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A Pediatric Board Study Schedule with Step-By-Step Instructions

Why You DO Need A Study Schedule for the Pediatric Boards

Calendar for the Pediatric Board Study Schedule

Introduction

Developing an effective Pediatric Board Study Schedule is crucial for success in the pediatric boards. In this article, we'll outline a comprehensive strategy tailored to your needs, whether you're juggling a busy practice or an unpredictable fellowship schedule.

I often get asked questions along the lines of…

Can you give me a general pediatric board study schedule?”

I'm in practice and very busy. Can you provide me with a pediatric board study plan that's going to work for me?

Can you provide a pediatric board study schedule for those of us with an erratic schedule because we're in fellowship?

The answer to all of these questions is “yes.” But, when you’re preparing for your pediatric board exam, the most essential first step is to map out a dedicated amount of time for your studying based on your personal availability and the recommendations in this article. If you are a first-time test taker, and you:

  • Graduated from a US medical school
  • Have done well on prior board exams
  • Scored above 222 on the USMLE Step 1
  • Come from a residency program with a high passing rate, and
  • Have done well on your most recent In-Training Exam

Then you are likely at low risk for failing the pediatric boards, and this is the study plan for you! For low-risk test-takers, I recommend finding a MINIMUM of 300 hours to block out in your schedule, with plans to go through your Pediatrics Board Review material at least THREE times.

Click Here Now & Go Through the Full PBR Risk Calculator

Pediatric Board Personalized Study Schedule

Please remember, though, that a schedule is only as valuable as your DETERMINATION to follow it. In this article, I break down those 300 hours into a manageable, concrete schedule that you can use to guide your studies and PASS the pediatric boards.

Pediatric Board Study Schedule 300 Study Hours

Since it’s impossible for me to know exactly what your commitments are, what I’ve tried to do below is map out 14 weeks of study time based on the goal of studying approximately 300 hours.

Even if you do not agree with everything I recommend, keep reading to get some ideas that you can incorporate into your own board preparation plan. At the end of this article, I also share some pearls of wisdom to help you manage all of the study time that will be needed to pass your boards!

What If I'm at “Moderate to High Risk” of Failing the Pediatric Boards?

If the risk calculator helped you realize that you are at moderate or high risk for failing the boards, don’t worry! I've created a 16-week study schedule to help you succeed on the boards! The recommendations in the other article are tailored towards graduates who were told that they were “at risk” of failing the boards based on their in-training exam scores, and those who have already failed the boards at least once.

What Should I Review to Pass the Pediatric Boards?

In this article, we will reference PBR’s core content for the studying resources, which refers to the PBR’s Course Study Guide and PBR’s Q&A book. We strongly recommend that you review your board materials using a multimodal approach. Doing so has proven to increase learning retention. The different modalities should be congruent; they should all work well with each other to reinforce your knowledge base. This strategy has helped thousands of pediatricians pass the boards – from first-time test takers to those who have failed up to 7 times.

While these two books are what we use in this study schedule, the most common bundles that our members use are the All Access Pass and the No Brainer. The All Access Pass includes:

  • PBR’s Core Study Guide (Hardcopy and Online Editions)
  • PBR’s Question & Answer Book (Hardcopy and Online Editions)
  • Virtual Atlas of Pediatric Picture (Online and PDF Editions)
  • Audio Course (Streaming and Downloadable Editions)
  • Online Video Course
  • Live Summertime Q&A Webinars
  • And more…

The No Brainer includes everything in the All Access Pass, but it also includes:

  • PBR's Full Online Test-Taking Strategies Course
  • Personalized Study Schedule creation services by Team PBR (up to 3 schedules)

Click here to get the full pediatric Dermatology and pediatric Gastroenterology Chapters From THIS YEAR's Edition of the PBR. “Try Before You Buy!”

Download the Pediatric Dermatology and Gastroenterology Chapters Now

A Pediatric Board Study Schedule For First-Time Test Takers

Pediatric Board Study Schedule for Success Ahead

This comprehensive pediatric board exam study plan is based on committing to an average of 23 hours of studying per week. If you follow the schedule below, you will go through the PBR materials three times, and answer over 500 practice questions. If you stick to the plan, you’ll be done in 14 weeks or LESS (based on your personal life commitments).

A successful study schedule is comprised of both learning and application. Which is why this article will focus on helping you go through the PBR materials and practice questions. I usually recommend AAP PREP ® questions. Below you’ll find a guide that breaks down how you should consider spending your time.

