Anatomic pathlogy board exams
Ok since I have passed the board exams I wanted to give some insight what to read and how to prepare for the boards.
Read bellow....
First few things to keep in mind.
You have to live with the idea that the boards are expensive, unfair and there will be questions you will not be able to answer. Also get used to the idea that the boards are not fun. There are no books you can use to prepare for the boards and the residency by itself is not sufficient for preparation. So the very first question is when to take the boards:
If you are doing combined AP/CP DO NOT apply for the combined exam. Here is why:
Say you have finished your residency and fellowship and now you are looking for a job. Most places will require you to have passed the boards. So you apply for the combined exam and you pass only the AP portion, you are not going to get certified until you pass the CP part (or cancel it). If you find a job which wants you to do only AP then you will have to cough up $1800 to resubmit application for certification only in AP which will take you probably a year to complete (at least 4mo to get an engraved certificate). Getting the AP only first is more expensive but gives you the freedom to choose if you need CP or not.
OK so when to take the boards:
if you do combined AP/CP and then Surg Path fellowship-- take the boards at the beginning of your fellowship. As a general rule take the boards after you get the maximum exposure in surgical pathology. It is a mistake to finish residency, AP fellowship and do Cyto or Hem fellowship and then take the boards. One year away from the surgical bench will definitely screw your exam.
What to read:
Do not read first 8 chapters of Robbins. No use at all. If you want to get familiar with molecular pathology and inflammation etc.etc..then do it but do not spend a lot of time on it.
The best way (ideal ) is if you work as a pathologist..then you do need to read or prepare anything you just go and take the exam. If you are not practicing pathologist then here are some resources you can use:
1. This site: use the Media Gallery to review images and disease entities. The site has now over 1000 images in different categories. One option you can use is the slideshow option in which the images will be displayed one after another and you can choose the timing..do it for a rapid review like a a flashcards.
2. PathConsult DDX ( link ): this is probably one of the best review site out there. Combines images and text and will give you everything you need for the boards. Use it as compendium.
3. PathologyOutlines (link): Needs no introduction. Do not try to read everything try to review only the big issues like breast or lung tumors, GU part is also the best.
4. For the cytopathology section of the exam you have few choices:
* Bethesda atlas
* John Hopkins cytopathology ( register for free and do all of the cases)
* read baby DeMay one time
5. Review Surgical pathology slides:
* AFIP - Register for free and then go to education section and purchase (Anatomic Pathology Online (6200) for $20, 300 virtual cases with review as well as the GU series)
* CAP virtual slide box - review and read all of the slides that includes cytopathology as well.
6. Immunohistochemistry:
* Vade mecum - This is probably the only thing you need to review few of the most common markers. Read about keratins, lymphoma and vascular makers. Review also the differential diagnosis section which is very good.
The way I did it is just to go by topics: I would pick lung tumors and then go to PathConsult then PathOutlines, then I would review the Lung slide collection at AFIP with no answers dysplayed then I will redo the slides this time with answers and explanations and at the end I will come to the site here and do rapid slide review using MediaGallery slide show.
In general you will need about 3-4mo to review all of the above information most of which you already know. I found reviewing the slides is probably the most helpful also a shot of whiskey just before the test. After you take the board, repeat the sentence "I have passed the boards" 1000 times so it will become true :-)
For thouse of you who are taking the boards whish you luck.
If you have any questions the board is open and no registration is needed to post your questions. Actually I was hoping to build more active pathology community so feel free to go ahead and give it a try.
