title: The laboratory animal boards study group: A multifaceted tool for preparation for the American College for Laboratory Medicine board examination.
abstract: Preparation for the specialty board examination for the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) is an intensive process that is facilitated by geographic regions where many people studying for the exam are located in close proximity. However, many people work at institutions that are distant from these 'study centers'. Approximately 10 y ago, the Laboratory Animal Boards Study Group (LABSG) online journal club was established to provide a forum for journal review for examination preparation. Over the years, the mission of this group has expanded to include practice examinations and practicals, questions from common resources, and summaries and questions from common laboratory animal science journals. These study aids are beneficial for those preparing for the ACLAM certification examination. They are also beneficial for those preparing for the technician and manager certification examinations offered by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). This article is intended to be an introduction to the variety of study aids available through the LABSG online journal review club and the LABSG web page (www.labsg.org). It also provides details on the demographics of participants and an exploration of how this resource enhances examination preparation.
authors.affiliation: Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, Oregon, USA. Debra.Hickman@med.va.gov
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hickman
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: King-Herbert
authors.forename: Stephanie J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D000047:Academies and Institutes; D004521:Educational Measurement; D020407:Internet; D007756:Laboratory Animal Science / Q000193:education*; D013044:Specialty Boards