When you go through AAP PREP ® questions (I recommend going through about 3 years of questions), you should NEVER get bogged down with any individual question. Those questions should only be used for practice as I’ve mentioned in the article titled “How Many AAP PREP Questions Should I Do?

Spend a maximum of 5 minutes on each question. That's 75 seconds to answer each question, and then no more than 3.5 minutes to review each answer. That comes out to about 40 hours of practicing questions. Approximately 240 hours will be spent going through PBR's “core content,” with 20 hours of buffer time to account for additional content review, additional questions, and even mock exams.

What If My Board Exam Is Less Than 8 Weeks Away?

If you have less than 8 weeks, it is still possible to use this schedule. Think of the study schedule as a guide. This outline was created based on the assumption that most people would begin studying at least 14 weeks prior to test day.

If your exam is less than 8 weeks away and you have just started your board preparation, then you will need to study approximately 37 hours per week in order to reach the 300 hours mentioned. We've helped pediatricians pass their board exams even when they waited until the last 4-6 weeks to study! But you must be committed to adjusting your personal and professional obligations in order to put the time in.

And if you need some additional help to stay on track, visit the Discord Channel and find an accountability partner! Or, reach out to Team PBR to see if we are currently offering our Personalized Study Schedule creation service.

Highlighter Study Tip for Passing the Boards

One final tip before you dig into the schedule! This is a great highlighter trick that I teach my PBR members as a focus tool. If you can master this, you will have a more efficient board preparation experience.

For each round of the material, you highlight (or underline) only the areas you are interested in reviewing again. If it feels like you know a topic well enough to recall it on the day of the exam, don’t highlight it.

First, start with your lightest color. Then, with each read through thereafter, use a slightly darker color to highlight sections that you want to review again.

Here are my suggested colors to highlight with each read:1st Round: Pale Yellow2nd Round: Pale Pink3rd Round: Pale Orange

For your first pass, you may end up highlighting 80% or more of the book in yellow. By the time you start your 3rd pass, you should only have to read the areas you highlighted in pink, which could be as little as 30% of the books. In your final weeks, you can focus on just the areas that you highlighted in orange and go through that material again and again.

This will allow you to curate your studying to focus only on items you DON’T understand, as opposed to continually spending time on topics you understand well.

Now let's get started with more details on each week of this 14-week study schedule!

PEDIARTRIC BOARD STUDY SCHEDULE: WEEK #1 – WEEK #6

These first six weeks are all about getting a deep understanding of the materials. Go through PBR’s core content (the Core Study Guide and the PBR Q&A book) at a pace of 18 minutes per page.  Take 6 weeks to do so and allot 120 hours in your study schedule for this (20 hours each week).

Cross-check facts, create mnemonics, and make notes in the margins so that you never have to go outside of PBR for additional knowledge or clarifications, and pay close attention to challenging areas. Aim for an average of 18 minutes per page within the two PBR books.

Break up your studying with an average of 5 AAP PREP ® questions per day as directed by PBR. Aim for 5 min per question (including the review of the answer). Over these six weeks, you should complete 210 questions. Questions will take about 3 hours of your time each week.

Listen to your audio board review course EVERYWHERE. Listen during your commutes, listen at the gym, and even listen in the shower. Save the video course for later.

Free Video Training for Pediatric Board Style Questions

PEDIATRIC BOARD STUDY SCHEDULE: WEEK #7 – WEEK #10

Since you have gone through the material in painstaking detail once, this round will be much faster! At most, you will need about 80 hours over the course of these next four weeks to go through your core content. Aim for an average of 12 minutes per page as you go through the PBR core content and try to only highlight/underline areas that you think will need more review and repetition.

Break up your studying with an average of 5 AAP PREP ® questions per day as directed by PBR. Aim for a maximum of 5 min per question, including the review of the answer. By the end of week 10, you will have completed a total of 350 questions in 12 hours (3 hours per week).

Since you will need 80 hours to review the core content and 12 hours spent practicing questions, you will again need to block off 23 hours per week (92 hours divided by 4 weeks is 23 hours/week). Again, listen to your audio board review course EVERYWHERE. You can choose to build in the Online Video Course during this round, or the next (it follows our core content almost EXACTLY).

PEDIATRIC BOARD STUDY SCHEDULE: WEEK #11 – WEEK #14

The Final Round of Core Content Review

Stick to the schedule and stay disciplined! You should now have a strong foundation of pediatric knowledge and your goal for these four weeks should be to complete your last round of PBR's core content. This final round of review should focus on helping you refresh your memory of familiar topics, and finally cement your knowledge of the difficult ones. For this reason, I recommend that you rely on the Online Video Course heavily during this time.

