- Joined
- May 15, 2005
- Messages
- 1,470
- Reaction score
- 1,610
Good luck to the fellow early test takers. Will be really glad to have this behind me (I'm ignoring the next 30 years of MOCA ahead of me for the time being).
Oral boards 2015
- Thread starter okayplayer
- Start date
- Joined
- May 15, 2005
- Messages
- 1,470
- Reaction score
- 1,610
Replying to my own topic to say I AM DONE
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2009
- Messages
- 22
- Reaction score
- 0
I'm done as well. I'm pretty sure I failed. I thought my first case went okay and then my second was a disaster from the start. Although my patient didn't die, I was blanking on direct questions, flustered and rambled. And my examiners were rough! Hope my first case performance saves me.
What did you all think?
What did you all think?
- Joined
- May 15, 2005
- Messages
- 1,470
- Reaction score
- 1,610
Goose Island IPA at the RDU airport bar. May not be my usual west coast IPAs but it will do given the circumstances. Cheers
- Joined
- May 16, 2005
- Messages
- 401
- Reaction score
- 190
What did you guys do to study? I didn't sign up early enough and have to take them in May instead. I'm banking on my CCM fellow experience to take care of the communication aspect, but having to talk about peds and regional and some weird medical diseases definitely makes me a little nervous
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2007
- Messages
- 114
- Reaction score
- 35
I know people crap on Michael Ho's course but it was the best decision I ever made. I took the crash course in the testing city the week prior to my exam. It's heavy on the details but I never felt more prepared and felt that I would've probably failed had it not been for that course. Look into and see if you think it would work for you.
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2010
- Messages
- 1,671
- Reaction score
- 480
Dude, I was there too. Appears we were the first ones of the season. Hopefully we just set the curve and don't fail?
Thought the stems were the real deal. Lot of ancillary questions I even have trouble finding after Googling. I knew examiners tried to question the management and get you to second-guess, but geez, thought it was extreme!
Anyways, I'm there with you so no frets! It's about 90% pass, right?
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2008
- Messages
- 7
- Reaction score
- 5
Took my oral exam in February too. I know it's supposed to take 2 weeks but anyone gotten their results yet? Thought since we were in the first group our results may roll out a little faster?
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2008
- Messages
- 7
- Reaction score
- 5
I used big red and board stiff 3. The best thing to study though is to do as many practice oral exams as possible. I utilized the many ASA board examiners that are on faculty at my institution and let them grill me a few times a week. If you feel amazing after a practice session then find someone who is going to be harder on you. Get out of your comfort zone as much as possible. I also did practice exams with my friends, who were also studying for the oral exam, almost every night. This test is not just about fund of knowlege it's about application of that knowledge and your ability to convey that in a coherent manner. The only way to get good at that is by practicing over and over and over. As to what I would do differently....I would have pushed my comfort zone with practice sessions more and more often by chosing the most intimidating people available to quiz me. There will never be anything as nerve racking as the real thing but the closer you can get to the real thing the better.
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2008
- Messages
- 7
- Reaction score
- 5
Anyone got their results yet? They say 2 weeks just curious if they're posting yet?
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2010
- Messages
- 1,671
- Reaction score
- 480
They said two weeks from the Friday of the week you took your test. So I'm thinking Friday is the day. Sooner would be better.
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2008
- Messages
- 7
- Reaction score
- 5
Ahhh. Gotcha, good to know thanks!
results are up. Good luck errrybody.
- Joined
- May 15, 2005
- Messages
- 1,470
- Reaction score
- 1,610
Agh I'm just getting the maintenance message! Aghhahg
- Joined
- May 15, 2005
- Messages
- 1,470
- Reaction score
- 1,610
Passed! Feels good. Thanks to you all for your help the last 5+ years. Good luck to everyone else that took it with me.
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2004
- Messages
- 115
- Reaction score
- 9
I PASSED !!!!!!! Still can't believe it, thought I failed that thing. Feels so good to have this in the rearview mirror. Only 14 more hours of call to go, then I can start the official celebration!
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2004
- Messages
- 33
- Reaction score
- 2
I passed! So incredibly happy! I too, can't wait til call is over to celebrate!!! Been a long journey. So glad to be able to move on with future plans!
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2008
- Messages
- 7
- Reaction score
- 5
I passed as well. The feeling yesterday was indescribable, still is today. A little surreal to be in the OR today doing cases and being board certified. Definitely a boost to the confidence. Congrats to all you guys as well!!!
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2004
- Messages
- 1,277
- Reaction score
- 183
Passed em, feels good.
My tip is just pick a good study reference and do it all in an exhaustive manner. Doing practice questions outloud is most important, and repeating similar scenarios.
My tip is just pick a good study reference and do it all in an exhaustive manner. Doing practice questions outloud is most important, and repeating similar scenarios.
