Have Questions? Find Answers!

Curious about the medical specialty board exam coaching program with Dr. Linda Carr? Below you’ll find answers to the questions Dr. Carr is asked the most. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please use the contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dr. Linda Carr’s experience and background that qualifies her as a coach?

I have extensive experience providing faculty education and academic support at medical institutions including the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, and a large teaching hospital in Phoenix, formerly known as St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center and now part of Dignity Health. 

For a comprehensive overview of my educational background and professional experience, please visit the About Dr. Linda Carr page. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn.

How personalized is the coaching program to my specific medical specialty?

My coaching program is highly personalized to align with your unique needs as a specialist. During the initial consultation, I integrate details about your medical specialty’s board requirements. Your customized study plan, schedules, and exam blueprints are then structured around those guidelines.

As we work together, I continually adjust my approach based on your learning preferences, progress, and any areas requiring extra focus specific to your specialty domain. This allows me to fine-tune the coaching guidance for optimal board preparation and knowledge application within your field of medicine.

How does the coaching program accommodate the busy schedules of medical residents or physicians?

My coaching hours are Sunday through Thursday from 8:00am to 8:00pm Mountain Standard Time (MST). 

I understand – as a resident or practicing physician, your days are a whirlwind of patient care, charting, rounds, and putting out fires. Finding time to prepare for exams can feel nearly impossible. That’s why my coaching program is designed specifically for the time-starved medical professional.

My flexible coaching accommodates your chaotic calendar, providing structured yet convenient preparation tailored to the limited availability of your week. I offer daytime and evening sessions during the week to fit your schedule, including coaching on Sundays.

“As a Pediatrician preparing for my General Pediatric Certification Boards, Dr. Carr’s methods were not only effective but practical, convenient, and adaptable to a full-time physician’s schedule. Dr. Carr’s approach to standardized exam preparation is to work smarter, not harder.”
– Pediatrician in Texas

Can you provide examples of success stories from previous clients who have gone through the coaching program?
Absolutely! My coaching program has helped numerous medical professionals like you overcome challenges and pass their medical specialty board exams.

“There aren’t enough words to describe what a wonderful experience I had with Linda as my Internal Medicine board tutor. She made what seemed like a very daunting task to me manageable, and I felt like I had a knowledgeable and supportive guide throughout this entire process. If you want to succeed in studying for the boards and beyond, I highly recommend her services!”
– Internist in California

“Just wanted to share my official results with you and my passing score: 203!! What an increase from the 175 from last year. I was very pleased to see that Preventative Peds was one of my highest scoring categories, right behind Oncology!”
– Pediatrician in Georgia

“I had the wonderful opportunity of working with Dr. Carr for the past 3 months in preparation for the mental marathon that was my board exam. And the results … I PASSED! But even to my surprise, I passed with very high scores in each category! In general, I’ve never been a good test taker.”
– Radiologist in Illinois

This is just a small sampling. You can see even more client success stories here.

What resources and materials are included in the coaching program to support my exam preparation?

My coaching program provides a comprehensive suite of resources that address your particular learning needs and medical specialty requirements. This includes detailed instructional materials (e.g. documents, video clips, articles, blog posts, podcasts, and infographics) and customized monthly study schedules tailored to your personal knowledge gaps and board exam blueprints.

Our sessions will go beyond mere content review, equipping you with a specialized study skills toolkit. You’ll receive expert guidance on learning techniques, test-taking strategies, managing exam anxiety, effective time management, and more. Plus, unlimited email access allows you to get feedback anytime.

As your coach, I continually analyze your performance data to identify strengths and weaknesses, then adapt the program resources accordingly. From testing high-yield topics, targeted readings, and simulated practice exams, you get an individualized board preparation experience focused on your success.

Will I receive individualized feedback on my progress and areas for improvement throughout the program?

Each coaching session builds on your self-assessment, which you complete before each meeting. This assessment includes testing data (number of questions answered, scores, etc.), identified learning gaps, and reflections on your learning. 

