However, while reviewing questions, there is also an option to create a flashcard directly from question content using the explanations of correct and incorrect answer choices. The opportunity to take a timed test is a unique tool in exam preparation materials and one not typically available for many board examinations.Īs mentioned, students can create unique flashcards through the UWorld interface. This can be crucial for learners in the middle or late stages of exam preparation if they have struggled to complete questions efficiently or need practice picking out key phrases and words within long question stems. UWorld’s ABFM QBank offers users the ability to create and complete exams on a timed basis, and to assess their strengths and weaknesses while working through the live exam. If time organization and utilization are important to you when studying for standardized exams, UWorld may be a perfect choice. Some of these features may spark interest in trainees with particular studying habits or those who like more bells and whistles. The UWorld QBanks offer a few great features that are not widely available with other board exam QBanks. This is a significant strength of UWorld studying in a content format enables the recognition of subtleties between questions and answers related to similar disease processes – a common theme that board examiners use to trip up exam takers. This allows the learner to organize studying by specific topic. In addition to the previously mentioned function of separating ABFM questions into “unused,” “incorrect,” and “marked” categories, UWorld questions can be categorized by subject matter. To be specific, the UWorld ABFM QBank contains 60% internal medicine questions, with the remainder categorized as pediatrics (16%), obstetrics and gynecology (15%), psychiatry (6%), and surgery (2%). The categorization of questions in the QBank reflects the breakdown of questions on the ITE, with emphasis on cardiology, musculoskeletal, and respiratory topics. It’s especially worthwhile for learners completing residency or prepping while already in a clinic or hospital, where they can dedicate a few minutes of downtime to reviewing questions in rapid succession.īased on the content of the annual ABFM In-Training Exam ( ITE ) report, the UWorld ABFM QBank closely mirrors the ITE. Because UWorld’s flashcards feature is uniquely excellent, we recommend that everyone use it since there is much evidence supporting the efficacy of flashcard learning for medical exam preparation.įinally, as most individuals studying for their board exams are incredibly busy, UWorld’s mobile phone app is a must-have. Some students can’t even bear the idea of flipping through a deck of medical concepts, while others thrive on this strategy. Learning professionals recognize that not everyone sees excellent results from using flashcards. Therefore, if you choose to view the “incorrect” category in your ABFM QBank and make flashcards based on its contents but still want to make flashcards for some high-yield content you answered correctly, this is not difficult to do. If you choose to make combination flashcards for both weak and high-yield topics, the QBank also has a search function that allows you to quickly find questions by key word or phrase. Having the ability to go back after a first pass of any QBank and review weak areas is often critical to student success, as shown in studies on “spaced repetition.”Īfter using the question category tool to identify weaker topic areas, users can then use UWorld’s flashcard feature for rapid reviews or to help emphasize high-yield topics. This learner-driven feature can come in handy for reviewing a particular type of question, especially if UWorld is your primary QBank for the ABFM. Once you pick a mode, you will notice that questions on the UWorld ABFM QBank can be divided into “unused,” “incorrect,” and “marked” categories, allowing for a review of specific questions/content areas. How to Study for the American Board of Internal Medicine Exam