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2003
- Messages
- 238
- Reaction score
- 0
Anyone interested in selling me their "Big Red" study materials?
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2004
- Messages
- 285
- Reaction score
- 113
Passed 
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2005
- Messages
- 282
- Reaction score
- 67
Seems like if you are a reader+poster on SDN, you pass the oral boards. Taking in April, hope I don't ruin the trend
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2005
- Messages
- 4,481
- Reaction score
- 2,515
April 1st for me.
Passed! Still in total shock!
To risnwb, I am a regular reader of this board and failed last year which was my first attempt. I know most people pass on the first try and I wish I had because I studied so hard last year, but going through that hell again makes me appreciate this so much more!!
The difference between my approaches was that last year I did more book studying and took about 8 total mock orals, this time it was closer to 30.
Last year I felt very confident after I had taken it; my examiners didn't second guess or offer alternatives to any of my answers and were completely poker faced. I was totally blindsided when I saw the FAIL in my results box.
This time around, I was certain I had failed it again. The first stem especially was way more difficult than any practice exam Id taken, I fumbled and floundered and made several errors that I can recall...still can't see how I managed to pass it. All I know is I'm so grateful that I did; can't remember stressing out this much over anything before.
Congrats to everyone who got good news today and good luck to everyone who has it coming up! To those that didn't make it, I know how much it sucks and how hard it is to be happy for everyone else posting on facebook etc, their "BOARD CERTIFIED!" status updates, but trust me that you will push yourself even harder and enjoy it so much more when you kill this beast.
Still in total shock!To risnwb, I am a regular reader of this board and failed last year which was my first attempt. I know most people pass on the first try and I wish I had because I studied so hard last year, but going through that hell again makes me appreciate this so much more!!
The difference between my approaches was that last year I did more book studying and took about 8 total mock orals, this time it was closer to 30.
Last year I felt very confident after I had taken it; my examiners didn't second guess or offer alternatives to any of my answers and were completely poker faced. I was totally blindsided when I saw the FAIL in my results box.
This time around, I was certain I had failed it again. The first stem especially was way more difficult than any practice exam Id taken, I fumbled and floundered and made several errors that I can recall...still can't see how I managed to pass it. All I know is I'm so grateful that I did; can't remember stressing out this much over anything before.
Congrats to everyone who got good news today and good luck to everyone who has it coming up! To those that didn't make it, I know how much it sucks and how hard it is to be happy for everyone else posting on facebook etc, their "BOARD CERTIFIED!" status updates, but trust me that you will push yourself even harder and enjoy it so much more when you kill this beast.
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2005
- Messages
- 118
- Reaction score
- 16
Congrats to everyone who passed. It's such a rewarding feeling to see "PASS" and "Certified" next to your name on ABA website. I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried tears of joy when I found out I passed.
All my colleagues said they thought they failed after the test. I was 100% certain that I failed because my 1st session started on shaky ground and I asked the examiners to repeat or rephrase their questions at least 5 times. At one point I wondered if they thought I had a learning disability. Hell, I wondered if I had a learning disability that I did not realize during 25 mock orals. I thought that I was well-prepared; in the preceding months, I had gone through Yao & Artusio, ASA Refresher Course, parts of Barash, nearly all of Board Stiff 3, and my notes for the written. The most important thing is having knowledgeable, critical practice examiners. 20+ mocks with average or below-average examiners are not as helpful as having 1-2 mocks with excellent examiners who provide valuable feedback, test the depth and breadth of your knowledge, and try to sway your decisions.
The exam has to be difficult because if it was easy, then everyone would pass. The key is having a solid DDx, knowing what can go wrong at which time, and knowing what to do before walking into the exam room. And it goes without saying that you must be fluent in English.
All my colleagues said they thought they failed after the test. I was 100% certain that I failed because my 1st session started on shaky ground and I asked the examiners to repeat or rephrase their questions at least 5 times. At one point I wondered if they thought I had a learning disability. Hell, I wondered if I had a learning disability that I did not realize during 25 mock orals. I thought that I was well-prepared; in the preceding months, I had gone through Yao & Artusio, ASA Refresher Course, parts of Barash, nearly all of Board Stiff 3, and my notes for the written. The most important thing is having knowledgeable, critical practice examiners. 20+ mocks with average or below-average examiners are not as helpful as having 1-2 mocks with excellent examiners who provide valuable feedback, test the depth and breadth of your knowledge, and try to sway your decisions.
The exam has to be difficult because if it was easy, then everyone would pass. The key is having a solid DDx, knowing what can go wrong at which time, and knowing what to do before walking into the exam room. And it goes without saying that you must be fluent in English.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2005
- Messages
- 282
- Reaction score
- 67
Colba- congrats on a job well done. I'm sure it's even more terrifying to take for the 2nd time and it sounds like you really upped your game. Glad to hear all the posts of folks who passed even though they missed certain things or had other hiccups.
