Riddhi Borse, MD, fourth year radiology resident at Yale Radiology, contributed this piece.
Residents continuing their exciting career journey in radiology may face challenges as they navigate interviews, continued education and training. At the end of their third year of residency, aspiring radiologists must prepare for the Core Exam. Establishing a structured study plan is crucial, so I’ve prepared 9 tips for trainees prepping for the exam.
- Understand the Exam Structure: Familiarize yourself with the Core Exam structure, including the content domains and weightage. Knowing the distribution of topics will guide your study plan, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive approach.
- Create a Study Plan: Develop a realistic and structured study plan. Allocate specific time slots for different content areas, ensuring you cover all the relevant topics. Use a combination of dedicated study resources such as textbooks, question banks and online lectures/courses. More on helpful resources next!
- Utilize Comprehensive Resources: Invest in high-quality study materials. Textbooks like Core Radiology and Crack the Core Exam are essential to support your prep. Question banks such as Radprimer, Core review series, Face the core, Qevlar, Physics 572, Boardvitals and AuntMinnie’s Board Review Question Bank help build a good knowledge base for visual learners as well as test taking skills.
Additionally, RadDiscord lectures and/or board review lectures provided by your residency faculty/ state-specific societies can sometimes be very helpful if you learn best by watching lectures.
Many good podcasts are available for review of CORE topics, such as The Radiology Review. For the non-interpretive skills section, the American Board of Radiology has a comprehensive 67-page official study guide, which is a must-read and is available as a free resource.
Finally, the American College of Radiology’s RadExam can help you familiarize yourself with the exam format and content.
- Join Study Groups: Collaborate with fellow residents to form study groups. Discussing complex cases and challenging concepts with peers can enhance your understanding and retention. Share resources and insights to benefit from a collective pool of knowledge.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Consistent practice is crucial. Incorporate regular review sessions and mock exams into your study routine. Simulating exam conditions will help improve time management and boost your confidence.
- Stay Updated with Recent Guidelines: Radiology is a dynamic field, and guidelines may evolve. Stay updated with the latest recommendations and advancements, especially in areas like breast imaging, neuroimaging and interventional radiology.
- Seek Mentorship: Connect with recent trainees or mentors who have successfully navigated the Core Exam. Their insights and advice can provide valuable guidance on exam strategy and effective study techniques.
- Take Care of Your Well-Being: Balancing work and personal well-being is crucial during the preparation period. Ensure you get enough rest and exercise, and maintain a healthy diet. A well-rested mind performs better during exams.
- Review Weak Areas: Regularly assess your progress and identify weak areas. Focus on strengthening your understanding in these domains through targeted study sessions and additional resources.
In conclusion, embarking on a career in radiology requires a combination of dedication, continuous learning and strategic planning. By leveraging available resources, building a supportive network and staying informed about the evolving landscape of radiology, residents can navigate their journey successfully. Whether preparing for exams, searching for jobs or considering radiology as a specialty, a proactive and informed approach is key to a fulfilling career in this dynamic field.
Best of luck to all!