Canadian Exam

Today Nathan took his Canadian residency exam. Even though he's not doing residency in Canada, he doesn't want to shut out the opportunity to come back in the future so he's keeping up with all of the requirements.

The test took the full day and he wrote it at The University of Western in London, Ontario. He thought the test went well but that it was much more vague than American exams. For example, a question on the Canadian exam would be, "What government body oversees microwave safety in Canada?" I don't know why that matters but obviously someone thinks it does. The test also gets progressively harder the better you do. This means that although all the questions are drawn from one bank, one person could write an easier test than someone else- it pushes everyone towards the average. In Canada, being a doctor is a pass/fail project. In the US, the marks you earn is what you use to apply for jobs and depending on your score (often not your interview) determines whether you are qualified for a position. When Nathan was in medical school the pass rate was 75%, in most Canadian schools, it's 50%. That is a huge difference. I wouldn't say that one system is better than the other because I (more specifically, Nathan) hasn't been through the Canadian system but the differences are noteworthy.

Nathan was also surprised by the procedure of the administration of the exam. For his American exams he wasn't allowed food or any items at his desk, head phones had to be provided (to prevent ear bud cheating), and students were separated by partitions. During today's exams, no one checked bags or ear buds, people were allowed to eat at their desks, and the test was written in a standard classroom with Nathan sitting directly beside and behind a student. Although he could see their tests, the questions are staggered (not that Nathan needs to or would ever cheat). I know that close contact was difficult for Nathan. When he writes a test he likes to focus and needs to not be distracted. He said that the pencil tapping, foot jiggling, and his classmates snacking was difficult to ignore. Also, because the test had a mandatory hour long lunch at a set time, the test takers used this time to review the questions they'd already seen.

Nathan is just glad this test is over with. There will always be another exam but we're thankful that this stress is done and that we can use the next month in Ontario to rest together especially with this being a tough week.

When Nathan came home from his exam he brought me flowers! I don't know how it works that he writes an 8 hour exam and I get tulips but it works for me! They are so beautiful and I can't wait wait for them to bloom!