Tag Archive for: USMLE

Our Top Tips: How to Survive Your Psychiatric Residency!

Our Top Tips - How to Survive Your Psychiatric Residency!

Ok, hear us out for a minute…⁠ Surviving your residency is easier than you think.⁠ ⁠ 

YES, of course, that’s a loaded statement… NO, we aren’t saying it’s not incredibly challenging (because it is…) but we promise you’re overthinking it. You CAN do this. You may have heard horror stories or that it was the worst moment of someone’s life but let’s be real. 

It shouldn’t be.⁠

 Thousands before you have done it and thousands after you will do it too.

How you handle it makes all the difference in what you’ll get out of your residency.⁠ Here are 5 TIPS on how to survive:

#1 HAVE A POSITIVE MINDSET…

Before you begin anything, you should always go in with the correct mindset. If you think things are going to be horrible…then they will be! But if you go in understanding that there will be both highs and lows, you’ll be better prepared to face them.

#2 HAVE A GREAT SUPPORT SYSTEM…

This goes with most things in life. The company you keep will help get you through hard moments. That’s what friends are for. But this support system should also be those around you too! Other residents know what you’re going through, so be sure to include them. It helps so much! ⁠

#3 DON’T NEGLECT YOUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH…

We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again: Take care of your mind AND body! Don’t bottle things up, talk to your support system, and get further help if you need it. It’s a challenging time. Outside of this, being active works WONDERS. Your body will thank you.

#4 IT’S OK TO SAY “I DON’T KNOW” (DO IT MORE!)…

You don’t know everything (that’s why you’re here). Don’t be a “know it all”, it can come back to hurt you. If you’re asked something and you’re really unsure, say that! Saying I don’t know will help you get the answers you need. Don’t feel silly. You’re learning!

#5 IT GETS BETTER…

It will get better!!! The start can be overwhelming and a lot to take in, but use that support system. Once you get in the groove, you’ll start to feel much more relaxed. Give it time. It’s long, draining, and emotional but there are perks. They may not last long but the amount of information and experiences you’ll take away from it, in the end, is all worth it. 

You got this, you can survive… you can thrive! ⁠

Still, feeling overwhelmed?

Contact us and let’s talk through it together.

Getting the facts straight: Truth and LIES about the USMLE Exam

When preparing for the USMLE Exam it’s important to get the facts right.

Getting the facts straight: Truth and LIES about the USMLE Exam

First, Let’s sort out the USMLE LIES…

The more you put off your test and study, the better your score is going to be.

Studies show that cramming can actually be hurtful. Med school is a full-time job and you need to manage your time wisely. You should study alongside your course work AND practice practice practice… But if you take too long and say you’re not ready, you may lose info that you focused on months or weeks back.

Using as many resources as you can leads to a better score.

This will just flood your brain with info. The most ideal way to study is by using practice question banks that imitate real-life tests. While everyone had various study methods, research shows that the Practice Q-Banks hold higher retention than lectures or reading combined.

Practice Question Banks are all the same!

NOPE. You want to ensure you’re not just getting the information correct but that it matches the real-life test. Many question banks are NOT formatted properly and will only just feed you endless information… Thankfully, our USMLE question bank is formatted to get the most out of your learning experience. Studies have proven members who use formatted practice q-banks have a much higher score/pass rate.

NOW, Let’s get the TRUTH right so you can pass your USMLE With Ease!

The more practice questions you study with, the higher your USMLE Score will be.

As we covered before about the Pract. Q-Banks, you want to ensure you’re studying with resources that will benefit you. They say practice makes perfect and this is 100% true!

There is no “one perfect way” to prepare for the USMLE Exam.

Find a study plan and create one that works for YOU. Everyone is different so don’t listen to the noise others spew about how YOU should be studying.

With the right study plan, you will pass!

This goes with any test and we’ve covered it before, put in the work, create a plan, and dive in. If you’re prepared it’s almost impossible to fail.

_____

We hope this helps! What other lies or statements have you heard? DM or Contact Us to let us know. We love hearing your feedback!

Group Studying VS Self Studying (Which is better?)

an illustration of Students sitting around a table studying together. A text bubble reads "ok next chapter"

Studying alone vs with a group is just a personal choice right? Well not exactly… 🤔⁠ It turns out that studying can actually be MORE effective than when alone & have other pros!