After each session, you will receive the PowerPoint presentation, video recording, follow-up notes, and additional material that addresses your specific needs.

How do you tailor the coaching approach to address my unique learning style and needs?

Before our initial coaching session, you’ll complete two assessments: a Learning Style Survey and a Metacognitive Awareness Inventory. These evaluations allow me to analyze your unique learning preferences and current study approaches. With those key insights, I can then tailor our program resources and coaching methods for maximum effectiveness based on your individual needs.

Are there any guarantees or assurances regarding success or improvement in exam performance after completing the coaching program?

While I cannot guarantee successful passage on specialty board exams, experience shows that clients who diligently follow my program guidelines and practices achieve a high success rate.

Can you outline the structure and timeline of the coaching program, including the frequency and duration of sessions?

The length of the program varies depending on when you start and the exam date. Ideally, you should start nine months in advance. However, we can accommodate shorter timelines.

We recommend scheduling the first three 60-minute sessions within the first six weeks of the program. This is because the program is designed to be front-loaded, meaning there is a significant learning curve at the beginning. After that, you can switch to 30-minute sessions held every two to three weeks, depending on your needs and availability.

Our program actively helps you develop the skills you need to succeed: strong learning habits, effective test-taking strategies, techniques to manage test anxiety, and time management skills.

How accessible is Dr. Linda Carr for questions, support, and guidance outside of scheduled sessions?

I provide 24/7 accessibility for questions, support, and guidance via phone or text outside of scheduled coaching sessions. 

However, coaching sessions are limited to Sundays through Thursdays, from 8 AM to 8 PM Mountain Standard Time (MST).

What strategies does the coaching program offer for managing stress, anxiety, and burnout during exam preparation?

Prioritizing your mental and physical well-being is critical during the intensive examination preparation process. To that end, my coaching program equips you with a robust set of evidence-based strategies to proactively manage stress, anxiety, and burnout.

We’ll cover techniques for developing a healthy, sustainable lifestyle routine incorporating mindfulness practices, regular exercise, adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and more. You’ll also learn cognitive-behavioral methods for reframing unhelpful thought patterns, cultivating emotional resilience, and practicing positive self-talk.

Additionally, I’ll provide individualized guidance on your study plan with structured work/rest intervals to maximize focus and retention. My role is to support you holistically so you can perform at your peak while maintaining balance throughout this demanding period.

Are there additional resources or support networks available beyond the coaching sessions to enhance my exam readiness?

While our coaching sessions provide a strong foundation, I recommend that you use current, comprehensive board review material and support networks to maximize your exam readiness. Additionally, I encourage you to reach out to mental health professionals should you desire expert counseling for processing anxiety, imposter syndrome, or other psychological hurdles that can arise during this intensive process.

How do you track and measure progress throughout the coaching program?

The self-assessment form is a tool to track a client’s progress and is used regularly throughout the program. The form includes sections for resources used, topics studied, and test results. During coaching sessions, clients can also rate their performance on a five-point scale in several areas, including overall board preparation progress, healthy lifestyle, exercise, and stress management.

Your progress is continuously monitored through personalized self-assessments that evaluate content mastery, exam readiness, study habits, work/life balance, and other key metrics. This data drives our dynamic coaching plan adjustments to maintain the optimal trajectory for you.

What is the cost of the coaching program, and are there any flexible payment options available?

Coaching package pricing is structured for flexibility after your initial complimentary consultation to assess your specific needs and goals. Whether pursuing 8, 10, or 12 sessions, convenient payment plan options are available to accommodate your preferences.

A medical professional at her computer, smiling as she has successfully pass her medical specialty board exam after going through Dr. Linda Carr's coaching program.

Schedule your complimentary consultation

Don’t prepare for your medical specialty board exams alone. With Dr. Linda Carr’s experience, you’ll receive personalized coaching and evidence-based strategies to guide you toward becoming a board-certified physician. Ready to get started?