A Strategic Approach to Succeed on Clinical Case-Based Multiple-Choice Exams

<ns7:p>Despite the importance of case-based multiple-choice question (CBMCQ) exams, medical educators rarely discuss strategies to systematically approach these questions, and literature on the topic is limited. Through trial-and-error, many students discover or develop more refined and efficient approaches to answering CBMCQs that help them maximize the application of their knowledge base. In this article we present a structured approach to answering CBMCQs, including meta-cognitive strategies to understand the reasons for errors. We provide strategies for success on CBMCQ-based exams and approaches to challenging question types. We also present tips for helping neurodiverse students and an approach for medical educators to teach these skills to their learners.</ns7:p>