The Online Video Course is approximately 26 hours long and it covers the core content at a pace of approximately 4 minutes per page. This schedule has budgeted an additional 6 minutes per page for this final round so that you can use the Online Video Course with your Core Study Guide. So pause where needed, and take your time.

To be clear, you must read along in your hardcopy books as you watch the videos in order to count this as one of your 3 rounds of review. This multimodal way of preparing will ensure that you:

  • See the highlighted content that you struggle with most
  • See the slides in the videos
  • Hear a board-certified pediatrician teach you the material that you've been reviewing for 10 weeks, but in a slightly different way
  • Force you to review 100% of the content, including anything that you think you know very well and might have otherwise skipped during this crucial time leading up to the boards. And, this system will ensure that you…
  • Pass.

Maximizing Final Study Days

Continue to actively read through the core content (take notes, make mnemonics, and continue to highlight using the above strategy). It's quite possible that you will have additional time to study in the final few days before the exam. If so, the content that you highlight during this round (in orange) will be the sole focus of your attention in those final days, and that content will be extremely beneficial for you. It's likely the material that you would otherwise struggle with on the exam.

Make SURE you know the PBR Core Study Guide and the PBR Q&A book inside and out. I simply can't stress this enough because this will be the key to your success! And if you are still uncomfortable with your knowledge base, then it's time to focus on “core pediatrics” that has not changed in the past 10 years.

Practicing Questions In the Final Weeks

The amount of time that you spend on questions during your 14-weeks of preparation can vary quite a bit. Understanding how to fully process a board-style question is a skill. Once you have mastered your test-taking technique, you only need to maintain that skill.

So if you feel like you're now an excellent test-taker, then you may only need to do a handful of questions per week in order to maintain your skill. But if you are still working on improving your test-taking strategy, you'll need to continue practicing questions daily.

When practicing questions, aim for a maximum of 5 minutes per question including the review of the answer. At this pointconsider batching questions and doing at least 40 questions in a single sitting per week. Keep in mind that each block in the ABP Initial Certification exam contains over 80 questions, and that you should pace yourself at a pace of 75 seconds per question when answering the question. The remaining time of approximately 3 minutes and 45 seconds per question should be used to review the answers.

Where Do I Go If I Need Help?

The PBR system is designed to ensure that you do not have to do this alone. During this entire experience, you will have multiple ways of getting help.

  1. Reach out to fellow members of the PBR community in our private Discord channel with any questions or trouble spots. It's an extremely supportive area, and it's for members only.
  2. Reach out to our content experts using our ASK THE EXPERT! buttons within the Online Video Course and get your questions answered during our live, summertime Q&A webinars.
  3. Reach out to the PBR editor (and me) by submitting a content error, or a request for content clarification, through our dedicated page for error submissions.
  4. And if you're just confused about how to move forward, just email me and I'll see if I can point you in the right direction.

The system created by PBR is meant to provide you with a streamlined and supportive approach as you prepare for a very challenging exam. If you follow the advice in this article, you shouldn't need any outside resources to support your knowledge base.

Setting Up Your Pediatric Board Mock Exams

While studying is a crucial part of passing the boards, getting familiar with the test environment is just as important. That’s why I recommend that moderate to high risk test-takers go through at least two pediatric half mock exams before the actual test; one 6-8 weeks prior, the other 4-6 weeks prior. A mock exam allows you to not only test your knowledge thus far, but it also gives you a good understanding of how the very long day of testing will go.

Here are a few key tips to keep in mind if you decide to setup a mock exam:

  • Use multiple question banks. Several people write questions for the boards, meaning every question has a different personality to it (I would know, as I have written some for the ABP). Getting familiar with the many different ways questions can be written ensures that you will not get blind-sided on test day!
  • Recognize that taking a mock exam is about much more than your score. It’s about understanding the challenges and barriers that come with a very long day, and then optimizing your behaviors to ensure that you are the best version of yourself from the beginning to the end. Start working on your test day habits now, and replicate them on test day!
  • If you need help setting up a mock exam, be sure to read our article on the exam structure of the ABP Initial Certification exam so that you can create a mock exam of your own.

You're Almost Done!

By the end of this 14-week study guide, you will have gone through 300 hours of board preparation. All by simply scheduling 23 hours of study time per week. If you are at low risk of failing the pediatric boards and you were able to push through and make the above happen, I have a Money Back First-Time Pass Guarantee that says that you will pass the pediatric boards.

