ABA Basic is Coming Up: Here's what you can do to support struggling students

Written by LAS Contributor, Shereese Maynard, MS, MBA She/Her

As program directors, the performance of your anesthesiology residents on the ABA Basic Exam reflects not just their hard work but also the support and guidance they receive during their preparation. With the exam scheduled for June, time is of the essence, particularly for residents who may have underperformed in this year's in-training exams (ITEs) or those getting a late start on their prep. Here at Loren Academic Services (LAS), we understand these challenges and are here to help you implement strategies that can significantly boost your residents' chances of success.

1. Early Identification and Intervention

• Identify at-risk residents: It’s crucial to quickly identify residents who scored in the lower percentiles on the ITEs. These scores often predict similar outcomes on the ABA Basic unless intervention occurs.
• Set up meetings: Arrange one-on-one meetings to discuss their areas of weakness and establish a personalized study plan or refer them to a medical coach.

2. Structured Study Plans

• Create tailored study schedules: Help residents by outlining a detailed study plan that allocates time effectively across all topics, with more time dedicated to areas of weakness. You know how busy your residents are. Helping them create or understand how to create an actionable schedule is vital.
• Regular reviews: Implement weekly check-ins to assess progress and adjust the study plan as necessary to ensure all topics are thoroughly covered. If you've referred them to a medical coach, ask them, "How's it going?"

3. Peer Learning and Group Study

• Facilitate group study sessions: Encourage residents to form study groups. This can help them benefit from peer support and enhance understanding through discussion. Group prep among peers in a similar situation can be a motivator; no one wants to believe they're struggling in the isolation of their cohort.
• Host review sessions: Organize regular review sessions led by faculty or senior residents who excelled in their ABA exams.

4. Access to Quality Resources

• Provide comprehensive resources: Ensure residents have access to essential textbooks, question banks, and online modules that cover the ABA Basic syllabus extensively. Some residents are first-gen medical residents; they may benefit from the advice of a mentor who knows the utility of study resources.
• Recommend professional test-prep services: Services like those offered by LAS can provide specialized coaching and additional strategies, which are crucial for intensive preparation.

5. Stress Management and Well-being

• Promote wellness: Encourage a healthy balance between studying and downtime to prevent burnout. Offer workshops on stress management techniques and ensure residents know they have access to mental health resources. Reinforce wellness as a vital part of the whole test preparation practice, not a subtext.

6. Simulation and Practical Tests

• Simulate exam conditions: Encourage practice exams under timed conditions to help residents adapt to the pressure of the actual exam day.
• Feedback and analysis: Provide detailed feedback on these practice tests to help identify knowledge gaps and reduce anxiety. A medical coach can also perform this feedback and analysis in a structured coaching program.

7. LAS Partnership

• Engage with LAS: Consider partnering with Loren Academic Services to provide your residents personalized coaching and resources tailored to the ABA Basic exam. Our experienced educators specialize in helping anesthesiology residents bridge gaps in their knowledge and boost their confidence through targeted strategies.

Encouragement and Motivation

Keep spirits high: Regular encouragement can significantly impact morale and motivation. Remind your residents of their capabilities and the hard work they’ve already invested in their careers.

We at Loren Academic Services are committed to assisting residency programs in nurturing their future anesthesiologists. We can help you elevate your residents' exam readiness by focusing on tailored support and quality preparation. Encourage your department to reach out to LAS, where we can discuss how our services can be integrated into your training program to ensure all residents have the best chance at success on their ABA Basic Exam. Let’s work together to secure a bright future for your residents and your program.