Tip #3 – Propinquity!

Propinqua-what? And what does that have to do with improving in-training exam scores?

The word is PROPINQUITY!

In a recent article titled, “Tips #1 & 2 – Start Early & Work Smart!” I talk about the direct correlation between residency in-training exam scores and the number of hospital admissions a resident does. I also discuss a study which shows that in-training exam scores do in fact act as indicators of a resident’s ability to pass the board certification exam.

In this article, I’ll talk about improving in-training exam scores by using propinquity. I was recently introduced to the idea of propinquity while reading Influencer: The Power to Change Anything, by Kerry Patterson. The book discusses strategies used by some of the most influential people around the world to influence change in all different aspects of life.

Webster defines propinquity as “nearness in place or time.” In the book, one of the sources of influence is the environment. The idea here is that that in many situations, you can effect change by modifying the environmental relationship of one variable with another. By altering the relationship of place or time between variables.

Now, let’s think of an example of how this concept might be utilized within pediatric residency programs to increase in-training exam scores.

Meet this set of twin sisters, Dr. Tracy Smith and Dr. Penny Smith. Both went to the same college. Both went to the same medical school. Both scored similarly on the MCAT as well as their USMLE Step exams. Their scores were never amazing, but they did well enough to pass. They’re both now pediatric residents, but Click Here And Continue Reading...

WHAT IS THE PEDIATRICS BOARD REVIEW FACEBOOK CREW?

It's a pediatric board review forum, but it's through Facebook! Pediatrics Board Review has created a Facebook Page as well as a Facebook Group. There are two primary differences between these. The page can be liked by anyone and posts can be seen by anyone. PBR's Facebook Group is a forum area for the PBR community to get together and ask each other questions about the board exam, pediatrics, and the content in the PBR study guides. If you have an active PBR membership, you can join the CREW! All posts are strictly private and can only be seen by other PBR members of the group.

https://members.pediatricsboardreview.com/facebook

WHY WAS THE GROUP CREATED?

WE ARE TOO ISOLATED AND DEPRESSED!

Studying for the American Board of Pediatrics initial certification exam can be a daunting experience and can make a person EXTREMELY lonely. Especially for the many Click Here And Continue Reading...

.

Pediatric board exam results have varied over the years from the mid 70s to the high 80s due to changes in the ABP's scoring. Higher pass rates are achieved through planning and structure. For me, I am SO glad that I had this year's “results day” off. There was no warning at all; just BAM! It was such a roller coaster of emotions as the emails started pouring in that I’m sure I would not have been able to give my patients the attention they deserve.

FIRST, THE HIGHS OF THE DAY…

I was flooded with emails thanking me for creating PBR, and also for making myself so available this past year. For many, it was their first time taking the exam, I’m still collecting the numbers, but almost everyone passed if it was their first attempt.

I’d love to know you did so PLEASE submit your results HERE (should take less than 30 seconds): https://www.pediatricsboardreview.com/pediatrics-board-review-results-survey

For others, it was their first time PASSING the exam after MULTIPLE attempts. Given that a “failed peds board exam” email always triggers sadness as I'm reminded of my own first experience with the boards, I especially felt connected to these docs' emails.

Although the ABP has refused my request to release statistics on how likely it is for repeat test-takers to pass the initial certification exam, my guess is that the PASS RATE for physicians who have failed once is probably around 30-40%, and for those who have failed more than once the pass rate is likely 10-20%. Given these estimations, emails and testimonials like this one hold so much value for me:

“Dear Ashish,

I just wanted to let you know that I have passed my boards. I used your book and your questions and all your suggestions as well as peggy's method and it truly made a difference.  You should know that your resources are quite valuable and you should be proud of what you have created. 

I would totally hug you right now (don't mean to be inappropriate), just feel very grateful and happy 🙂

Be well,

Suresh”

Suresh had failed the peds boards 3x prior to finding PBR and PBR Coaching.

__________________________

Here’s another email:

“Put the test off because Click Here And Continue Reading...