The medical oncology board examinations are a pivotal time in a clinician's career. However, preparing for and taking this exam comes as a crucial moment when residents/fellows begin their transition to attending. 

While in theory, the process of taking an exam and then beginning a new job sounds simple, it is quite complex. The hematology/oncology boards require rigorous preparation. The exam is followed by the new attending position, where clinicians, for the first time, are on their own, making treatment decisions and leading a team. 

ONCOLOGY® spoke with leading clinicians as well as those who are just beginning their careers about this time, and how they handled studying while experiencing personal and professional changes.

Eric K. Singhi, MD, assistant professor in the Department of General Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, and assistant professor in the Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, focused on:

·      His transition from fellow to attending (0:58)

·      Where students should focus their efforts on studying (2:11)

·      Advice he would give to those currently studying (2:47)

Nicholas James Hornstein, MD, PhD, assistant professor at Northwell Health Cancer Institute, discussed: 

·      Studying for the boards while balancing a new career (3:18)

·      Specific study areas the exam focuses on (5:43)

Marc J. Braunstein, MD, associate professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, fellowship program director in hematology/oncology at NYU Langone Health - Long Island, and codirector of the Hematology-Oncology System at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, highlighted:

·      How to prepare fellows for the career transition (7:11)

·      Advice he gives about this transition (8:17)

Nerea M. Lopetegui-Lia, MD, assistant professor in the College of Medicine at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-The James, spoke about:

·      Best review practices for the exam (9:01)

·      Advice she would give to those studying (10:15)

MinhTri Nguyen, MD, a medical oncologist with Stanford Medicine, focused on: 

·      As a leadership coach, helping prepare residents/fellows for the career transition (11:36)

·      Advice he would give to those studying (14:34)