Intro

Question 1

What do the Oral Board Examiners Grade on?

Answer 1

Adequate Clinical Application of Knowledge
Sound Judgment
Adaptability
Communication Skills
Professionalism

Question 2

What are the 8 pitfalls on oral boards?

Answer 2

1. Have superficial knowledge.
2. Have good knowledge, but …
   a. They can’t apply it or adapt to clinical conditions.
   b. They can’t express or defend why they do something.
   c. They don’t realize that “we do it every day at my hospital” does not count.
3. Try to control the exam by
   a. Asking too many questions.
   b. Giving deliberately slow responses.
4. Talk a lot, but say little.
5. Can’t express ideas or defend a point of view in a convincing manner.
6. Are indecisive.
7. Show faulty judgment.
8. Do not take the test seriously and are not prepared.

Question 3

How to Outline a Stem?

Answer 3

Determine Urgency of the case
Identify Co-morbidities

PreOp/Induction/Maintenance/Extubation/PostOp

Plan by system including below
Airway
Access
Monitors
Neuro/Cardiac/ . . .

Question 4

What are the three main answer types and ways to answer?

Answer 4

Diplomatic
□ Make a decision​
□ Explain the rationale behind your decision. Risk of my decision and how I would mitigate it.
□ Acknowledge that the opposite position is also reasonable and why I didn’t pick based on risks.

Process Description - Chronology

Prioritization/differentials - Prioritize items most relevant based on patient history/comorbidities/surgery/recent actions

Question 5

How to start answers to questions?

Answer 5

I would _____

Given the patient’s history of ___ I would _____.

Assuming the patient ___ then I would _____.

If the patient’s EKG showed ____ then I would _____ .

In this case I would consult a colleague/look up the appropriate dose. (May say I don’t know but only once or twice).

Question 6

How to respond to examiners questions?

Answer 6

Yes that would also be reasonable given _____ . Acknowledge potential complications

Question 7

Key points in performance on exam?

Answer 7

1. Firm Handshake/sit up straight/eye contact
2. 3-4 seconds of silence after question (Ask yourself why is this question being asked?)
3. Speak clearly, concisely, avoid slang, speak as if they are a colleague, don’t fiddle.
4. Compare and Contrast,
5. Don’t argue or talk down.
6. Be Adaptable!! Especially in light of new information.