 hours everyday - regularly He gets a score of 62 % in final exams Student B: PG student B studies 1 hour on most days of a week She gets a score of 76 % in final exams WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENCE ?

3. Possible reasons: Exam preparation strategies Art of better writing in Exams Phased learning using concepts; focus on high yielding areas Attends Mock exam– (Theory & Practical) Prepares well ahead of exams and retrospect every time for better performance Approach to Theory Exam 3

4. Approach to Theory Exam Approach to Theory Exam 4

5. OBJECTIVES OF THIS SESSION: To identify best exam preparation strategies for getting better scores To learn and master the art of writing in exam s To understand how to learn effectively and know the high yield topics in Community Medicine To discuss the significance of mock exams and time allotment for preparation To discuss with examples of Exam questions and how to effectively answer them To plan for better time management during exams Approach to Theory Exam 5

6. Approach to Theory Exam 6

7. Approach to Theory Exam 7 During the course

8. GANTT CHART ACADEMIC YEAR LEARNING / SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE PRESENTATIONS DISSERTATION Other Mandates 1 st YEAR Basic concepts, IA – once in 6 months Short talks, Journal clubs Topic selection and Protocol with IEC approval – within 6 months Short studies can be done BCBR Start studying the PARK textbook Refer other books Seminars Short studies can be done 2 nd YEAR Books – Epidemiology, Health Management Seminars. Journal clubs, Case presentations Data collection, Thesis writing Poster presentation, Oral presentation, Publications IAPSM textbook, AFMC etc Complete PARK textbook Handles practical classes Data analysis and Results Thesis writing Oral presentation 3 rd YEAR + Recent updates Health programs Case presentations Seminars Pedagogy sessions Thesis final Corrections and Submission – before 6 months of final exams (Completes thesis and starts focusing for final exams ) Last 6 months – Question banks, give Mock Exams Handles few theory classes UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION 8

9. To Learn effectively: List of Recommended books, websites List of High yield topics Group discussion with peers – helps especially in difficult topics Collect and learn with good study materials Use flow charts and diagrams (easy to revise and better memory) Notes helps a lot before exams (quick and effective) Approach to Theory Exams 9

10. Recommended books Park’ s Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine , by K.Park Epidemiology , by Leon Gordis . Epidemiology and Management for Health Care , by Sathe PV and Doke PP Public Health and Preventive Medicine ( Maxcy -Rosenau - Last Public Health and Preventive Medicine) by Robert B. Wallace Basic Epidemiology. R Bonita, R Beaglehole , T Kjellstrom . World Health Organization Geneva Oxford Textbook of Public Health. Holland W, Detel R, Know G. 5. Practical Epidemiology, by D.J.P Barker Approach to Theory Exams 10

11. Recommended books (Contd...) Mahajan B K and M.C.Gupta , Text Book of Preventive & Social Medicine Jaypee Publications 8. Interpretation and Uses of Medical Statistics, by Leslie E Daly, Geoffrey J Bourke, James MC Gilvray . 9. Epidemiology, Principles and Methods, by B. MacMahon , D. Trichopoulos 10. Hunter's Diseases of Occupations , by Donald Hunter, PAB Raffle, PH Adams, Peter J. Baxter, WR Lee. All reports and documents related to all National Programmes from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Committee Reports and Policy Documents - Medical Education and Health Policy Approach to Theory Exam 11

12. Other Important books and materials: IAPSM Textbook of community medicine AFMC textbook of public health Golden notes Master updates (current/latest year) JIPMER book on Medical education principles and TL techniques Belavendra Antonisamy – CMC, Principles and practise of biostatistics J Kishore – National health programmes Taneja – Health Programmes Approach to Theory Exam 12

13. Recommended websites: Recommended websites Website link MOHFW https://main.mohfw.gov.in/ NCDC https://ncdc.mohfw.gov.in/ WHO https://www.who.int/ >> Health topics, IECs ICMR https://main.icmr.nic.in/ Any gov.in https://www.india.gov.in/ All health programmes https://naco.gov.in/nacp , https://nhm.gov.in/ , others tnheath.org https://tnhealth.tn.gov.in/ >> govt of TN details Swayam https://swayam.gov.in/nc_details/NPTEL >> BCBR TN Dr.MGR Medical University (Or Any University which you study) https://www.tnmgrmu.ac.in/ …… Approach to Theory Exam 13

14. Use of concept maps: Approach to Theory Exam 14

15. Approach to Theory Exam 15

16. Approach to Theory Exam 16 Spider Map

17. Approach to Theory Exam 17 Flow chart

18. Approach to Theory Exam 18 Hierarchy map

19. Approach to Theory Exam 19 System maps

20. 20 Conferences and Workshops attended during my PG period : 2017-2020

21. Approach to Theory Exam 21

22. Approach to Theory Exam 22 Preparation - Before Exams

23. Exam preparation strategies for getting better scores: Follow the Gantt chart – realistic one! Take your Internal exams seriously and do well (Prepare like they are main exams!!) Learn from recommended books and materials Take Notes Less time >> Efficient reading >> Better outputs Use flow charts and diagrams (Visual memory is long lasting) Approach to Theory Exam 23

