ABIM Sports Medicine study plan

Build a one-page physiology reference covering VO2max determinants, lactate threshold, and fuel utilization during exercise, then explain each concept aloud without notes

Classify 20 medications and supplements by their effects on exercise performance, thermoregulation, and cardiac conduction, flagging those relevant to athletes

List the AHA/ACSM preparticipation screening elements and identify which personal and family history findings mandate further cardiac workup

Write out the differential for exertional syncope, chest pain, and palpitations in young athletes with the key distinguishing features of each cause

Compare exercise-associated hyponatremia, heat illness, and exertional rhabdomyolysis by mechanism, presentation, and initial management

Explain the physiology of exercise-induced bronchospasm and the exercise implications of anemia, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease in athletes

Calculate sweat rate and fluid replacement needs from a worked sample scenario, and interpret a basic nutrition label against fuel needs for endurance versus power athletes

Answer 30 practice questions across domains 1 and 2 and log every missed concept by category

Diagram the shoulder exam sequence (inspection, range of motion, provocative tests) and state what each test actually detects

Differentiate rotator cuff tendinopathy, impingement, labral injury, and adhesive capsulitis by history and exam findings

Explain the mechanism, exam, and initial management of elbow and wrist injuries including ulnar collateral ligament injury, lateral epicondylalgia, and scaphoid fracture

Trace the neurovascular anatomy of the upper extremity and map which nerve is at risk in each common injury pattern

Perform and describe the knee exam sequence, identifying the maneuvers that distinguish ACL, meniscal, and collateral ligament injury

Compare hip and groin pain causes in athletes including femoroacetabular impingement, labral tear, and adductor strain by exam and imaging

Explain the Ottawa ankle and knee rules and apply them to three written case vignettes

Distinguish lateral ankle sprain, syndesmotic injury, and midfoot injury, and outline return-to-sport criteria for each

Differentiate plantar fasciopathy, stress fracture, and Achilles tendinopathy by history and exam

Apply the SCAT-based sideline assessment steps and the graded return-to-learn and return-to-sport progression to two written concussion scenarios

Explain second impact syndrome, post-concussion syndrome, and when imaging is indicated after head injury

Describe cervical spine injury assessment in the athlete and the criteria for safe transport versus on-field clearance

Differentiate mechanical back pain, spondylolysis, and discogenic pain in the young athlete by history, exam, and imaging

Explain pelvic and sacroiliac pain patterns and the exam findings that separate them from lumbar spine sources

Sequence the on-field response to sudden cardiac arrest including recognition, CPR, AED use, and emergency action plan activation

Explain heat illness staging and the cooling and transport decisions for each stage

Describe management of lightning, cold injury, altitude illness, and exertional collapse in the field

Outline on-field management of suspected fracture, dislocation, and spinal injury with the criteria for immediate transport

Draft a written emergency action plan for a hypothetical venue including roles, equipment, and communication

Explain the phases of rehabilitation and the criteria that justify progression from one phase to the next

Compare return-to-play decision frameworks and identify which factors are modifiable versus not

Design a prevention program for a named injury using evidence-based components such as strength, neuromuscular control, and load management

Adapt training and clearance decisions for pediatric, adolescent, female, older, and adaptive athletes, including female athlete triad and relative energy deficiency considerations

Complete a timed 120-question mixed practice exam simulating real test conditions

Categorize every missed question by domain and root cause (knowledge gap, misread, reasoning error)

Re-teach the five weakest concepts from memory without reference material

Review your error logs from weeks 2, 4, and 6 and confirm each previously missed concept is now solid