Are you a medical trainee or practitioner who needs help to prepare for your medical specialty boards?
It’s not unusual for physicians to assume they have appropriate study skills. If, however, you failed one of the USMLE Step exams in medical school, scored below the 30th percentile on your specialty in-training exams in your residency or fellowship training, or failed your written board certification exam, it’s possible that you have weak study skills and/or poor test-taking skills.
The study skills you used to get into medical school or residency may no longer be sufficient for passing your specialty boards.
If you have struggled academically during your medical training, consider working with an academic coach. Academic coaches can help you develop a personalized study plan, identify your learning strengths and weaknesses, and provide accountability and support.
The medical boards are a critical milestone in any medical student or resident’s career. Passing the boards is essential to obtain a medical license and start practicing medicine. However, the boards can be daunting, especially for not naturally good test-takers.
Academic coaches are experienced professionals who can help you develop a personalized study plan, identify your learning strengths and weaknesses, and provide accountability and support.
Here are 10 of the advantages of working with an academic coach for preparing for medical boards:
1. Personalized study plan. An academic coach will work with you to develop a personalized study plan tailored to your specific needs, learning style, and board exam content. This will help you to stay focused and on track, and it will also help you to maximize your study time.
2. Identifying learning strengths and weaknesses. An academic coach can help you to identify your learning strengths and weaknesses and provide resources to focus your study efforts on the areas where you need the most help.
3. Accountability and support. An academic coach can provide accountability and support as you prepare for the medical boards. This can be especially helpful if you are feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.
4. Test-taking strategies. An academic coach can teach you test-taking strategies that can help you to improve your performance on the medical boards. These strategies include time management, guessing strategies, and stress management.
5. Practice Exams. An academic coach will assess your progress on practice exams and identify areas where you need more practice.
6. Motivation and encouragement. An academic coach can provide you with motivation and encouragement as you prepare for the medical boards. This can be especially helpful during those times when you are feeling discouraged.
7. Peace of mind. Knowing that an academic coach is working with you can give you peace of mind. This can help you to focus on your studies and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
8. Time savings. An academic coach can help you save time by providing expert advice and guidance. This can free up your time to focus on other essential things.
9. Cost-effectiveness. Working with an academic coach can be a cost-effective way to prepare for the medical boards. This is because an academic coach can help you to learn more effectively and efficiently.
10. Long-term benefits. The skills you learn from an academic coach can benefit your medical career. This is because your skills, such as time management, goal setting, and test-taking strategies, can be applied to other aspects of your medical career.
FAQs
Q: How much does it cost to work with an academic coach?
A: The cost of working with an academic coach varies depending on the coach’s experience and qualifications. However, most academic coaches charge between $150 and $300 per hour.
Q: How long should I work with an academic coach?
A: The length of time that you work with an academic coach will depend on your individual needs and goals. However, most medical practitioners find that working with an academic coach for 6-12 months is sufficient to prepare for the medical boards.
Q: How do I find an academic coach?
A: There are several ways to find an academic coach. You can ask your medical school or residency program for recommendations or search online for academic coaches who specialize in preparing medical practitioners for the boards.
Conclusion
If you are serious about passing the medical boards, then working with an academic coach can be a valuable investment. An academic coach can help you develop a personalized study plan, identify your learning strengths and weaknesses, and provide accountability and support. These are all essential ingredients for success on the medical boards.
_______________
Linda L. Carr, Ph.D., Founder/Principal at Coaching for Medical Specialty Boards, is a medical educator and learning specialist who coaches physicians preparing for specialty boards through virtual, one-on-one coaching. Visit www.DrLindaCarr.org to learn more about her program and download her FREE Study Guide.