Residency Rap

Recently, the topic of Boards has come up in my discussions with other residents. I’ve had a couple of people ask what materials am I studying to prepare for the Boards. I have to admit, I’m a little gray on this area myself. I think this would be a great topic to hear a variety of resident input.

First of all, let’s establish a few facts. This may be redundant information, but I figured it’s better to be complete. There are 2 main boards, the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine (ABPOPPM) (www.abpoppm.org) and the American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS) (www.abps.org). Each board has an exam for “qualified” and “certified” status. Qualification exams are written (or computer based) and certification exams are a combination of clinical cases, a written exam, and an oral exam. Each board has its own specific requirements. For example, you have to have four years of clinical experience before taking the ABPS certification exam. Additionally, the ABPS has two types of examinations, the foot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery exam. You can become qualified and certified in either one or both. I direct you to the specific websites for more information.
 

Now, back to the question at hand: how to study. I imagine just about every senior podiatry resident will be taking the boards. Except for the high cost (the ABPS qualification exam is $1600 for both exams) I can’t see any reason why an eligible resident wouldn’t take the exam. What better time than when you’re immersed in an academic program with access to all of our study materials?

I hear you asking, “All right already what do I study?” Here’s a list of the obvious no-brainer stuff I’m looking at. The PRESENT Courseware lectures (what better resource?), the McGlamry text (I’m told many of the questions arise straight from here), and a quick glance through Hershey and the Presby reviews (a bit out of date, though). Additionally, the Board websites have study guides with references. Last year when I took the ABPOPPM qualification exam, I used Boards by the Numbers, which I thought helped focus my studying a bit more. I could see my weak points and spend more time there, reviewing the references. The disk costs $307, but if you have broadband internet the company has a downloadable version for $199 (www.certifiable.com). Unfortunately, they don’t have a resident discount. Another option is to buy the PRESENT Board Review (www.podiatriceducation.com/boards/) which includes a great series called a Review of General Medicine, a Review of Pharmacology, a series of Mentoring lectures and also INCLUDES the complete 2006 Boards by the Numbers, so for $695 ($625 before March 1), you get a complete package of all the best study materials.

What other methods do you plan to use to study for the boards? Write in and educate the rest of us. Don’t forget the best tools you have are your outstanding podiatric training and your minds. What other tools do you really need?