Pathology Board Exams - Halfway there!

[centMD]

Officially took the first half of my Pathology board exams (Day 1 and 2, anatomic pathology https://www.abpath.org/images/Remote...days_FINAL.pdf). The second half (Day 3, clinical pathology https://www.abpath.org/images/Remote...-day_FINAL.pdf) will take place next Saturday (November 14). After that, I'm free finally from the constant studying! My results will be delivered around January 15. Looking forward to looking at coins again once I'm done.

Dan

[Roller]

Congrats Dan. Do the good work.

[joel]

Dan, I am in awe of you and all those who study and apply the complex science of medicine!! You are special!!

[makecents]

Very cool! I cannot imagine all the work that has went into preparing for this. Those look like some long test days, at least they give you some breaks.

[mustbebob]

Very cool Dan. I am so excited for you also. Good luck!

[WaterSport]

We all hope you great success. And we know you will have great success once you start searching again.

Bob

[Petespockets55]

Congratulations Dan. "Not so easy!" as my father in law used to say. (An understatement in this case.) Those all-day exams are exhausting. I was wondering if you had completed them yet.

You have the focus, drive, and intelligence needed for this profession. This exam sure makes for a very intense schedule of studying, especially after having the exams delayed this spring.

[kloccwork419]

[willbrooks]

Congrats, bud!

[centMD]

That was one Hell of a test! For the numerically minded...In 2019 roughly 86% of test takers passed Anatomic Pathology (AP) on the first try, and roughly 86% of test takers passed Clinical Pathology (CP) on the first try (p26 - https://www.abpath.org/images/newsle...iner_FINAL.pdf). I fall into this category (first time test taker). People who had failed prior had much worse luck, with 45% and 43% pass rates, respectively.

Overall from 2015-2019, 90% of first time test takers passed AP and 93% of first time test takers passed CP. This was increased from 2009-2014, where 87% of first time test takers passed AP and 88% of first time test takers passed CP. (https://allen.silverchair-cdn.com/al...5G5CRDK6RD3PGA). Different theories arise as why the pass rate has risen, when the consensus is that pathology training has not improved across the country.

I was an average to slightly below average resident during residency. My final ranking via a test called the RISE (Resident in service examination) put me at 35th percentile nationally evenly spread across both AP and CP (this test is taken by each of the 600 pathologists graduating each year across the US). Of note, some residency programs do not monitor their residents as they take this test, resulting in some individuals being artificially higher than they would in a proctored exam (AKA they cheat on a test that doesn't affect your grades, graduation, or anything else other than pride). In 2008, individuals in the 3rd quartile (mine) passed both sections at a rate of 86% overall, and in 2009 at a rate of 94% (https://watermark.silverchair.com/aj...S2Rj8XNFJzQWo8)

On a personal note, I gave up coins for the past 4 months or so, and have been doing my best to study since around December of 2019. I have put in more hours than my colleagues and my mentors feel confident I will do well. I was even recognized in a Grand Rounds presentation by one of our senior faculty for my intensive and effective study habits adapted my senior year. After taking both exams, I feel it is unlikely, though far from impossible, for me to have failed. Overall I rate the exams as very difficult, and they will remain something I never want to take again! Should I not pass, I would be forced to retake the exams. Lets hope that doesn't happen.

Dan

[makecents]

I'm glad you are finished with the tests and from what little I know about you, you are just that, finished. Time for the next chapter now.

[eaxtellcoin]

Congrats my friend. Test taking was NOT one of my favorite thangs. My daughter is way better - she is more like her grand parents. Skip a generation. Etc..

You'll be fine I figure and know on to bigger. Paying back debt, having fun working full time... Need I say more??? Congrats it will be well worth all the trouble..

[willbrooks]

I'm sure you'll pass. You're an extremely sharp guy and put in the maximum effort. I'm one of the lucky few that loves and usually does well on tests.

[centMD]

I have officially passed the Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Board examinations! It was a day of celebration (many weeks earlier than expected for results release)!


Certification_Mark.jpg

[Petespockets55]

Woo hoo and Congratulations! (No dancing in the streets till after Covid though.)
Maybe celebrate with a fantastic Cherry Pick?