ABR Exam Prep: Advice from Alyssa Martinez

alyssa martinez camp physics medical physicist

 

For medical physicists, passing the ABR exams is a crucial step in their career, but the three-part process—Part 1, Part 2, and the oral exam (Part 3)—can be an intimidating challenge. Alyssa Martinez, a diagnostic medical physicist at CAMP, knows this journey firsthand. Drawing from her own recent experiences, Alyssa shares valuable insights, practical preparation strategies, and advice on overcoming self-doubt to help future candidates succeed.

 

Q: Can you give us an overview of the ABR exam structure?

Sure! The ABR exams are split into three parts:

  • Part 1 is a multiple-choice test covering therapy physics, diagnostic physics, nuclear medicine physics, and a clinical portion. You usually take it after your first year of grad school.
  • Part 2 focuses on your specialty. For me, it was diagnostic physics. It’s still multiple-choice, but the questions are more practical and clinical. You take it after completing your residency.
  • Part 3 is the oral board exam. It’s about proving your competence as a physicist. You’re questioned by five examiners, each covering a specific topic in your specialty. It’s intense but manageable if you’re prepared.

 

Q: What strategies did you find most effective when preparing for Part 1?

Honestly, Part 1 was tough for me. I didn’t pass on my first try, so I had to adjust my approach. Here’s what worked:

  • Study Groups: During grad school, I joined study groups to discuss questions and concepts.
  • Bushberg’s Textbook: Everyone recommends it, and for good reason. It’s a must-read for Part 1.
  • Equation Sheets: I created handwritten notes and equation sheets for quick reference. Writing things down helped me memorize them.
  • Rules of Thumb: For example, the half-value layer of human tissue is about 4 cm. Knowing approximations like this helps you work through questions when exact answers aren’t obvious.

 

Q: How did you prepare differently for Part 2?

Part 2 is more practical and specific to your specialty. For me, my residency played a huge role in my preparation. At the University of New Mexico, we had mini oral boards after each modality. I had to:

  • Draw the components of systems like X-ray machines.
  • Explain what each part does and how changes affect image quality and dose.
  • Understand artifacts and how to troubleshoot them.

Residency gave me hands-on experience and reinforced the clinical knowledge I needed for Part 2.

 

Q: The oral exam (Part 3) sounds nerve-wracking. How did you handle it?

It’s definitely intimidating! But it’s all about proving that you’re a competent physicist who won’t endanger anyone.

  • Mock Oral Exams: At CAMP, I was lucky to have colleagues who acted as examiners and gave me practice questions.
  • Precise Communication: One of the best tips I got was to answer the question directly and stop. Overexplaining can lead you down a rabbit hole and open you up to unnecessary follow-ups.
  • Know Your Sources: If you don’t know an answer, it’s okay to say, “I’m not sure, but I’d look it up in TG-224,” or whatever reference is relevant.

 

Q: Were there any surprises during the exam process?

Yes! For Part 1, the questions are divided into blocks, and once you finish a block, you can’t go back. That was tough for me because I like to review all my answers at the end.

 

Another surprise was the conditional passing option. For example, if you pass the physics portion of Part 1 but fail the clinical portion, you only retake the section you didn’t pass. The same applies to Part 3—if you fail one topic, you only have to retake that section. 

 

Q: How did you manage stress and self-doubt during your prep?

It was hard, especially for Part 1. Failing my first attempt really shook my confidence. Support systems are critical. When I struggled with confidence after failing Part 1, my residency director was instrumental in helping me regroup. He’d suggest new strategies, like study sessions with colleagues or different study materials. That personalized support made a big difference in rebuilding my confidence.

 

Here’s also what helped me:

  • Study Groups: Joining groups for Parts 2 and 3 gave me moral support and camaraderie. It helped to know others felt the same way.
  • Take Breaks: Sometimes you need to step away to clear your head. Burnout is real, especially during residency.
  • Find Your Method: I’m a handwritten notes person, so I organized everything by modality in color-coded folders. Others might prefer flashcards or digital tools—it’s about what works for you.
  • Accept Discomfort: This field teaches you to be okay with not knowing everything. It’s about trusting your preparation and being resourceful.

 

Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting their ABR exams journey?

First, find a study method that works for you. Second, lean on your resources—faculty, mentors, study groups, and websites like RAPHEX or Oncology Medical Physics. Finally, take it one step at a time. The process is overwhelming, but if you break it down, it’s manageable.

 

Think about technical considerations like ensuring a stable internet connection and a distraction-free environment. I even had a backup plan with friends who could lend me a computer if mine failed!

 

Q: Looking back, are you happy with your career path?

Absolutely. I love what I do. Medical physics is a small, niche field, but it’s incredibly fulfilling. I get to combine my love for physics with patient care and advocacy. One of the things I love most about this field is the sense of community. Medical physics is small, and you end up knowing people by name, even if you’ve never met in person. It’s a field where everyone is willing to share knowledge and support one another. You really feel like you’re part of something special.

 

Conclusion

Alyssa’s experience with the ABR exams highlights the value of resilience, thorough preparation, and leaning on support systems. Whether you’re starting your preparation or gearing up for a retake, her insights are a reminder that success goes beyond simply passing a test—it’s about building confidence and competence as a medical physicist.

 

Connect with CAMP

Looking to connect with Alyssa? Send her a message on LinkedIn.

Want to learn more about ABR exams and everything it takes to be a medical physicist? CAMP offers a wealth of resources and expertise to help you stay informed and engaged in this dynamic field. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, student, or simply curious about the science behind radiation therapy, CAMP is here to support your journey.

Visit our website to explore our services, discover educational opportunities, and join a community dedicated to advancing medical physics.

 

Alyssa’s Favorite Study Materials*

*CAMP is not affiliated with or financially compensated for these materials or the recommendation thereof. These resources are independently recommended by Alyssa Martinez based on her personal experience.