Arab Board Internal Medicine Clinical Exam study guide
Arab Board Internal Medicine Clinical Exam · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Arab Board of Health Specializations Internal Medicine Clinical Examination is the clinical component of the Arab Board certification pathway in internal medicine. It is designed for physicians who have completed accredited internal medicine residency training and are seeking a recognised specialty credential for hospital practice, academic posts, or further subspecialty training. The Arab Board Internal Medicine Clinical Exam study guide has 11 sections and about 2,815 words.
01Cardiology
Master the acute coronary syndrome pathway: ischaemic symptoms, serial high-sensitivity troponin with a clear rise/fall, ECG territory mapping, and risk stratification (GRACE). Know heart failure phenotypes by ejection fraction, the four pillars of HFrEF therapy (ARNI/ACEi, beta-blocker, MRA, SGLT2 inhibitor), and when diuretics relieve congestion rather than change prognosis.
281 words, about 1 min02Pulmonology
Build a structured approach to dyspnoea: obstructive (asthma, COPD), restrictive (ILD, neuromuscular), vascular (PE), and parenchymal (pneumonia, oedema). Understand spirometry interpretation - post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC <0.70 defines obstruction; a reduced FVC with preserved ratio suggests restriction, confirmed by lung volumes.
240 words, about 1 min03Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Understand the approach to GI bleeding (upper vs lower, resuscitate before endoscopy, risk scores like Glasgow-Blatchford), and the causes of deranged liver enzymes: hepatocellular (ALT-predominant) versus cholestatic (ALP/GGT-predominant). Know the complications of cirrhosis - ascites, varices, encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis - and their management.
245 words, about 1 min04Nephrology and Fluid/Electrolyte Disorders
Master the AKI workup: pre-renal, intrinsic, post-renal; urine output, urinalysis, fractional excretion of sodium (interpret with diuretics in mind), and ultrasound to exclude obstruction. Know KDIGO staging and when to dialyse (refractory hyperkalaemia, acidosis, pulmonary oedema, uraemic complications).
237 words, about 1 min05Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Know the diagnostic criteria for diabetes (fasting glucose, HbA1c, OGTT, random with symptoms), the pharmacology of glucose-lowering agents, and the modern emphasis on cardiovascular and renal protection (SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists). Understand thyroid function testing (TSH first, then free T4), thyroid storm and myxoedema coma as emergencies, and the approach to thyroid nodules.
238 words, about 1 min06Hematology and Oncology
Understand anaemia classification by MCV and reticulocyte response, iron studies (ferritin, transferrin saturation), and the workup of microcytic anaemia (iron deficiency, thalassaemia, anaemia of chronic disease, sideroblastic). Know the approach to thrombocytopenia (production vs consumption vs sequestration), coagulopathy (PT/APTT mixing studies), and the emergencies: febrile neutropenia, tumour lysis syndrome, hyperviscosity, and cord compression.
236 words, about 1 min07Infectious Diseases
Build a systematic approach to fever: source, host factors (immunosuppression, devices, travel), and severity (sepsis criteria). Know the management of common infections - community-acquired pneumonia, urinary tract infection, meningitis, endocarditis, tuberculosis - and the principles of antimicrobial stewardship: culture before antibiotics when feasible, narrow based on sensitivities, and review duration.
238 words, about 1 min08Rheumatology and Immunology
Understand the approach to joint pain: inflammatory versus mechanical, monoarticular versus polyarticular, and the urgency of septic arthritis (joint aspiration before antibiotics). Know the classification and features of rheumatoid arthritis (symmetrical small-joint, anti-CCP, extra-articular), spondyloarthropathies, crystal arthritis (gout, pseudogout), and connective tissue diseases (SLE, Sjögren's, scleroderma).
228 words, about 1 min09Neurology
Master the stroke pathway: recognition (FAST), time of onset, imaging (CT to exclude haemorrhage), thrombolysis window, and thrombectomy criteria. Understand seizure classification and status epilepticus management (benzodiazepine first, then second-line agent).
209 words, about 1 min10Critical Care and Emergency Medicine
Understand the ABCDE approach, shock classification (hypovolaemic, cardiogenic, distributive, obstructive), and the use of fluids versus vasopressors. Know sepsis bundles, early goal-directed principles, and the interpretation of lactate.
223 words, about 1 min11General Internal Medicine
Integrate multisystem disease: approach to the patient with fatigue, weight loss, fever of unknown origin, and syncope. Understand the principles of perioperative risk assessment, polypharmacy, and the rational use of investigations.
440 words, about 2 min