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Remediation

If you find yourself needing to remediate a block, it can feel stressful, hopeless, and isolating.

But, we can tell you from experience that remediation is far from the end of the world, and somehow even farther from a detriment to your medical career. Even knowing that, though, it can be a huge load on your shoulders. Fortunately, at Mizzou, we have a Post Exam Support and Wellness program (which you can check out here: Post-Exam Support Mentoring) currently run by M3 Sophia Greer.

We’ve also compiled advice from upperclassmen who’ve gone through the process. See what they have to say below.

Advice from upperclassmen:

“I had to remediate the CRE in first year and I was completely devastated. I let it ruin the only summer off I had in medical school. I was already really burned out and this just compounded the problem. I am now applying to residency and realizing that this unsatisfactory grade will make no difference on my applications. Faculty at Mizzou and across the country have made it very clear that a failed grade, especially in the first year, will not affect where I can/want to match. This will not be a red flag. I wish I hadn’t let this worry me so much at the time or continue to worry about it for the last 3 years because it really isn’t as big of a deal as I thought. Lots of people have difficulty and this is part of becoming a better physician. At the end of the day, that’s what we are here to do, to become the best physician we can. If that includes some remediation, we will be better off for it in the end.”

“Many people anticipate the score reveal parties and seeing how well you think you did. The crazy part is how close you can be from passing and moving on with your life as if you aced the test or failing and feeling like crap. After every exam, people will complain about questions and joke about failing, but no one wants to really be in that position, but it does happen and actually happens more than you think. Typically there is at least one person who fails a block exam every block. If you find yourself on the unfortunate side of Block exam scores, it can feel like all hope is lost. Trust me, all of us feel that way. Most of us are not familiar with academic failure, so you may wonder if you are capable of becoming a doctor, if the school made a mistake letting you in, should you consider another career, but I am here to tell you that you DESERVE to be here! After seeing your score, allow yourself time to process it whatever way you need (cry, pray, be angry, whatever) , but for only one night. When you wake up the next morning, wake up ready to prove why you deserve to be here! First, I would highly recommend talking to someone who has went through this process before. MizzouMed has a system set up just for that. It normalizes the situation and these people are the only ones who can truly sympathize, but also guide you on the process. Big things are making a plan. You’ll have to meet with one of the Deans and they will tell you the options you have. In my own personal opinion, if you need more than 2 pts back to pass, skip the appeal and focus on studying! Review all the questions and try to get an understanding of the knowledge gaps you have. Get a tutor if you think you need it, or talk with a trusted friend who can explain some topics to you. Next is your game plan. Take a step back from extracurriculars if you can. You will need to balance studying for two exams. I would suggest using the time between score reveal and week 3 to hit the group running with the exam you need to remediate. Most of it should still be fresh in your mind, so do a lot of practice questions which will keep you sharp. Once week 3 comes, you need to be focused on the task at hand. Learn that information cold, so there is no chance you will fail any part of that block. Maybe incorporate one video on the remediation topics or a little anki to keep it in your mind though. Work hard weeks 3-8 and take the first exam. Once you finish on Friday, take that evening off to rest. If your exam is in the following week, then get up early Saturday morning and run through information that you struggled with. The new exam may not be as heavily focused on certain topics that they were on the first exam, so make sure you are thorough. Do the best that you can and you will be fine. There are many of us who have failed a block and turned it all around. We are now M2s, M3s, M4s and even DOCTORS!! It does hit your confidence and makes it hard to believe in yourself, but I promise you that you WILL MAKE IT. Best wishes on your endeavors and don’t forget that you got the seat that only YOU could fill. Show us what you’re made of. Your future patients need you!”

“I’ve talked to many very capable people who have had to remediate- it is not the end of the world and you can still be a great doctor! Definitely reach out to upperclassmen who have remediated- talking to others who had done it before helped me calm my nerves a bit. For neuro block, focus on the stuff in First Aid. Go over the exam you failed with a faculty tutor if they can find you one and figure out patterns of what you missed/the way they like to ask questions. Do practice BRS questions.”

“Probably the best recommendation I can tell is that is not over. You’ll have a chance to pass the exam once again, and although it sucks to have to repeat the exam, it happens, and we move on.
Go over the exam, take notes specially on what you missed and hit those points extra hard. Retake the test, pass it, put it behind you, and focus on the next thing.
Finally, do not be afraid of the post failing meeting with the dean, they are super helpful, and extremely nice.”