🥰 When in a group…⁠
– You’re held more accountable to study.⁠
– You can feel more motivated as the topics will seem less mundane.⁠
– Human interactions can lower your stress and anxiety levels.⁠
– You get an extra rewarding feeling when answering questions correct (since others are there to praise you)⁠
– Share various techniques (you might find something NEW that works better for you!)⁠
– You can test each other so it’s not just constant question review.⁠
– You will ensure you’re not missing any subjects.⁠
– You will have a higher chance of staying more organized.⁠
– You won’t be the only one providing info, others can take the load off of you.⁠
– Best of all, you may build and create new long lasting friendships! You’re all going through the same things…it will bring you closer together!⁠

Now of course with any positive comes the negative so be careful… studying with others can lead to more distractions, side conversations, and procrastination ❌ If at any point the studying isn’t working make sure you make adjustments as needed.⁠

But hey…If you’ve never tried a group setting give it a shot!…it can be the great start of fun times after you study!⁠


Did you know we offer a FREE trial for our question banks? Just head over to our website (exams.mypsychboard.com) to get started today risk-free (with no Credit Card required!)

Feeling like you need a bit of extra help?

Contact us OR sign up for our tutoring!

How To: Create the PERFECT Morning Routine to maximize your success!

Image shows a man with brown hair running through a beautiful forest and mountain rage. The image is "How To: Create the PERFECT Morning Routine to maximize your success!"

Starting off the week on the right foot can completely change how your week plays out! ⁠

This is a KEY part in helping you pass your boards. If you wake up, rush around, and fill your morning with stress it’s most likely that your day will be filled with stress. It can feel like a marathon if you just wake up and jump into the day. That will then hurt your odds of having a successful study session. ⁠

Studies from @Forbes show that waking up earlier than usual has incredible health benefits. They state it gives you ample time to focus on your goals and conquer the day with more energy, mindfulness, and strength.⁠

✨ Here are some helpful tips we’ve complied after doing some additional research!⁠

• Let’s start with the obvious..get a good night’s sleep…you need to be RESTED for your brain to function properly. ⁠
• Avoid the snooze button!⁠
• Instead of snoozing, wake up a few minutes earlier and give yourself enough time to wake up. You can Lay in bed for a few minutes and ease out of bed.⁠
• Write down your thoughts! This could be a to do list for the day, or just general thoughts. Talking about your stressors on paper can also help relieve them.⁠
• Eat something, your brain needs nutrition. Even if it’s something small!⁠
• Do something you enjoy, this could be working out, going for a quick walk, reading a book and so on!⁠
• Drink a full cup of glass of water before you leave the house (or start working/school if you do it remotely from home). ⁠
• Don’t rush! Give yourself enough time. If you know you have to leave by a certain time try and be ready 10-15 minutes before that and make sure you have everything you need.⁠


Did you know we offer a FREE trial for our question banks? Just head over to our website (exams.mypsychboard.com) to get started today risk-free (with no Credit Card required!)

Feeling like you need a bit of extra help?

Contact us OR sign up for our tutoring!

My Psych Board vs. Them: Competition broken down and compared!

My Psych Board vs. “The Others…” who do you choose?

There are a lot of brands you can choose from, but we’re here to help ensure you pick the right one!

We’ve taken time this past week to dive deep into our competitors and give an unbiased opinion on what separates us from the rest… Now we know that it may seem we would only want to toot our own horn but after looking into everyone the choice is night and day…

So..why choose us?

1️⃣ Leading Customer Service
Our customer service is unmatched. We operate a much smaller team which provides a more custom and personalized experience while still offering your essential services. “The Others” are no match for us. They charge extra for your time.

With us you can ->
• Schedule a call with a Medical Expert
• Access phone & email support options
• Get assistance with an on-site or Telehealth Observership or Preceptorship
• Additional Tutoring is available

We are here to provide you with the exact services and content you need!

2️⃣ Top Quality Question Banks

When it comes down to our question banks they’re truly groundbreaking and outstanding! You would be surprised how many other brands either limit their coverage, content, or video vignettes.

Some features our Question Banks include are…
• Content curated by industry professionals
• Video & Clinical Vignettes Included
• Tests Customized by Subject
• Times & Practice Modes!
• Up-To-Date Questions
• Detailed Explanations
• FREE trials available!
& MUCH more!

3️⃣ Web & Exam Experience

When we dove into each brand we looked at several areas: Web content, navigation, accessibility, speed, and the actual question bank roll out.