24. Exam preparation strategies for getting better scores (Contd...) Try to attend all PG Presentations. Have a mentor for presentations Attend conferences, workshops – Be updated ! Center postings , field visits – Practical insights Institutional visits and training program Be connected - New opportunities Approach to Theory Exam 24

25. Time spent on preparation – Before Exams Last 6 months – Crucial !! Spend most time in studies Limit distractions Give Mock practical and theory exams Theory exams, ask faculty and write them, for practice Last 3 months – REVISION IS THE KEY Avoid poster/ oral presentations. Finish them ahead Avoid Conferences Approach to Theory Exam 25

26. Approach to Theory Exam 26

27. Plan time allotment for answers: Approach to Theory Exam 27 Marks (No of Q) Time allotted Total duration (3 hours) Ie ., 180 mins Read Question paper Structure the answers (rough) 10 mins 10 mins Essay 15 marks (2) 15 – 20 mins each 40 mins Short notes 5 marks (10) 8 mins each 80 mins Reasoning out 5 marks (4) 8 -10 mins each 40 mins Grace time 10 mins 10 mins Revising Highlighting Entering front page details 10 mins 10 mins Total time : 180 mins

28. Approach to Theory Exam 28 During Exams

29. Art of writing in Exams: Attempt ALL the Questions (even if few are not known ) Write legibly Stick to the planned time frame Answer Questions in order of categories – Ex. Short Notes, complete it Start with well known answers (First) When struck with answers, leave space and move to next question Approach to Theory Exam 29

30. Art of writing in Exams (Contd...) Start with synopsis : Use one/ two colours maximum while writing Underline after each answer Write in points , Avoid paragraphs Approach to Theory Exam 30

31. Art of writing in Exams (Contd...) Use flow charts Use Diagrams Most university exams, no additional sheets are given (mostly they are adequate) In most cases, Number of pages per question α Marks scored in Exams Don’t brag >> Make it meaningful Afterall, you will be evaluated by Exams – for all the years of study and practice Approach to Theory Exam 31

32. Approach to Theory Exam 32

33. Lets discuss : few Exam Questions for Practice…. Approach to Theory Exam 33 1. Health program 2. Communicable diseases 3. Epidemiology 4. Nutrition 5. Non Communicable diseases 6. Maternal & Child Health 7. Special groups

34. 1. Health program – Ex. NTEP : Discuss the objectives, strategies and the current status of implementation of NTEP programme in detail. (10/ 15 mark) For any question related to the national health programmes , the following subheadings are a must; Synopsis: Introduction. Problem statement of the disease/health care problem in India. Need for the programmes to be started in the country. History of the programme . Objectives and Strategies of the Programme Interventions, features, and functioning of the programme . Approach to Theory Exam 34

35. Manpower, staffing pattern, funding, and budgeting (involvement of NGOs, and international health care agencies if any). Recent updates and advancements in the programme Achievements and Milestones of the programme . SWOT analysis Conclusion REFERENCES: 1) J. KISHORE’s National Health Programmes 2) D.K. TANEJA’s Health Programmes and Policies Approach to Theory Exam 35

36. 2. Communicable diseases – Vaccination – questions - not direct from the textbook answers from different articles, documents, and reference materials. scoring marks in such questions - difficult, compared to a question that directly comes from a textbook. a) Why was Mumps removed from the MMR vaccine? Explain.  (5marks) Introduction: Briefly write about the disease, problem statement, and need for the vaccine. History of the vaccination in the world and in India Details about the MMR vaccine- dosage, site of vaccination, schedule Scientific rationale behind the decision to remove the mumps vaccine Comment on the decision with data supporting your views whether you think it is a correct decision or not. Conclusion Approach to Theory Exam 36

37. b) Syndromic approach vs Laboratory approach in Management of Sexually transmitted diseases. (5marks) Introduction: define syndromic and lab approaches Problem statement on STIs, History behind adopting the syndromic approach. What approach do various healthcare systems around the world tend to favor ? Indian and Tamilnadu Scenario Pros and cons of both approaches The better approach in your opinion: support it with scientific reason Conclusion Approach to Theory Exam 37

38. Approach to Theory Exam 38

39. Instructions for activity : `Choose one 15 mark and 5 mark question. See how it can be answered. Write down the synopsis of your answer. Include diagrams and flowcharts where necessary. Total duration of 8 mins will be given. AFTER COMPLETING, Close the answer sheet twice. Write down the first letter of your name, followed by last two digits of your phone number. Drop in the box next to you (We will get it near to you) Approach to Theory Exam 39