At the end of the day, YOU must be the one to have the commitment and self-discipline. But, I can GUARANTEE that if you follow the study schedule outlined above, and couple it with a strong focus on test-taking strategy, you'll put yourself in an excellent position to pass the pediatric board exam.

By the way, if you are not a PBR member yet, then what are you waiting for?

The No Brainer package is the most common bundle used by our members to prepare for, and pass, the Initial Certification Exam. It provides you with a comprehensive and multimodal approach to studying. It also includes three 90-Day Personalized Schedules created by Team PBR and our Full Online Test-Taking Strategies Course.

Here is a list of everything you get in this very inexpensive bundle:

PBR’s Core Study Guide (Hardcopy and Online Editions)

PBR’s Question & Answer Book (Hardcopy and Online Editions)

Virtual Atlas of Pediatric Picture (Online and PDF Editions)

Audio Course (Streaming and Downloadable Editions)

Online Video Course

Live Summertime Q&A Webinars

Three 90-Day Personalized Schedules Created for You by Team PBR

PBR's Full Online Test-Taking Strategies Course

And more…

Pass the pediatric boards on your FIRST TRY.

Click here now and learn more about the No Brainer and our other proven products.

Pediatric Board Study Schedule with PBR's No Brainer Bundle

Are you still unsure? Download the entire Table of Contents, the PBR Roadmap to Success and the PBR Memory Pegs chapter absolutely free! Click HERE and download.

PEDIATRIC BOARD EXAM RESULTS 2023 AND INSIGHTS FOR 2024

Pediatric Board Exam Results 2023

Introduction

Well, friends, the American Board of Pediatrics exam results for 2023 have been announced! This is always an emotional time for pediatricians. For us here at PBR HQ, it's also overwhelming because we get flooded with emails from the members who have worked so hard over the past year, and have now FINALLY passed the boards!
 
The stories from our 2023 members have been wonderful. To have members say that we have changed their lives has been nothing less than humbling. Our members are also providing feedback on making the resources we have even better so that the PBR system continues to be the best pediatric board review available. While we are known for being the premier resource for anyone at moderate to high risk of failing the pediatric boards, the results below will help you see that if we can help pediatricians pass after SEVEN failed attempts, then helping you pass the pediatric board exam should be easy. 

IN THIS ARTICLE, I'LL BE COVERING:

  • The pass rate for PBR members and first-time test takers 
  • Feedback from our board-certified alumni on how to pass the pediatric board exams 
  • Reflections on the American Board of Pediatric exam results for 2023
  • Next Steps if you FAILED the boards (and common mistakes to avoid to make sure you pass next year) 
  • Free upcoming webinar on how to ensure you pass the 2024 pediatric boards

Click Here And Continue Reading…

Strategies for Improving Board Scores After a Failed Pediatric Board Exam

Failed Pediatric Board Exam? We Have Strategies for Improving Pediatric Board Scores

If you failed the pediatric boards, it can be a devastating blow for pediatricians. The pressure to take the pediatric board exam can be immense. That is why Ashish Goyal, MD founded the Pediatrics Board Review® (PBR) after he failed the pediatric boards on his first attempt. Failing the pediatric board exam can definitely shake the confidence of pediatricians and their dreams of becoming board-certified pediatricians. Passing the boards is a crucial milestone for pediatricians, as it is a tremendous factor in their career advancement and their eligibility to practice at reputable hospitals and group pediatric practices.

A pediatrician has a failed pediatric board examIn this blog post, we will explore the importance of test-taking strategies and how they can help us overcome failures and setbacks in the pursuit of success. We will discuss the importance of seeking support and guidance after experiencing a failed pediatric board exam. Embracing a growth mindset is key to this process. By testing different approaches and strategies, we can learn from our experiences and adapt accordingly. Additionally, surrounding ourselves with like-minded pediatricians who share our experiences and goals can provide valuable support and encouragement. This is especially true when participating in a community where we can learn from other's experiences and gain new perspectives.

Stay tuned to discover effective strategies to regain your confidence, enhance your knowledge, and prepare yourself for passing your pediatric boards. We have plenty of resources for pediatricians who have failed the pediatric boards and strategies for improving pediatric board scores.

