stupid question

[soulsearchin]

hi guys i have a really stupid question but i dont know the answer to it..i think most of u will..my question is that after 3 yr if IM residency if one goes for fellowship..where will the boards come in..will one take the IM boards and after completeing the fellowship ,the boards of that fellowship?or will one just take the boards of that fellowship?or will he just take the boards of IM only n after completing the fellowship desnt have to take another exam?
thanks

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[jennie 21]

Hi soulsearchin,
My understanding of the situation is that you would take the IM boards at the end of your IM residency, and then take the boards to be certified in your subspecialty at the end of your fellowship. Hope that helps!

 

[soulsearchin]

thanks jennieim not applying in IM but i thought this question would apply to all the fields.it did help.and also raised some questions

 

[gutonc]

At least for IM and Peds, you take your boards during your PGy-4 year. This may be your first year as an attending or in private practice, your first year as a fellow in whatever specialty you choose, or your Chief year if you go that route.

One exception to this is if you do a fast-track/research track program. The ABIM and ABP require 3 years of clinical experience in order to sit for your board exam. In the case of fast-tracking, you will have completed your IM or Peds and the first clinical year of your fellowship by that point. You will still be a PGY-4 but you may be done w/ clinical medicine at that point and have moved on to your research fellowship.

You are also generally not required to take your IM or Peds boards during your first fellowship year or during your fellowship at all. That said, it will all be much fresher in your mind at that point and is probably the best time to do it, rather than after a year or 3 of being a specialist when you can't remember anything that doesn't involve an endoscope or chemotherapy.