Study Toolbox Part 1 - The Onion

This is the first post in a series called the Study Toolbox.  The aim of these is to share some hints & tips that I have found particularly useful in my QP training to date.

During one of my first meetings with my sponsor back in November he instilled the idea of an onion my approach to QP training.  Obviously this was not something I was expecting.  After confirming his alcohol consumption was within limits (it was a Friday afternoon..) we discussed it further and the analogy soon became clear and has stuck with me ever since.

It's all about the layering.  Onions are made up of multiple layers which become smaller and smaller as you head towards the centre.  This layering analogy lends itself well to preparing for the QP viva:

1. The outer layer:  This is the high level information you need to know about all aspects of the study guide even those dosage forms that you are not experienced in
2.  Subsequent layers:  Each subsequent layer represents additional detailed information on the specific area in question.  Each layer representing another level of detail.  The more knowledge you have the more layers are available to you.

The best way of showcasing this is via the use of mindmaps in the preparation of potential viva questions.  Stay tuned for a further post on this shortly....