Implications of Failing the Pediatric Boards

Career Setbacks and Concerns

Failing the pediatric board exam can temporarily delay career advancement for pediatricians seeking their board certification. While disappointing, setbacks are an expected part of professional growth. By learning from this experience, pediatricians can develop greater knowledge and skills that allow them to better serve patients in the long run. So, don't be discouraged if you failed the pediatric boards on your first attempt. Take a few minutes to reflect on the questions you struggled with and use them as an opportunity to improve. From first-time test-takers to those who have previously failed the pediatric boards up to 9 times with other board review companies, all have found success through PBR. The key is to maintain positivity and focus on continuous improvement.

Emotional Challenges and Self-Doubt

If you failed the pediatric boards, it can take an emotional toll on pediatricians. It's natural to feel disappointed, frustrated, or even embarrassed about a failed pediatric board exam. This can be especially challenging for pediatricians who have worked hard and prepared diligently. However, it's important to remember that your pediatric board results are not a reflection of your intelligence or worth as a pediatrician. Instead, they provide valuable feedback that can help you identify areas for improvement and guide your future learning. Self-doubt may creep in, making you question whether you're cut out for pediatrics or medicine in general.

During this time, it's crucial to acknowledge and process these emotions. It's important to ask yourself questions about the test and evaluate your scores. ABP is a key factor to consider. Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and especially mentors who can provide encouragement and remind you of your strengths. These individuals can be instrumental in answering any questions you may have about the pediatric boards and helping you improve your scores. Remember that failure in the ABP test is not uncommon nor indicative of future success; many successful board-certified pediatricians have faced similar setbacks with their scores but persevered through proper guidance. There are plenty of helpful resources, study guides and test-taking strategies for improving pediatric board scores.

Opportunities for Growth and Improvement

While a pediatrician that failed the pediatric boards might feel like its a major setback initially, it also presents opportunities for personal growth and improvement. It's important to address any lingering questions about the ABP Initial Certification exam and develop a plan to tackle it successfully in the future. Take this experience as a chance to reflect on areas where you need further development and focus your efforts on strengthening those skills. Ask yourself questions about your development and use the ABP framework to guide your efforts.

Consider seeking additional resources such as study guides, online courses, or tutoring sessions to enhance your knowledge base in specific areas of pediatrics. Use this setback as motivation to work harder and prove yourself when retaking the exam. A failed pediatric board exam gives you firsthand experience with resilience and perseverance. It teaches you how to bounce back from failure and continue pursuing your goals despite setbacks. These qualities are invaluable in the medical field, where challenges are bound to arise throughout your career.

Strategies for Improving Pediatric Board Scores

Identifying areas of weakness and developing a targeted study plan

So, you've failed the pediatric boards. Don't worry, it happens to the best of us! The first step towards success is identifying the areas where you struggled. Take some time to reflect on your performance and pinpoint the specific topics or concepts that gave you trouble. Once you have identified these areas of weakness, you can develop a targeted study plan to address them head-on.

Here's what you can do:

  • Break down the content: Divide the subject matter into smaller, manageable chunks. This will help prevent overwhelm and allow for focused studying.
  • Prioritize weak areas: Determine which topics require more attention based on their weightage in the exam. Focus on these areas first before moving on to others. This is one of the most important strategies for improving pediatric board scores.
  • Seek additional resources: Look for study materials, textbooks, online courses, or video tutorials that specifically cover the topics you struggled with. These resources can provide alternative explanations and examples that may resonate with your learning style.

Utilizing resources such as practice exams and study guides

To improve your chances of success in your retake, it's essential to utilize all available resources at your disposal. For pediatricians that failed the pediatric boards, practice exams and study guides are valuable tools that can help reinforce your understanding of key concepts and familiarize yourself with the format of the test and how to answer board style questions.

Consider these options:

  • Practice exams: Take advantage of practice exams designed specifically for pediatric boards preparation. These mock tests simulate real exam conditions and allow you to gauge your progress while identifying areas that still need improvement.
  • Study guides: Invest in reputable study guides that provide comprehensive coverage of the exam content. These guides often offer tips, mnemonics, and concise summaries that can aid in retention and recall.

Seeking mentorship or tutoring to enhance understanding

Strategies for improving pediatric board scoresSometimes, seeking guidance from experienced individuals in the field can make all the difference in improving your understanding and performance. Mentorship or tutoring can provide personalized support tailored to your specific needs.

Here's how it can help:

  • One-on-one guidance: Working with a mentor allows for individualized attention and the opportunity to ask questions and clarify doubts.
  • Expert insights: Mentors, like Dr. Goyal, who have successfully passed the pediatric boards can offer valuable insights into effective study strategies for improving pediatric board scores, exam-taking techniques, and content review.