40. You can try this… 3. Epidemiology – Describe steps in the investigation of a case of food poisoning in a five star hotel (15 marks) 4. Nutrition – a. D escribe the problem of hidden hunger in I ndia . Describe measures to tackle the same (15 marks) b. 6 x 6 x 6 strategy in Anemia control (5 marks) 5. NCDs NP NCDS : Critically appraise. As a program officer, evaluate and give your recommendations . (15 marks) 6. MCH: Risk approach in Antenatal care ( 5 marks) Approach to Theory Exam 40

41. 3. Epidemiology – Investigation of an outbreak (As a health planner how will you plan and investigate an outbreak of dengue fever in a community , oct 2020) Describe steps in the investigation of a case of food poisoning in a five star hotel, Mar 07 These are questions that are very direct in nature and are repeated often, the examiners more often than not expect the basic answer that is given in the textbook. ( K.Park ). Students are advised to take advantage of such questions, as it is considerably easier to score high in such questions. Approach to Theory Exam 41

42. Synopsis: Introduction: Define; Epidemic, outbreak, and Public health importance of investigation of an outbreak. List the ten steps in the investigation of an outbreak Explain the steps in ten subheadings, with appropriate examples. Conclusion   Sometimes the question may be specific: You are a medical officer required to investigate a dengue outbreak/ food poisoning in a village after a village festival. In such cases, you must tailor /change your answers and answer specifically to the public health problem in those steps. References: 1) Park’s Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine 2) IAPSM textbook of community medicine Approach to Theory Exam 42

43. 4. Nutrition – Hidden hunger ( D escribe the problem of hidden hunger in I ndia . Describe measures to tackle the same . A ug 2020 ) Hidden hunger position of India – 5 marks Synopsis: Introduction- explain what is hidden hunger Problem statement in the World and India Adverse effects of Hidden hunger Strategies used by the government in combatting hidden hunger - Supplementation - Fortification - Dietary diversification. Community Participation Conclusion Approach to Theory Exam 43

44. b) 6 x 6 x 6 strategy in Anemia control (Direct question) Synopsis: Introduction: Brief about the anemia programme Problem statement about anemia in I ndia and Anemia Mukht Bharat History before the 6*6*6 strategy Need for the 6*6*6 Strategy Explain the strategy: beneficiaries, interventions and institutional mechanism Goals and achievements SWOT analysis of the strategy Way forward Conclusion Approach to Theory Exam 44

45. NCDs NPNCDS: Critically appraise. As a program officer, evaluate and give your recommendations . Discuss various activities for cervical cancer management under NPCDCS (15 marks) - Oct 19 Makkalai Thaedi Marathuvam scheme. Mention the diseases screened and evaluate the program The answer to such questions cannot be found in a textbook or from a single source of reference The answer to such a question is subjective . The critical appraisal is the most important part of this question, students have to critique the functioning, handling, and outcome of the programme , sometimes students might be asked to just critique one part of a program ; an initiative, or a strategy - answer must be restricted to the particular component. Approach to Theory Exam 45

46. Synopsis: Introduction; a brief note on the program Components of the programme Problem statement Indicators used for the program Critical appraisal based on the status of indicators Cost-effective/ Cost-benefit analysis Comment on the expenditure, man power allocation Are the goals and objectives of the programme achieved? Challenges in implementation, way out? Winning strategies in other countries and states, that can be adopted SWOT Analysis Approach to Theory Exam 46

47. MCH : Risk approach in MCH ( Risk approach in Antenatal care , 5m , Oct 18) Synopsis: -Introduction -screening of high-risk cases -high-risk cases (WHO definition) -Management of high-risk cases -Risk approach? (WHO) -Referral system and identification by various workers at different levels -policies and programs pertaining to risk approach in India -conclusion Approach to Theory Exam 47

48. Discuss about Geriatric health and explain in brief about the concept of Demographic bomb. -Introduction; define geriatric age group and geriatric health -health problems faced by the elderly -program for the health care of the elderly -steps taken to improve the quality of life for the elderly -hospice, old age homes. -Define demography -concept of demographic bomb and how geriatric age group can be a demographic bomb in a society -adverse effects if such an event were to take place -how the situation can be tackled -Conclusion Approach to Theory Exam 48

49. Stress management during exams: Mock exams – increases confidence Avoid outside foods and water before and during Exams Take supplies – pens, pencils, eraser, highlighters, etc Check and keep them ready – one week before Get emergency supply of medicines handy at your room Approach to Theory Exam 49

50. Approach to Theory Exam 50

51. Exam stress is Normal and Healthy!! Talk to your peers and friends when you feel acutely stressed/ anxious Have a positive mindset and visualize you being successful after exams Its never too late.. Work for it for now ! Approach to Theory Exam 51 Any activity or works in everyday life – Prioritize and do! Complete the important and urgent tasks first Reduce distractions – not important and not urgent

52. Approach to Theory Exam 52 Contact details: Dr Vinodhini Balamurugan., MD(SPM), F.Diab ., Assistant Professor ACS Medical College and Hospital, Chennai Contact Number: 9600124955 Email id : [email protected]