Essentials for DNB practicals

This is a post I am writing amidst frantic calls from juniors about
"what to read for the DNB practicals" ?

First of all, this Primary/ Secondary/ Tertiary(post MD) ;) classification for DNB practical aspirants is pointless. At the end of the day I believe what matters is what you have learned about radiology in the 3 years of your residency and a rational examiner. The only reason why apparently post MD candidates (seem to ) do better is because of their bindaas attitude to the exam...

So don't be biased or unnecessarily tensed...Its just another exam...An opportunity to see more interesting cases and talk with even more interesting people..

This is a gist what I did for my practicals (in PGI chandigarh 2012) :

1. Read basic physics stuff like cassettes, films, tubes, contrast, etc (Trust me its really volatile, even if you have read it for theory). This is something which is invariably asked to every examinee.   ALL EXAMINERS CONSIDER THIS "BASIC".
2. See as many cases as possible. So even if your institute doesn't have a TF collection, there is a whole universe of radiology cases online...All you have to do is beckon google devta and every possible diagnostic case can be viewed. Plus there are a whole lot of site with " radiology cases "and "radiology case of the days" to see. ("to be googled"). [Separate blogpost on top sites will take some time..]. THIS WILL HELP YOU TREMENDOUSLY FOR SPOTS (Fast and accurate diagnosis)
3. Most important thing for cases: See all images (there is a reason they gave you that tiny USG film/ or the delayed film). Read the clinical details(if provided)

Generally there is only one diagnosis.

Time yourself, don't spend unnecessarily long time on one case which may not be worth it.

If you get one finding, keep looking there may be more...

Write your findings as you would write any report. Suggest any additional radiological investigations.

Do not waste your time writing about the pathophysiology(unless asked)

When presenting your case:

Start describing as soon as you put up the films [PUT UP THE FILMS CORRECTLY]. STOP  only when the examiner decides he has had enough...!!

First of all TALK...Answer the questions raised by the examiner to your best ability. Do not hessitate to ask them to repeat if you don't understand. Agree with them eventually if your justification loses ground...

LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST : wish you examiners at the start and end of the exam...THANK YOU.

ALL THE BEST FOR THE PRACTICALS!!!