Implementing effective time management techniques

Time management plays a crucial role in maximizing your study efforts and ensuring you cover all necessary material before the retake. By implementing effective time management techniques, you can make the most of your available study hours without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.

Consider these tips:

  1. Create a study schedule: Develop a structured study plan that allocates specific time slots for each topic or subject area. Stick to this schedule as much as possible to maintain consistency.
  2. Use timers: Set timers for focused study sessions, allowing yourself short breaks in between to rest and recharge.
  3. Prioritize high-yield topics: Identify the key concepts that are more likely to appear on the exam and allocate more time towards mastering them.
  4. Avoid multitasking: Focus on one topic at a time rather than trying to juggle multiple subjects simultaneously.

Remember, failing the pediatric boards doesn't define your abilities as a future pediatrician. Following strategies for improving pediatric board scores with determination, targeted studying, and strategic planning, you can improve your chances of success in your retake of the pediatric boards!

Addressing the Perception of Failure

Challenging societal stigmas surrounding exam failures can be tough, but it's essential to remember if you failed the pediatric boards that doesn't define your worth or competence as a pediatrician. It's crucial to cultivate self-confidence despite external judgment and focus on personal growth rather than dwelling on past failures.

Cultivating Self-Confidence Despite External Judgment

It's easy to let self-doubt creep in. However, it's important to remember that even the most successful pediatricians have faced setbacks along their journey. Instead of letting negative thoughts consume you, focus on building resilience and cultivating self-confidence.

One way to do this is by reframing failure as an opportunity for growth. Rather than viewing a failed pediatric board exam as an issue of incompetence, see it as a chance to learn from mistakes and improve your knowledge and skills. Embrace a growth mindset that values effort and perseverance over immediate success.

Communicating Openly with Colleagues, Mentors, and Employers

Community to support pediatricians after they failed the pediatric boardsIt can be tempting to hide your exam failure from others due to fear of judgment or embarrassment. However, communicating openly about your experience can lead to valuable support and guidance from colleagues, mentors, and employers who have likely encountered similar challenges in their own careers.

Reach out to trusted colleagues or mentors who can provide advice based on their own experiences. They may offer insights into specific study strategies or resources that could help you better prepare for future attempts at the pediatric boards. Discussing your situation with employers can foster understanding and create opportunities for additional support during this time.

Focusing on Personal Growth Rather Than Dwelling on Past Failures

While it's natural to feel disappointed after failing an exam like the pediatric boards, dwelling on past failures won't help you move forward. Instead of fixating on what went wrong or comparing yourself unfavorably to others who passed, shift your focus towards personal growth and improvement.

Identify the areas where you struggled the most during the exam and use that information to ask yourself targeted questions. What specific topics or question types were challenging? Were there any time management issues? By pinpointing these areas of weakness, you can create a plan to address them effectively in future study sessions.

Remember, everyone's journey is unique, and success is not always immediate. The pediatric boards are known for their difficulty, with multiple hard questions designed to challenge even the most knowledgeable examinees. Highlight your progress and celebrate small victories along the way as you work towards achieving your goal.

Crafting an Effective Study Schedule

To increase your chances of passing the pediatric boards, find resources and test-taking strategies for improving pediatric board scores. This will help you manage your time effectively and cover all the necessary subjects. Let's explore some key tips for crafting an effective study schedule that suits your needs.

Balancing Work-Life Commitments

When creating your study schedule, it's crucial to consider your work-life commitments. You don't want to overload yourself with studying and neglect other aspects of your life. Find a balance that allows you to allocate dedicated time for studying while still fulfilling your responsibilities at work or school.

Allocating Time for Each Subject Area

The pediatric boards cover various subject areas, so it's important to allocate dedicated time for each one. Divide your study sessions into specific blocks for topics like cardiology, pulmonology, infectious diseases, and more. This way, you can ensure comprehensive coverage of all the content outlined in the examination.

Incorporating Regular Breaks

Studying for long periods without breaks can lead to burnout and decreased focus. It's crucial to incorporate regular breaks into your study schedule. Take short intervals between study sessions to relax and recharge. This will help maintain your concentration levels and prevent mental fatigue. PBR offers personalized study schedules for pediatricians based on their

Adapting Your Study Schedule Based on Learning Style

Everyone has a unique learning style, whether it's visual, auditory, or kinesthetic (hands-on). Consider how you learn best when crafting your study schedule. If you're a visual learner, incorporate diagrams or flashcards into your sessions. If you're an auditory learner, find audio courses for the pediatric boards and listen .

