Going Over NBME Incorrects using ChatGPT

Omar Y
Jun 10
3 min read

Here is something I wish I had known earlier. It is all Learning from the incorrects. Especially for NBME, which can differ from the testing style used in UWorld or Amboss.

This is an extra special, extra exclusive template I came up with.

🟩 Template 1: Strict NBME Clinical Template

Purpose: Full Step 2/3 case breakdown for a clinical vignette question.

Sections:

📝 Key Points from the Case
- [List all important findings from the vignette: demographics, key symptoms, triggers, vitals, labs, and what the question is asking.]
📌 Dx (with USMLE Content Classification)
- [State the diagnosis + USMLE category.]

🎯 Tested Concept

[State the board-relevant concept the question tests.]
🛠️ Mx (Management Plan)
- [Stepwise management based on stability and guidelines.]
❌ Why Other Choices Are Incorrect and What Would Make Them Correct
Answer Choice Why It’s Incorrect Here What Would Make It Correct Phrase in Stem That Rules It Out A … … … B … … …
🔍 Key Differentiators (Transposed Table)
Condition Onset Pain Pattern / Key Symptom Skin / Imaging / Lab Finding Systemic Features
✅ Correct Answer
- [State correct answer with one-line rationale.]
🧵 High-Yield Summary
- [Rapid bullet recap of key teaching points.]
🧵 High-Yield Step 2/3 Pearls
- [Short list of board-style mnemonics, traps, or memory hooks.]

🟦 Template 2: NBME Scenario Map

Purpose: Show all NBME testing angles, variations, and integration.

Sections:

🧾 1. Primary Testing Angles

[Main concepts NBME tests for this disease.]
[Common triggers and board-relevant presentations.]

🧾 2. Recognition

[Classic presenting signs, symptoms, physical findings, imaging.]
[Timeline or progression if relevant.]

🧾 3. NBME Variations

[Describe common twists or alternative ways NBME might present this topic.]
[Include typical board traps or misdirections.]

🧾 4. Differentiation from Mimics (NBME tests pattern recognition)

| Condition | Key Clues | Next Step / Key Management |

Trick NBME Variant:

🧾 5. Diagnostic & Management Triggers

[When to get labs, imaging, or specific tests.]
[When to admit vs outpatient vs surgery.]

🧾 6. Complications They Might Ask

[Short bullet list of acute and delayed complications NBME likes to test.]

NBME might show:

🧾 7. Integration with System Algorithms

[How this condition plugs into ACS, trauma, ER, or surgical decision-making algorithms.]
Bullet-by-bullet clinical algorithm with 3–5 steps.
Example structure:
Step 1: Initial presentation & immediate stabilization.
Step 2: Key distinguishing test(s) for diagnosis.
Step 3: Decision branch — surgical vs medical management.
Step 4: Post-acute follow-up or long-term prevention.

Board Traps & Misleading Options

[Explain common wrong answers and how NBME tries to trick you.]
What NBME Likes: [List NBME’s favorite clues, distractors, and angles.]

🧵 Step 2/3 High-Yield Pearls

[Rapid-fire memory hooks and board traps.]

🟧 Template 3: Tricky NBME Scenario List

Purpose: Provide 6–12 tricky Step 2/3 scenarios showing different NBME angles for testing the same underlying concept.

Each scenario should highlight a classic board twist, misdirection, or subtle clue.

Format for Each Scenario:

1️⃣ # Scenario Title

Scenario:

[Brief 1–2 line scenario description showing an alternate NBME-style presentation of the concept.]

NBME Twist or Board Twist:

[Describe the specific misdirection, subtle clue, or distractor NBME uses here.]
[If relevant: timing, epidemiology, or risk factor trick.]

Correct answer / key takeaway:

[Diagnosis, management, or concept being tested.]

Management:

[Correct Step 2/3 next step or definitive management for this presentation.]

(Repeat for 6–12 scenarios for that concept.)

Optional Quick Pattern Table:

| Condition/Variant | Board Clues | Prevention / Key Management |

Step 2/3 High-Yield Pearls (at the end):

[3–5 rapid recall bullets on the key concept and common NBME traps.]
[Keep it focused on board-exam thinking, not a general textbook summary.]