ABCP Diplomate case studies
ABCP Diplomate · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The American Board of Clinical Pharmacology (ABCP) offers board certification in two domains: Clinical Pharmacology, for currently licensed M.D. candidates, and Applied Pharmacology, a research-oriented certification whose applicants commonly include MD, PhD, PharmD, and RPh holders. The ABCP Diplomate case studies are 5 cases and about 2,190 words.
1Vancomycin Dosing in Augmented Renal Clearance
A 34-year-old man weighing 82 kg with no prior comorbidities is admitted with MRSA bacteremia from an infected prosthetic knee. Serum creatinine is 0.5 mg/dL (eGFR by CKD-EPI ~150 mL/min/1.73 m²), consistent with augmented renal clearance.
444 words, about 2 min2Warfarin Initiation with Interacting Antimicrobial
A 68-year-old woman (58 kg) with atrial fibrillation and a CHA2DS2-VASc of 4 is stable on warfarin 5 mg daily with INR 2.4–2.8 for the past year. She is admitted with a complicated urinary tract infection and started on oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) DS twice daily for 10 days.
469 words, about 2 min3Beta-Blocker in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
A 72-year-old man with HFrEF (EF 28%) on carvedilol 12.5 mg BID, sacubitril/valsartan, spironolactone, and furosemide presents with 3 days of worsening dyspnea. He is orthopneic, has bibasilar crackles to mid-lung, JVP elevated, and 2+ bilateral edema.
373 words, about 2 min4Opioid Rotation and Equianalgesia in Renal Impairment
A 60-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer and bone metastases has been on oral morphine 30 mg every 4 hours (180 mg/day) plus morphine 10 mg q2h as needed, using about 4 breakthrough doses daily. She now has progressive renal impairment: creatinine 2.8 mg/dL, eGFR ~22 mL/min/1.73 m².
437 words, about 2 min5Anticoagulation Bridging Decision Before Procedure
A 70-year-old man with atrial fibrillation (CHA2DS2-VASc 5) on apixaban 5 mg BID and a mechanical mitral valve (he also takes warfarin? No - he is on apixaban only, which is a problem in itself) is scheduled for a colonoscopy with possible polypectomy in 5 days.
467 words, about 2 min