Utilizing Practice Questions and Core Study Guides

Practice questions are invaluable resources when preparing for exams like the pediatric boards. Incorporate them into your study schedule regularly as they help reinforce knowledge and familiarize you with exam-style questions. Make use of core study guides recommended by your program or trusted sources to ensure you cover all the essential topics.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Remember that your study schedule should be flexible and adaptable. As you progress through your studies, you may identify areas where you need more time or additional resources. Be open to adjusting your schedule accordingly to address any weaknesses or challenges you encounter along the way.

By crafting an effective study schedule that balances work-life commitments, allocates time for each subject area, incorporates regular breaks, adapts to your learning style, and utilizes practice questions and core study guides, you'll set yourself up for success on exam day. Remember to stay consistent with your schedule and track your progress regularly to gauge improvement in exam scores.

Moving Forward from Failure

A pediatrician celebrating after following strategies for improving pediatric board scoresYou've gained valuable insights into the implications of failing the pediatric boards, strategies for improving pediatric board scores, and addressing the perception of failure, career opportunities, crafting an effective study schedule, and leveraging support by joining a new practice. Now it's time to take action and move forward from this setback.

Remember that failing doesn't define you as a person or a professional. It's merely a stepping stone on your journey to success. Embrace this experience as an opportunity for growth and learning. Just like a butterfly emerges stronger after struggling to break free from its cocoon, you too can rise above this challenge.

Now is the time to dust yourself off and get back in the game. Develop a clear plan of action based on the strategies outlined earlier. Create a study schedule that works for you and stick to it religiously. Seek support from mentors, colleagues, or online communities who can provide guidance and encouragement along the way. For more strategies for improving pediatric board scores, check out our blog on test-taking strategies and learn about how Dr. Goyal previously failed the pediatric boards and what he did to overcome my fear of the pediatric boards.

FAQs

Can I retake the pediatric boards?

Yes, you can definitely retake the exam if you failed the pediatric boards. Many professionals have faced setbacks before achieving their goals. Take some time to reflect on what went wrong in your previous attempt and devise a plan to improve your weaknesses.

How long should I wait before retaking the exam?

The waiting period between exam attempts varies depending on your specific situation and jurisdiction requirements. Consult with your local medical board or certification body for accurate information regarding when you can retake the pediatric boards.

Are there any additional resources I should consider using?

Absolutely! In addition to studying materials provided by your medical school or residency program, consider exploring online resources such as question banks, review courses, and study guides specifically designed for pediatric board preparation. These resources can provide valuable practice questions and targeted content review.

Should I disclose my previous failure when applying for jobs?

While it's important to be transparent and honest in your job applications, disclosing that you failed the pediatric boards is a personal decision. Consider how it may impact your chances and weigh the pros and cons. If you choose to disclose, emphasize what you have learned from the experience and how it has made you a stronger candidate.

How can I stay motivated throughout my journey?

Staying motivated after you failed the pediatric boards can be challenging, but it's crucial for success. Set small, achievable goals along the way and reward yourself when you accomplish them. Surround yourself with positive influences, whether it's supportive friends or mentors who believe in your abilities. Remember why you pursued pediatrics in the first place and let that passion fuel your determination to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions About MOCA-Peds

The MOCA-Peds Assessment is an alternative to the American Board of Pediatrics Maintenance of Certification Exam. The Maintenance of Certification Assessment for Pediatrics Maintenance (MOCA-Peds) is now the most common way that pediatricians maintain their board certification. It is overwhelmingly preferred over the traditional Maintenance of Certification (MOC) exam. However, the MOC exam and MOCA-Peds each have their pros and cons. You will learn about those in detail through this article. You will also learn a little bit about our MOCA-Peds study guide, called the MOCA-PBR Study Guide & Test Companion. MOCA-PBR will help you make your exam experience as painless as possible.

What is the Difference Between the MOC Exam and the MOCA-Peds Assessment?

The MOC Exam

The MOC is an exam that you only take once every five years. But, don’t let that lure you into a false sense of complacency. It is a grueling and intense exam that is similar to the initial certification exam. The major differences are that it consists of two blocks of questions rather than four, and like the initial certification exam, the MOC exam can touch on any topic in pediatrics. The exam is a proctored, standardized test that can take up to five hours to complete. 

