Here, we’ll summarize the resources that were found to be most helpful to those who have taken the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Nephrology exam. Respondents were asked which study tools they utilized and which they found to be the most helpful. The survey results are summarized in Figure 1. Of the 49 respondents to our survey, 53% utilized the Kidney Self Assessment Program (KSAP). As of this year, new KSAP modules (composed of clinically oriented questions based on case vignettes) are now free for ASN members. Older modules are also available for purchase.
The next most frequently utilized resource was the ASN Board Review Course Update (BRCU) materials, which consist of lectures and lecture slides. The cost for attending the course this year (held in Chicago, IL July 28 – August 2) was $995 for ASN trainee members. For those who flew to the course, discounted airfare was available. The cost for only access to the lectures and slides $1395. A free practice exam is also available. ASN’s NephSap (free for members) was also popular with almost 40% utilizing the text as well as core knowledge questions, though only 14% found NephSap to be the most helpful resource.
Below are links to resources that were also reported in Figure 1:
Boards Vitals
Nephrology in 30 Days
Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology
Nephrology Secrets
Brigham Board Review
Arkana Laboratory Quizzes
Online Resources (i.e. RFN, GlomCon, NephSim, Precious Bodily Fluids, NephronPower, UKidney, UpToDate)
In addition to the study tools noted in Figure 1, additional resources included the NKF Primer, Pass Machine Board Review ($1097 for 1 year-access to lectures & question bank), Absolute Nephrology Review, Pediatric Nephrology, and Nephrology and Hypertension Board Review.
Wondering how this data looked in 2010? Take a look here.
Post by: Samira Farouk, MD, MS (@ssfarouk)
RFN Co-Editor, Transplant Nephrologist
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (@ISMMSKidney)
COI: Matthew Sparks, MD (RFN Faculty Lead): Editor, Nephrology Secrets
COI: Gearoid McMahon, MB, BCh (RFN Faculty Lead): Director, Brigham Board Review Course
