Genetic Counselors Speak About Retaking the ABGC Board Exam (July 2024)

This panel discussion features three genetic counselors (Caitlin, Bri, and Marisa) who successfully passed the ABGC exam in March 2024 after not passing on their first attempt. Through this discussion, the panelists share parts of their exam preparation journey as well as advice on how to prepare for a repeat attempt on the ABGC exam. In doing so, they help destigmatize the notion of needing to repeat the ABGC board exam. Pass rates on the 2023 ABGC board exam dropped significantly compared to years prior (source: www.abgc.net/Certify/About-th..., with nearly 1 in 3 first-time examinees (~70%) needing to repeat the exam.
The panelists represent training programs from across the country. Caitlin Cullen, MS, LCGC recently graduated from the genetic counseling program at UCSF and is currently working on publishing her master's research. Marisa Thornburg, MS, CGC graduated from the genetic counseling program at Sarah Lawrence College and is working as a prenatal genetic counselor in New York. Bri Murphy, MS, CGC, graduated in 2023 from the genetic counseling program at Wake Forest and is now working as a prenatal genetic counselor at Wake Forest.
Key topics include shifts in mindset between the first and second attempts, updating study plans, maintaining morale and motivation, and advice for students preparing to retake the exam. There is valuable advice in this video, so we hope you take the time to watch it. All three panelists were active participants in the 2023-24 StudyRare ABGC board review bootcamp.
One of our panelists, Bri Murphy, MS, CGC, also recently wrote an article on this topic. Be sure to take a look!
www.abgc.net/Updates/ABGC-Upd...
The discussion was moderated by Daniel Piqué, co-director of the StudyRare ABGC board review bootcamp. More information on this board prep course is available at www.studyrare.com
Free board-style practice questions are available through the StudyRare newsletter. To be notified when new questions are posted, subscribe at this link: studyrare.substack.com
Chapters
0:00 Welcome & Introductions
2:50 Mindset shift between first and second attempt
9:00 Changes to study plan
15:25 Maintaining morale and motivation
22:35 Advice for GCs retaking the exam
The participants in this panel are open to meeting with students who are preparing for the exam and might have questions. If you have questions for our participants and would like to connect, please email [e-mail], and we would be happy to connect you.
- Daniel