Based on our estimates, less than 2% of board-certified pediatricians choose to take the MOC Exam. While this shows that only a small percentage of pediatricians choose this option, the MOC exam might be a good fit for you if you have a history of passing your board exams without any trouble and you can schedule enough time to study for boards. This is also a good option for pediatricians and subspecialists interested in only taking one exam per 5-year cycle. The rest of your time can be dedicated to your practice, your patients, and your personal life. 

The MOCA-Peds Exam

MOCA-Peds is the most common way that pediatricians maintain their board certification. Approximately 98% of board-certified pediatricians elect this option. Participants answer questions every quarter during the first four years of your 5-year cycle. Once you pass at least 12 quarters, you are not required to go through any additional MOCA-Peds questions for the remainder of your four years. If you do not pass at least 12 quarters within the first four years of your 5-year cycle, you must pass the MOC exam by the end of your fifth year. Unlike the MOC, MOC-Peds is not a proctored exam, and it can be taken anywhere you have a computer—at home, in the office, and on the go. Additionally, it’s open-book and open-computer.

Best of all, with MOCA-Peds, there are fewer surprises on the exam. The ABP publishes up to 45 Learning Objectives and 4 Featured Readings prior to releasing the first quarter’s questions. You will only be tested on topics related to those Learning Objectives and Featured Readings. That’s it. Questions for a given quarter may be answered all at once or one at a time. Most pediatricians find MOCA-Peds to be a convenient and flexible means to maintain board certification.

What Are the Learning Objectives and Featured Readings?

The American Board of Pediatrics chooses Learning Objectives and Featured Readings that they would like pediatricians to focus on for the given year. Although the objectives give you a direction for your studies, they can be somewhat vague. Nevertheless, pediatricians feel that having 45 vague topics to study is better than having to prepare for anything in the field of pediatrics (as you would need to for the MOC Exam). 

Here are some examples of former Learning Objectives:

  • Evaluate a patient with tics
  • Evaluate and manage ear trauma
  • Provide guidance regarding family stressors (e.g., birth of a sibling, death, divorce, job loss, relocation)
  • Manage foreign body ingestion

Featured Readings are different. They typically represent a specific article or guideline that the American Board of Pediatrics wants you to become familiar with. Oftentimes the Featured Reading is one that covers changes in practice guidelines. 

Here is an example of a former Featured Reading:

Oskoui M, Pringsheim T, Holler-Managan Y, Potrebic S, Billinghurst L, Gloss D, Hershey AD, Licking N, Sowell M, Victorio MC, Gersz EM, Leininger E, Zanitsch H, Yonker M, Mack K. Practice guideline update summary: Acute treatment of migraine in children and adolescents: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society. Neurology. 2019 Sep 10;93(11):487-499.

Physicians studying at a table

How Many Questions are in MOCA-Peds?

There are approximately 20 questions on every MOCA-Peds quarterly exam, so that’s a maximum of 80 questions per year. You are given five minutes to answer each question, which is enough time to search through your study guides—traditional books and online—to find the correct answers.

Each MOCA-Peds quarterly exam consists of approximately 20 questions, making it a maximum of 80 questions per year. You are given five minutes to answer each question. That is usually sufficient time to search for the correct answer in your study guide or other trusted resource. MOCA-PBR is the trusted solution many pediatricians turn to. It simplifies complex topics and provides an easy-to-ready summary of every assigned Learning Objective and Featured Reading. It even comes with a Quarterly Pass Money Back Guarantee.

What is the Passing Score for MOCA-peds?

MOCA-Peds is scored on a scale of 1 to 300, with a minimum passing score of 180. The exam uses scaled scoring, which means that the score is not based solely on the number of questions answered correctly. Instead, the American Board of Pediatrics assigns weights to each question according to its difficulty, with some questions being worth more than others. This method of scoring takes into account that some questions are harder than others and that no two quarterly exams are identical.

After going through the questions for a given quarter, your MOCA-Peds quarterly exam will not immediately show a scaled score. Instead, in January of each year, you will receive a section scaled score for the previous year broken down by quarter. Additionally, you will receive a cumulative scaled score that encompasses all the tests you have taken during the four-year window of MOCA-Peds.

Even though you do not receive a scaled score immediately from your quarterly tests, you will get a real-time score of the questions you answered correctly. While it’s impossible to know how your real time score will apply to your scaled score, the ABP says that generally a 75% or higher is needed to pass.

Does MOCA-Peds Count for CME?

According to the ABP, “MOCA-Peds is not currently eligible for CME credit, however, you can apply for CME credit directly through the American Medical Association for the completion of a MOC cycle.”

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