Do most programs pay for a review course, like Osler? How tough are the pathology boards when compared with other fields? Thanks,
Pathoguru
Pathoguru
Pathology boards
- Thread starter Pathoguru
- Start date
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2007
- Messages
- 947
- Reaction score
- 627
Our program used to pay for such review courses; however, due to the state of the economy in recent years as well as financial cutbacks made by our hospital looking for ways to save money, they no longer do. There are some programs that do fund for such review courses, just depends on which one and how well-funded they are.
I haven't taken boards so I may not be the best source, but based on stats, the Pathology board pass rate is lower than fields such as IM and FP which is around 97-98%. Don't know how Path stacks up against other specialties.
I haven't taken boards so I may not be the best source, but based on stats, the Pathology board pass rate is lower than fields such as IM and FP which is around 97-98%. Don't know how Path stacks up against other specialties.
I highly doubt most programs are paying for review courses. The exception is if you have a book/conference travel fund where you could put those funds towards a review course. But that means you don't get books or another conference.
It would be hard to compare difficulty of path boards compared to other specialties since very few of us actually take boards in other specialties. From what I hear it is less difficult in IM and FP. But I know people studying for radiology or EM boards who freak out just as much as path residents freak out. Other specialties also have an oral exam component which can be hard to prepare for and is often the toughest part.
It would be hard to compare difficulty of path boards compared to other specialties since very few of us actually take boards in other specialties. From what I hear it is less difficult in IM and FP. But I know people studying for radiology or EM boards who freak out just as much as path residents freak out. Other specialties also have an oral exam component which can be hard to prepare for and is often the toughest part.
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2003
- Messages
- 28,059
- Reaction score
- 441
I agree - don't think most programs would allocate extra money for a review course. But many will let you use your book or travel fund money for it.
In regards to comparing it to other fields, that's kind of irrelevant. It's a difficult exam. You have to study for it.
In regards to comparing it to other fields, that's kind of irrelevant. It's a difficult exam. You have to study for it.
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2008
- Messages
- 283
- Reaction score
- 0
I took Osler back in 2007. There were a couple groups of residents there whose programs paid for the course. My program didn't pay, but we could use our book money ($500). Keep in mind that some programs don't even offer book money.
Another issue is whether programs give you time off to attend these courses. I had to use vacation time.
----- Antony
Another issue is whether programs give you time off to attend these courses. I had to use vacation time.
----- Antony
Our program pays for ASCP course and provides time off ("conference days"). A hotel and transportation are paid by a resident - I used "book money" (a hospital gives 1000 usd per year).
