Ask an Oakstone Expert: Your Top Questions About the Emergency Medicine Boards Answered
Preparing for the Emergency Medicine Boards can be overwhelming. At Oakstone, we’re committed to helping emergency medicine professionals succeed with high-quality board prep resources and expert guidance. Our “Ask an Oakstone Expert” series provides insight and advice, making the process feel a little less stressful as your exam day approaches.
In this guide, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about the Emergency Medicine Boards, including top questions from clinicians and expert advice from our Board Review leaders.
Understanding the Emergency Medicine Boards
After completing an ACGME-accredited Emergency Medicine residency program, you can apply for board certification through the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM). Eligible candidates must pass a two-part certification exam with a written Qualifying Exam and an Oral Certification Exam. If you pass both, you’ll then receive ABEM certification and become a board-certified emergency physician.
Once certified, you’ll enter ABEM’s continuing certification process to ensure ongoing professional development and up-to-date expertise. ABEM previously used the ConCert program, which included a high-stakes exam every 10 years. This has been replaced with the MyEmCert™ continuous certification modules, a more flexible, longitudinal model. During each five-year certification period, you can complete open-book, case-based modules, quality improvement activities, and ongoing medical education to stay current and maintain your certification.
Holding ABEM certification demonstrates that you meet the national standards for clinical excellence and are committed to maintaining the highest quality of patient care. Oakstone’s board review materials, which align with the ABEM exam blueprint, support physicians in preparing for the initial exam and meeting ongoing certification needs.
Top Questions Answered by Oakstone Experts
Here are our experts’ answers to some of the most commonly asked questions physicians have as they prepare for their ABEM exams.
How should I begin preparing for the Emergency Medicine Boards?
To prepare for the Emergency Medicine Boards, begin by creating a study plan that tracks your timeline and goals as your exam date approaches. Use a variety of resources, such as question banks, review materials, and online modules to gain a well-rounded understanding of the topics. Schedule regular study sessions to stay consistent and connected to the material.
What topics are most heavily tested on the ABEM exam?
The ABEM exam covers an array of topics you’ll encounter in emergency medical practice. The most heavily tested topics include cardiovascular disorders, toxicology, and traumatic disorders. It will also cover procedures, skills, and signs, symptoms, and presentations.
How can I balance board prep with a busy ED schedule?
Finding time for board preparation within your busy ED schedule requires effective time management and flexible study resources. Try breaking your study blocks into short, consistent sessions, and find mobile resources you can access when you have time between shifts, on your commute, or during breaks.
Is board review useful even for experienced physicians?
Even experienced emergency physicians benefit from board review courses. Reinforcement of clinical reasoning keeps your skills sharp, refreshes core knowledge, and ensures you stay up-to-date on best practices in the constantly evolving world of medicine.
How Oakstone Helps You Prepare for the Boards
Oakstone offers a full suite of Emergency Medicine Board Review resources to help you prepare for your ABEM exam, including:
- Video lectures led by nationally recognized faculty.
- Self-assessment questions that mirror the ABEM exam style.
- Mobile resources that allow for flexible learning around your busy clinical schedule.
- CME opportunities and select activities that may be applied toward ABEM’s MyEMCert requirements, when designated.
Expert Tips for Success on Exam Day
When exam day arrives, it’s normal to feel nervous. But with stress-management techniques, proper preparation, and a focused mindset, you’ll be ready to take the exam with confidence. Our experts recommend the following tips for a smooth, successful exam day:
- Use deep breathing techniques to maintain a sense of calm, and take short breaks if you begin to feel overwhelmed.
- Read the questions carefully. Pace yourself, and double-check your answers before turning in your test.
- Use practice resources to test your knowledge, and thoroughly review any practice questions you miss before exam day.
- Make sure you get enough sleep the night before, and eat a healthy breakfast on exam day to fuel your brain. Keep a positive mindset to maintain your confidence leading up to the exam.
Continuous Learning Beyond Board Certification
Learning doesn’t stop after you pass the boards. Continuing education is key to staying up to date on current medical practices so you can provide the highest-quality patient care. Continuing Medical Education activities and self-assessment modules refresh your knowledge, build on essential skills, and track your CME progress, helping you to maintain certification via MyEmCert.
Oakstone’s Emergency Medicine Board Review and CME options support lifelong learning for emergency medicine physicians, offering high-quality content that’s designed to fit into your busy schedule. To learn more, visit our website, explore sample lectures, or connect with an expert advisor.