do people generally take abim exam after residency?

[2007er]

How often is abim offerred? I think it's just august. Does it mean residents generally take it after finishing residency? Anyone take it August of their PGY3? I think benefit of taking it aug of PGY3 is that u'd have the rest of the year to read about whatever fellowship u're planning to do instead of having to worry about boards during start of fellowship. however, i'm not sure if there's a rule saying u can't take it during PGY3.

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[Gastrapathy]

How often is abim offerred? I think it's just august. Does it mean residents generally take it after finishing residency? Anyone take it August of their PGY3? I think benefit of taking it aug of PGY3 is that u'd have the rest of the year to read about whatever fellowship u're planning to do instead of having to worry about boards during start of fellowship. however, i'm not sure if there's a rule saying u can't take it during PGY3.

You have to complete residency first. Many people actually take it a year after.

 

[pdintheusa]

I've been in academics for 10 years, and I've never seen a resident take the ABIM exam in the 3rd year. I think it is universally taken after residency.

In general, it is recommended that you sit out a year ONLY if your inservice scores/overall clinical performance are such that your program director does not recommend you sit for the exam.

This past year, for the first time, there were multiple dates in Aug/Sept to choose from. Before that, it was a one-day shot deal annually. [Technically, 2 day test, but offered only 1 time. You get the idea. 😉 ]

 

[Gastrapathy]

I've been in academics for 10 years, and I've never seen a resident take the ABIM exam in the 3rd year. I think it is universally taken after residency.

In general, it is recommended that you sit out a year ONLY if your inservice scores/overall clinical performance are such that your program director does not recommend you sit for the exam.

This past year, for the first time, there were multiple dates in Aug/Sept to choose from. Before that, it was a one-day shot deal annually. [Technically, 2 day test, but offered only 1 time. You get the idea. 😉 ]

I believe its a one day test since they made that change.

 

[gwen]

yes, you can take the test between aug-september (they have about 7-8 dates) and its only a one-day test now and on a computer...very nice! i'd highly recommend taking it right after finishing residency...that's when you remember info the most (even if you haven't read anything during residency). the only time i'd consider taking it a year later would be for some very serious reason, like a death in the family.

i actually thought about taking mine a year after finishing residency as i had a huge wedding to plan (mine) during 3rd year of IM so i didn't study much. but i'm so glad my husband forced me to take it...i passed and now don't have to look back and wonder. its such a nice feeling to be done with it!!!