“The Others”
When it comes to speed, the others average performance score of 22/100..oof… The pages are cluttered, finding the specific question banks to purchased are confusing, and the mobile experience was incredibly poor. We also utilized Googles “Core Web Vital Assessment” feature and found that most brands FAILED this on mobile.. how can you trust them to help you pass the boards if they can’t pass their own assessments…

With us, you’ll find an average performance score of 93/100, passed Core Assement, and great content. Each section of content is is to the point, easy to navigate, and gives you a streamlined experience. If you ever have questions or need a hand, you can always reach out to us!

4️⃣ Additional Content (Blogs, Social, and More!)
We’re the only brand that also focuses on other areas of content! Our social media focuses on studying tips, studying experiences, practice questions, real life uses and much MUCH more. With our blog you can dive deep into various learning areas and expand on topics seen on our socials!

Did you know we offer a FREE trial for our question banks? Just head over to our website (exams.mypsychboard.com) to get started today risk-free (with no Credit Card required!)

Feeling like you need a bit of extra help?

Contact us OR sign up for our tutoring!

How To: Choose the best path when studying for your Psychiatric Board Exams!

An image reading "Choose the best path when studying for your Psychiatric Board Exams!" - in the image is a dark path for stressful exam prep OR a light path for easy studying.

When taking your journey there are many choices you can make that will either help or hurt you in studying. Would you want to take a path that seems rocky & has a higher chance of failure OR one that is sunny & straightforward?

Everyone is different when it comes to taking tests & exams BUT, if you go into your exam with a clear plan your odds of passing become so much higher already!

🤨 “So what’s your advice then?”

You’ve taken tests all your life & know what works for YOU. Take a look back at some of your best / worst tests. Write down the areas you think hurt you & those that helped so you won’t make the same mistakes. Just focus more on the positive areas than the negative.

If you spend more time worrying & less time studying/creating a plan you’re just going to make things worse. You’ll just stress yourself out. The exam is only a small moment in time so don’t let it run months of your life.

⏰ Since we’re talking about time, remember to pace yourself!

Some people finish within seconds to spare & others finish early, but again, we’re all different. There are a few strategies that you can put into place. We’ve outlined two, but we recommend researching more about what others have done.

1️⃣ Review & Tag Method:
Read your question & choose the answer you think is right after thinking quickly about it. Tag questions for review & return to them later. This will keep you moving quickly through the exam hitting questions you’re confident about. When you complete the questions go back & spend more time on the ones you weren’t sure about.
(*Some exams do NOT allow tagging. DM us if you want to learn if you’ll be affected).

2️⃣ Using every second:
It’s not a race, so if you’re the type who feels more confident taking it slow then do it! Spend as much time as you can considering each option & remove the choices you know that wouldn’t be correct. It’s better to answer every question than to leave it blank. You still have a higher chance it’s right.

When your exam is done, leave it in the past. There’s no point saying “I should’ve done this”.Well, that’s enough for now so we will focus on what to do AFTER your board exams in a future post…

Stay tuned!

Did you know we offer additional tutoring? Contact us today to learn more! OR Jump right in with our FREE question banks!

How to Get the Most Out of Studying

image of book with text "how to get the most out of studying"

This past week we took time to speak with leading professors, current students, and recent graduates to learn more about where the biggest issues in studying take place and how you can overcome it!

✨ Welcome to our top 5 Studying Secrets!

1️⃣ GET ORGANIZED
Before you can even begin studying you need to make sure you have all the resources you need. Organize items into folders, check you have all the materials you need, and tidy up your study spot.

2️⃣ DESIGNATE A STUDY SPOT & LIMIT DISTRACTIONS
Find a place distraction free and put your phone on do not disturb. When finding your spot, try to keep this away from your bedroom if possible. Believe it or not..It can cause additional stress on you when you’re trying to sleep if this is where most of your work and studying take place!

3️⃣ SET UP A STUDY SCHEDULE
You’ll begin to feel less stressed knowing you have allotted time in your day to put in the work. Stick to it, no matter how hard it may be — its essential.

4️⃣ TAKE NOTES & COMPARE WITH YOUR CLASSMATES
Maybe it’s something you missed in class? Maybe you’re not understanding? Support each other! Review notes, make corrections, and talk it out. It will seem less like a chore when you’re interacting with others… just make sure when you notice the studying is becoming unproductive you stop, get up, walk around, and take a break for a moment. Focus on something else..It’s ok to breathe.

