It is this traditional knowledge and judgement that is tested in certifying examinations. In October, residents will write the National In-Training Examination. Experts emphasize that certifying examinations test reasoning, not specific answers or knowledge, so there is emphasis on overall knowledge, and not trivia. Very few questions can be answered by strict recall. Study Groups Study groups may be helpful if each member participates voluntarily and is active in that participation.
Study groups are usually three or four residents who meet weekly.
Each is assigned topics, usually from a textbook such as Harrison's Textbook of Medicine . Residents prepare practice questions for their colleagues, and review key information from the subject for which they have assumed responsibility. To be most effective, study groups should be composed of individuals at a similar level of knowledge. Study groups can stimulate reading and enthusiasm for mastering the content, exert peer pressures for learning, and be a systematic way to encourage reading. Courses and Review Tests Board Review courses can be helpful in outlining areas of weakness for a resident.