My Journey to Passing the BCPS Exam: Tips and Insights
As an immigrant pharmacist from the Philippines, the journey to becoming board certified in pharmacotherapy was both challenging and rewarding. I took the BCPS (Board Certification in Pharmacotherapy) exam, a significant milestone in my career. Here, I'll share my experience, the resources I used, and some practical tips that helped me succeed.
Background and Preparation
To be eligible for the BCPS exam without completing a residency, you need at least three years of practice as a pharmacist in a setting where at least 50% of your time is spent in pharmacotherapy. The exam fee is $600, and it's a rigorous test of your knowledge and skills.
Resources I Used
- HighYield MedReview: Costing $559, this was my primary study resource. It provided comprehensive coverage of the exam topics.
- Osmosis: An excellent supplement to my studies, offering concise and clear explanations of complex concepts. (free on YouTube)
- Anki Flashcards: These were invaluable for active recall and retention. I created flashcards for key concepts and used them daily. (free online)
Study Timeline
I applied for the exam in March and scheduled my test for April. This gave me just over a month to prepare intensively.
Study Techniques and Schedule
Active Recall and Practice Questions
Active recall was a cornerstone of my study strategy. I focused on doing practice questions first to identify my weak areas. This method not only helped reinforce my knowledge but also improved my critical thinking skills.
Daily Study Routine
Balancing work and study was crucial. I worked 8 hours a day and studied for 2-4 hours after work. My typical day involved:
- After Work: Heading to the library to study.
- Study Sessions: Starting with practice questions, followed by watching lectures to fill in knowledge gaps.
- Pomodoro Technique: Implementing the Pomodoro technique, I took breaks every 25 minutes or sometimes every 2 hours if I was deeply focused.
Weekend Study Marathon
Weekends were dedicated to more intensive study sessions, with a minimum of 8 hours each day. I found changing my study environment, like studying in a library or a coffee shop, helped maintain my focus and motivation.
Tips for Success
1. Utilize High-Quality Resources: HighYield MedReview, Osmosis, and Anki flashcards were indispensable.
2. Prioritize Active Recall: Start with practice questions to identify weak areas and reinforce learning.
3. Consistent Study Routine: Even with a full-time job, dedicate at least 2-4 hours daily to study, increasing to 8 hours on weekends.
4. Effective Time Management: Use techniques like Pomodoro to maintain focus and avoid burnout.
5. Stay Motivated and Adaptable: Changing study environments and methods can help keep your study sessions fresh and effective.
Preparing for the BCPS exam as an immigrant pharmacist with a full-time job was challenging, but with the right resources and strategies, it is achievable. The combination of HighYield MedReview, Osmosis, and Anki flashcards, along with a disciplined study routine and active recall, were key to my success. I hope my experience and tips can help other pharmacists on their journey to becoming board certified in pharmacotherapy.