I’m writing this blog post as a sweet reprieve from what feels like endless studying for boards. Next week, I take both Part 3 as well as the Physiotherapy (PT) portion of exams required by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE). Just about a month ago, I had finished taking Part 2 boards. With these back-to-back June and July exams, it’s safe to say my summer has been consumed.

For those unaware, a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) is required to take four parts of boards to be licensed in any of the 50 United States. Then, there is a 5th PT portion that is only required in some states. Even though I plan on practicing in Illinois, a state that doesn’t require the PT exam for licensure, I want to keep my options open and take on this smaller exam while I’m in this board studying mindset.

Sure, it’s been a bummer to my summer having to study for boards, but there is some silver lining. I have found the content of Part 3 (composed of clinical science questions and case management vignettes) generally engrossing and applicable compared to the previous board exams. As a doctor in training, this is all very important stuff to know – how to manage a case yourself, where to refer out and when to get advanced imaging.

The way I’ve managed boards is by taking it piece by piece. A more specific strategy that has worked for me is starting an hour a day of board studying about a month before the examination. I highly recommend breaking this information into bite-sized chunks, rather than letting it become overwhelming as the exam nears.

At National University, we are lucky to have a great curriculum with repeated exposure to all the content on these board exams. This makes studying for boards just a big review. Therefore, it’s best to take inventory on what may not have stuck the first time around in school and really hammer it into your brain come boards. For me, anything neuro or lab-related comes easy, but dermatology is still giving me a run for my money.

As I dive into the final sprint of this summer exam marathon, it’s evident by my paleness that my beach days have been swapped for study sessions. While others are perfecting their tan lines, I’m perfecting my clinical approach and identification of radiographic signs. Here’s to hoping that all this hard work pays off, and I’ll soon be trading in my review note-packets for some well-deserved relaxation. Until then, it’s one more coffee and back to the grind!

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