From BASIC to Boards: How to Prepare for Every Dermatology Exam

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Aamir Hussain, MD, to discuss high-yield strategies for dermatology exam prep.

They start with a board review on contact dermatitis, covering key allergens like paraphenylenediamine, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, propylene glycol, and bacitracin. Dr Hussain shares a structured approach to studying allergens, including memorizing the last 5 years of "Allergen of the Year" and the T.R.U.E. TEST’s 36 most common allergens.

They then break down exam timelines and study strategies, using insights from Dr Hussain’s recent publication. from the BASIC exam in PGY-2 to the 4 CORE board exams in PGY-3. They share tips on prioritizing sections and using the best textbooks, atlases, question banks, and digital tools, as well as touch on the value of in-person and virtual review courses and how to maximize free resident resources.

Tune in to the episode for high-yield pearls and a structured approach to acing your dermatology exams!