5️⃣ MAKE STUDYING FUN & REWARD YOURSELF
Yes… we know… it’s not always going to be fun but it can be Create games, go online, have group study sessions, and create rewards for yourself Remember why you’re studying so hard in the first place. It will all be worth it soon.

Did you know different STUDY STYLES can make a difference on how prepared you feel? Check out our blog on just this topic here! Did you also know we have tailored Question Banks to ensure you are passing your boards with ease! Check out our FREE Trial here.

If all else fails, talk to your teacher directly. Discuss the pain points, ask what helped them, and try to change your routine up. Most teachers said they actually wish more students would talk to them.. after all they were in your position before. They’re just like you!

__

YOU GOT THIS 💖

Send this with someone who is just as stressed as you were, let’s help each other!

Need additional help? Contact us today!

Our Multi Modal Psychiatric Question Banks: Perfect on the go!

a mac, iphone, and ipad are laid out on a blue background. On each of the screens are a section of the "My Psych Baord" website and question banks.

Life can be fast paced and it can seem like finding the right time and place to study is impossible.

Not everyone has the luxury of sitting down in front of a desktop or laptop for hours every day.⁠ We understand that we need to keep up with your hectic schedule and find ways to make that time FOR you.

We have created a means of doing that by offering our Question Banks either at home OR on the go! Our website can be accessed and used from desktops to mobile smartphones to tablets. With user-friendly interface, we want to create the perfect studying tool that you can use- wherever you are.

With our ✨ Multi Modal Question Banks ✨ you can study with ease no matter where you are! Whether you’re at home on your laptop, on the go with your phone, or kicking back on your tablet you can access all our Question Banks unrestricted. You should be able to access materials to study for your exams in the way that is easiest for you, whether that’s sitting at a desktop or cramming a few questions in between rotations. Our goal is to make our products accessible no matter what the situation is.

All you need to do is go to our website, sign in, and start testing! 🥳 Want to try it out RISK FREE? Give our Free Trial a whirl and see how we can help you!


⁠Did you know we offer a FREE trial for our question banks? Just head over to our website (exams.mypsychboard.com) to get started today risk-free (with no Credit Card required!)

Feeling like you need a bit of extra help?

Contact us OR sign up for our tutoring!


INTRODUCING: Our New FREE Trial Psychiatric Question Banks!

INTRODUCING- Our New FREE Trial Psychiatric Question Banks!

🚨 FREE TRIAL ALERT!

Take control of your learning and pass your board exams with ease! Our new FREE TRIAL question banks are like an appetizer sampler for your brain. Choose from ABPN, PRITE, NP, and USMLE banks to decide if My Psych Board is right for you.

Test out 10 top quality questions including a sampler video vignette, and get a feel on how our products work. Our free trials feature timed, practice, AND custom quiz modes!

It’s the perfect way to check us out with no risk to your wallet!

Click the link to get started with your trial today!
https://exams.mypsychboard.com/signin?callbackUrl=https://exams.mypsychboard.com/quizzes?trial=1

A Closer Look at Top Quality Questions and Video Vignettes

A Closer Look at Top Quality Questions and Video Vignettes

My Psych Board Video Vignettes and Questions are top quality and created by experts in the field!

Did you know each and every question listed on My Psych Board goes through an extensive vetting process?

FIRST we work with experts who are in the field to curate top notch question content that matches the difficulty, style, and modality of questions you can expect to see on your exams.

NEXT the questions are reviewed individually by Dr. Abdel himself along with other team members to fact check, proof, and make clarifying modifications to ensure each question is readable, understandable, and each explanation thoroughly covers the content it features.

FINALLY every question is reviewed a final time to double check (and triple check!) everything is accurate and ready to go, then it’s delivered right to your device with new content being uploaded regularly.

Oh, and did we mention…🎥 FEATURING: VIDEO VIGNETTES

Our video vignettes introduce dynamic characters with real-life issues. With high quality scripting, these scenarios will draw you in and feel like you’re meeting with an actual client and discussing their case. Our videos involve complex diagnoses with thought provoking questions to lead you through helping over 20 different individuals. No cheesy lines or stereotypical characters- these videos are made by experts to help you!

Each vignette is accompanied by multiple choice questions that follow the cases in a scene-by-scene flow. Don’t get stuck on vignettes when it comes to testing time, we have the materials you need to ace them all!

Make sure you are receiving the best product for your education by trying our high yield and challenging question banks (like ours!).

Still need additional help OR have other question? Contact Us today!