ABFM Sports Medicine study plan

Map Domain 1 into anatomic regions (shoulder, knee, hip, ankle/foot, spine, hand/wrist) and list the 3-4 highest-yield conditions per region

Differentiate the key history and physical exam maneuvers for each major regional complaint from memory

Build a one-page differential framework for acute vs. chronic joint pain in athletes

Complete 40 Domain 1 practice questions and log every missed concept

Interpret imaging and diagnostic decision points (when to order radiographs, MRI, ultrasound) for common sports injuries

Compare conservative vs. surgical management indications for the top 10 musculoskeletal conditions

Explain tendonopathy, stress fracture, and ligament injury pathophysiology in one sentence each

Answer 50 mixed Domain 1 questions under timed conditions

Sequence phased rehabilitation for the 5 most common injuries (ACL, ankle sprain, rotator cuff, hamstring strain, patellofemoral pain)

Apply return-to-play criteria and functional testing benchmarks to each of those injuries

Identify red flags that delay return to play or warrant specialist referral

Draft a return-to-play decision checklist applicable across sports

Outline recognition and initial management of exertional heat illness, hyponatremia, and rhabdomyolysis

Describe sudden cardiac arrest response, including AED use and emergency action plan elements

Differentiate concussion assessment and graded return-to-learn/return-to-play protocols

List medical clearance criteria for athletes with asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and a single kidney

Adapt exercise and clearance decisions for pediatric, geriatric, pregnant, and physically disabled athletes

Explain relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) recognition and initial workup

Apply heat and altitude illness prevention to special populations

Complete 40 mixed Domain 2/4/8 questions and catalog misses by theme

Calculate and prescribe exercise intensity using heart rate reserve, METs, and the talk test

Design a 12-week aerobic and resistance progression for a sedentary adult with a chronic condition

Evaluate the evidence for common ergogenic aids (caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine, nitrates) and flag prohibited substances

Counsel on hydration, macronutrient timing, and supplement risk in one simulated patient script

Structure a preparticipation evaluation, including cardiac screening questions and the PPE monograph framework

Identify which findings require restriction, further workup, or unconditional clearance

Describe documentation, consent, and liability considerations in event coverage and team physician roles

Explain systems issues such as emergency action plan rehearsal, referral pathways, and cost/coverage in sports medicine practice

Complete a full-length timed practice exam and score by domain

Re-review the highest-frequency missed concepts from all prior error logs

Rehearse rapid-fire emergency scenarios (cardiac arrest, heat stroke, concussion, fracture) aloud

Finalize a one-page high-yield review sheet spanning all nine domains