From the Research
I strongly recommend using official preparation materials from the NBOME and NBME organizations, including their self-assessment exams and practice question banks, as the most effective assistance for National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) / National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) board questions. According to a study published in 2019 1, USMLE-specific question banks were positively correlated with performance on COMLEX-USA Level 1 and USMLE Step 1, while COMLEX-specific question banks showed no correlation. This suggests that using USMLE-specific question banks, such as those provided by the NBME, can be beneficial for preparing for both COMLEX-USA and USMLE exams. Additionally, the study found that National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Comprehensive Basic Science Self Assessment (CBSSA) and National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Self-Assessment Examination (COMSAE) practice examinations were positively correlated with performance on the USMLE Step 1 and the COMLEX-USA Level 1. Some key points to consider when preparing for the NBOME/NBME board exams include:
- Using official preparation materials from the NBOME and NBME organizations
- Focusing on understanding concepts rather than memorizing answers
- Practicing with self-assessment exams and practice question banks
- Forming study groups with classmates to enhance preparation
- Using commercial review resources like UWorld, COMBANK, COMQUEST, First Aid, and Boards and Beyond It's also important to note that medical school libraries often provide access to question banks, which can be a valuable resource for students preparing for the exams. Overall, by using a combination of official preparation materials, self-assessment exams, and commercial review resources, students can effectively prepare for the NBOME/NBME board exams and achieve a high level of performance.