Failure is Not Fatal: Experience from Creating a Support Group on RadDiscord for Radiologists Who Did Not Pass the CORE

Purpose: The American Board of Radiology Qualifying (Core) Exam has a pass rate ranging from 84% in 2019 to 95% in 2023. No statistics currently exist regarding pass rates for those who retaking the exam. Unfortunately, little support and resources exists outside of individual programs for this group of residents. Given the mental strain and stigma of failure, the stress of re-preparing and decreased confidence, these residents are at a disadvantage compared to first time exam takers. The purpose of this poster is to showcase the process, success, and importance for creating a support group for those who failed.

Methods/Materials: In 2021, we created an anonymous support group on RadDiscord called “Pissed but Motivated,” emphasizing that failing the Core exam does not label the radiologist an overall failure. The goals included: (1) assist members through the grieving process, (2) help members take ownership of factors in their control needing improvement, (3) provide inspiration in the form of positive quotes and mindfulness techniques, (4) share study strategies and encourage the development of a study plan, (5) support members as they study for the Core exam and (6) encourage members who pass to pay it forward by serving as group mentors.

Results: The group began in 2021 with 31 members and 3 mentors. As of this year, we have grown to 51 members and 5 mentors. Every year, we have received positive feedback from members who eventually pass the Core, including: “Thank you for your support and constant check-ups, they do not go unnoticed” and “This group was really great, especially knowing I wasn’t alone.”

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this represents the first multi-institutional support group for repeat Core examinees. Through its growth trajectory over the past 3 years, with new mentors stepping up from those who go on to pass, this group has proven to be self-sustaining. Our experience creating this group has been positive, with positive feedback from the group members. This represents a much needed support space and provides opportunity for mentorship through compassion and understanding, to learn new mindfulness techniques, to become better educators, and to pay it forward by helping those in need.