1/π§΅for my #GeneralSurgery folks.
@AmBdSurg oral boards is probably the toughest exam you will face in your career (definitely was for me)!
I couldn't find really good guidance anywhere when I was a resident.
I got #boardcertified within 4 months of graduation,π is how to do it!
@AmBdSurg oral boards is probably the toughest exam you will face in your career (definitely was for me)!
I couldn't find really good guidance anywhere when I was a resident.
I got #boardcertified within 4 months of graduation,π is how to do it!
2/Good @AmBdSurg CE preparation starts with a good preparation for the @AmBdSurg QE!
This π is how I studied for the QE:
Read Cameron in PGY-4
In PGY-5:
@SCOREsurg Qs
@SESAP_ Qs
Operative dictations in GS book
Dimicks common scenario book
After graduation:
@TrueLearnLLC Qs
This π is how I studied for the QE:
Read Cameron in PGY-4
In PGY-5:
@SCOREsurg Qs
@SESAP_ Qs
Operative dictations in GS book
Dimicks common scenario book
After graduation:
@TrueLearnLLC Qs
3/ @AmBdSurg QE was like #absite with majority of Qs being straightforward (70%), about 20% requiring 2-3 step thought process to answer & rest being extremely difficult/experimental.
Time management was easier compared to #absite.
π is to KEEP MOVING & not dwell on one Q!
Time management was easier compared to #absite.
π is to KEEP MOVING & not dwell on one Q!
4/Immediately after taking the @AmBdSurg QE, I did the following:
Dimicks Clinical book
NEFFs oral guidance
SAFE answers for the boards.
Since I also just started fellowship training, which was taking up a decent chunk of my day, this studying took about ~6weeks.
Dimicks Clinical book
NEFFs oral guidance
SAFE answers for the boards.
Since I also just started fellowship training, which was taking up a decent chunk of my day, this studying took about ~6weeks.
5/One month out from my @AmBdSurg CE I did the following:
Operative dictations in GS
Oral Mock exams 1-2 times a week with a random faculty (at fellowship program) who didn't know me personally.
This really really helped me out!!
It was like taking the CE over & over again
π―π―π―
Operative dictations in GS
Oral Mock exams 1-2 times a week with a random faculty (at fellowship program) who didn't know me personally.
This really really helped me out!!
It was like taking the CE over & over again
π―π―π―
6/Weekend before the CE, I attended the @Osler_Institute course and guidelines/algorithms (eg NCCN).
The course basically "whips you into shape" for the CE.
You see what not to do while answering.
You learn how to avoid traps.
You understand time management.
Definitely recommend!
The course basically "whips you into shape" for the CE.
You see what not to do while answering.
You learn how to avoid traps.
You understand time management.
Definitely recommend!
7/Now a bit about the CE.
It is very clinical management oriented now.
They DONT CARE about H&P!
They expect you to already know how to do a H&P after having graduated from #surgeryresidency.
They want to know about your decision making & the rationale behind it.
It is very clinical management oriented now.
They DONT CARE about H&P!
They expect you to already know how to do a H&P after having graduated from #surgeryresidency.
They want to know about your decision making & the rationale behind it.
8/CE now focuses on:
1) WHAT would you do? (?CT)
2) WHY would you do it? (?rule in/out perf)
3) WHEN would you do it? (?immediately)
4) HOW will you do it? (?describe ex-lap & repair)
When preparing for the CE keep the above four points in mind and you will be well prepared!
1) WHAT would you do? (?CT)
2) WHY would you do it? (?rule in/out perf)
3) WHEN would you do it? (?immediately)
4) HOW will you do it? (?describe ex-lap & repair)
When preparing for the CE keep the above four points in mind and you will be well prepared!
9/π during the entire CE is to be a SAFE surgeon.
DO NOT create a procedure on the spot.
DO NOT take patient to OR without proper resuscitation.
DO NOT do anything experimental/not standard.
Anytime you are not sure, tell them "I am not sure", instead of fabricating a response
DO NOT create a procedure on the spot.
DO NOT take patient to OR without proper resuscitation.
DO NOT do anything experimental/not standard.
Anytime you are not sure, tell them "I am not sure", instead of fabricating a response
10/ Always ask for a consult if outside GS (they might tell you no one available).
Say you will seek help if encountering a difficult surgical scenario.
Know your limitations and explicitly state you would refer the patient (they might tell you otherwise), don't fall for it!!!
Say you will seek help if encountering a difficult surgical scenario.
Know your limitations and explicitly state you would refer the patient (they might tell you otherwise), don't fall for it!!!
11/We were one of the last batch to take the CE in person at a hotel.
Body language demonstrating confidence was huge!!
Now it's virtual, so try your level best to demonstrate good body language.
Avoid fidgeting, keep hands down, speak clearly & slowly, don't rush into answering.
Body language demonstrating confidence was huge!!
Now it's virtual, so try your level best to demonstrate good body language.
Avoid fidgeting, keep hands down, speak clearly & slowly, don't rush into answering.
12/Time management is the responsibility of the examiner, NOT YOU!
Obvious BUT need to state it, ALWAYS do this:
LISTEN carefully to the question.
THINK about how you will answer.
SPEAK slowly & clearly.
DON'T change the above order --> that will result in the tough case for you
Obvious BUT need to state it, ALWAYS do this:
LISTEN carefully to the question.
THINK about how you will answer.
SPEAK slowly & clearly.
DON'T change the above order --> that will result in the tough case for you
13/ When answering, I suggest asking 1-2 Qs about history that's relevant & 1-2 Qs about relevant physical exam.
This will show examiner your thought process.
ALWAYS get labs/radiology, do IV resuscitation/Abx/Tetanus etc as needed.
Go step by step so you don't miss something!
This will show examiner your thought process.
ALWAYS get labs/radiology, do IV resuscitation/Abx/Tetanus etc as needed.
Go step by step so you don't miss something!
14/Some scenarios are tough,some are a walk in the park.
You must not lose your confidence if the scenario is going downhill.
In the CE pretend you are a Goldfish, forget the last case & focus on the current one.π―π―π―
Repeat this over & over again when you are doing mock exams.
You must not lose your confidence if the scenario is going downhill.
In the CE pretend you are a Goldfish, forget the last case & focus on the current one.π―π―π―
Repeat this over & over again when you are doing mock exams.
15/ There you have it. Time flies during the CE & before you know it, IT WILL BE OVER!π
Don't ruminate on the scenarios afterwards.
Don't discuss it with anyone. (@AmBdSurg explicitly states this).
Go enjoy & have fun...you deserve it.
In a few weeks you shall get this email π
Don't ruminate on the scenarios afterwards.
Don't discuss it with anyone. (@AmBdSurg explicitly states this).
Go enjoy & have fun...you deserve it.
In a few weeks you shall get this email π
16/ Hope you find this 𧡠useful.
Share it with your #generalsurgery colleagues so they can also get an idea as to how to approach @AmBdSurg QE & CE.
Seeing the certificate up on my office wall always bring a π, IT WAS WORTH IT!
Goodluck, you got this!
Share it with your #generalsurgery colleagues so they can also get an idea as to how to approach @AmBdSurg QE & CE.
Seeing the certificate up on my office wall always bring a π, IT WAS WORTH IT!
Goodluck, you got this!
β’ β’ β’
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