The Medical Board Exam or the boards, is an exam that all medical students are required to take at the conclusion of their second year of medical school. The intensive exam which is taken in one day takes 8 hours to complete. The exam has 46 sections with more than 300 questions in a multiple choice format. The exam consists of the following topics:
- aging
- anatomy
- behavioral sciences
- biochemistry
- cell biology
- Epidemiology
- genetics
- immunology
- molecular biology
- nutrition
Students are tested on their knowledge of a wide array of medical problems and their ability to evaluate and treat each patient’s medical condition. Questions relate to medical diagnoses, how to prevent illnesses, and how to effectively manage medical problems.
We talked with Challenger Store about a few tips they may have, and they said, “It’s essential to start prepping for the exam way in advance. It’s a good idea to take notes on each patient you visit, their diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in your first year. Although each topic is covered in depth in the exam, emphasis may be more on one topic than another, so you must sufficiently prepare yourself by studying all the material.”
Exams are generated automatically for each student. If you don’t pass the exam the first time and must repeat it, you’ll have a different exam next time. It’s likely that your version of the test will be different from that of other students taking the exam the same day.
The American Board of Family Medicine exam is very difficult, so it’s important to take advantage of the resources that are available to help you to get the highest score possible. Statistics shows that the number of medical students that passed the exam in 2013 was 81.7 percent. Considering the vast amount of information a medical student is required to know in order to pass the exam, it’s essential to take a methodical approach when you’re studying.
One of the most effective ways to prepare for the exam is to use board exam prep courses which are available. Comprehensive practice tests with hundreds of questions are available online. Many of the practice tests are customizable for the needs of each student, and a variety of tests are available. Tests are based on ABFM guidelines and many offer modes for testing and study.
Although a lot of students cram for exams, the Family Medicine Board Exam is an exception. The vast amount of material must be learned, and you should begin during your first year in school. Take advantage of proven strategies to pass the exam.
Repetition is one of the most effective ways to learn. When you use exam prep materials online, you can take practice tests as often as you must in order to pass the exam. Many of the test questions come from exams that students have recently taken and is based on overall knowledge.
The practice tests with the exam prep material may consist of study guides, flashcards, and practice tests. You can review the material as often as you need to for a higher score when you take the exam. In addition to the exam prep material, you should start writing down important points about each patient’s condition and treatment early in your medical school training. By frequently reviewing the material, you’ll be better prepared for the exam.
