By Sharon H. Giordano, MD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Like many of you, I have recently found myself faced with the task of preparing for recertification exams. As a physician who exclusively treats breast cancer, studying the other tumor areas (many of which I have not reviewed in close to 10 years) was very challenging. Also, as we all know, the treatment for many cancers has changed significantly in the past several years alone.

Fortunately though, there are many resources available to assist with this process. I recommend attending a Board Review course; for me it was the one offered at my institution, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Having that dedicated time for review was very helpful.

I also had to supplement my live courses with more traditional self-study. However, with all of my clinical duties and research responsibilities, this was easier said than done. I found myself taking a few “vacation” days that were dedicated to reviewing. During that time, ASCO Self Evaluation Program (ASCO-SEP®) was a fantastic resource as were the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines and National Cancer Institute’s Physician Data Query treatment summaries.

I’ve also been fortunate enough to serve as one of six faculty members in ASCO Interactive Board Reviews. During times when I was not directly presenting, I listened carefully to my colleagues present questions from their respective tumor areas. In each of these webinars, I and the other faculty made sure to ask questions that have been challenging to past test takers—after all, presenting a question that 95% of previous respondents have answered correctly is not likely helpful to most of our current participants. 

In the end, though, do what works best for you. No single resource is likely to prepare anyone for recertification. Take the time to identify the areas you need to review most and find the materials that will help get you prepared. And above all else, make the time to study.

Dr. Sharon H. Giordano is Director of the Educational and Training Program and Associate Professor and Internist in the Department of Breast Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.