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2004
- Messages
- 285
- Reaction score
- 113
Unlike some of the other colleagues, my studying was not as extensive. I found Ultimate board prep case books to be the most helpful. I had three of them and went through them 2-3 times each. They provide excellent explanations for many difficult scenarios typically encountered on the orals. Some of the questions were exactly the same as UBP. If you have some high yield notes from written boards, use them to solidify or refresh your knowledge base. I also utilized close to 6-8 different examiners, doing a total of ~20 mock orals. During your practice focus on areas you feel uncomfortable in, for instance if you are doing a peds fellowship focus on non peds scenarios, which you might not have encountered recently.
Best of luck!!!
Best of luck!!!
Can anybody tell me, what happens after you fail. Do they send a letter detailing what your deficiencies were?
When I received my pass letter, it mentioned absolutely nothing about my performancE. So I have no idea how well or poorly I performed.
Do they give feedback to people who fail?
When I received my pass letter, it mentioned absolutely nothing about my performancE. So I have no idea how well or poorly I performed.
Do they give feedback to people who fail?
Last edited:
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2005
- Messages
- 4,481
- Reaction score
- 2,515
The main stems are much more highly weighted than the grab bags. I did poorly on two grab bags. One I could have done well if i just had a minute to collect my thoughts. The patient was complex enough that it could have been a main stem in its own right. The other was trivia and nothing I could have prepared for. Time will tell for me.
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2004
- Messages
- 98
- Reaction score
- 0
It's comforting to hear that no one really walked out feeling amazing. My first stem was a nightmare. I feel like it started off well, but then I was was fumbling over myself. The second stem went alot better. I hope the first stem doesnt mess this up for me. I'm anxious and hoping for good news...
It is said that most who pass don't walk out feeling good about how the test went. I sure questioned myself afterwards, but it had gone fine in retrospect.
BTW if you get a string of really oddball, esoteric stuff at the end of a round, don't fret too much: apparently this is the examiners ad-libbing questions, which means you've used up everything they meant to ask.
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2004
- Messages
- 98
- Reaction score
- 0
April 1
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2005
- Messages
- 4,481
- Reaction score
- 2,515
Man. I took it then too. Waiting on my email
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2004
- Messages
- 98
- Reaction score
- 0
I had to log in
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2005
- Messages
- 4,481
- Reaction score
- 2,515
Thank you. Couldn't log in.
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2010
- Messages
- 1,671
- Reaction score
- 480
Portal goes down when they're importing results I think. That's what happened with me. Should not be long.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2005
- Messages
- 4,481
- Reaction score
- 2,515
I just was able to log in and I passed.
Thank god, my family, and all of my attendings both in residency and on here!
Thank god, my family, and all of my attendings both in residency and on here!
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2009
- Messages
- 608
- Reaction score
- 218
I passed! I also took it on April Fool's day, just after lunch. Raleigh had such beautiful weather that day, and I didn't get to enjoy it at all.
For anyone waiting, the portal is back up. I was going to check once a day, but this morning it said it was down for maintenance, which typically means they were uploading information. I checked it 5 times.
I failed it last October. That was a huge shock. Like someone said above, I walked out of it thinking that I had done really well, perhaps missing just one or two questions. When leaving this time I thought I had done poorly. Perhaps because now I better understood what questions they had been asking me.
I had done extremely well on the in-training exams and passed the written without any problem. So why would I fail? I think my problem was I had studied for the wrong test, I had studied for the writtens and assumed that that would get me through it. I went to the Dr. Ho course, read his book thoroughly, and all of my practice examiners there said I would pass without a problem. I listened to the Audio Digest series. But I didn't pass. When I found out I failed I bought Big Red, which was full of facts, but I don't think I would have passed with just that.
The biggest help was Just Oral Boards by Joe Tran. His review book explained the essence of the test. What are they looking for when they ask a question? His didactic sections were arranged for me to remember them in that format. I also did 4 practice exams via Skype.
I highly recommend it.
For anyone waiting, the portal is back up. I was going to check once a day, but this morning it said it was down for maintenance, which typically means they were uploading information. I checked it 5 times.
I failed it last October. That was a huge shock. Like someone said above, I walked out of it thinking that I had done really well, perhaps missing just one or two questions. When leaving this time I thought I had done poorly. Perhaps because now I better understood what questions they had been asking me.
I had done extremely well on the in-training exams and passed the written without any problem. So why would I fail? I think my problem was I had studied for the wrong test, I had studied for the writtens and assumed that that would get me through it. I went to the Dr. Ho course, read his book thoroughly, and all of my practice examiners there said I would pass without a problem. I listened to the Audio Digest series. But I didn't pass. When I found out I failed I bought Big Red, which was full of facts, but I don't think I would have passed with just that.
The biggest help was Just Oral Boards by Joe Tran. His review book explained the essence of the test. What are they looking for when they ask a question? His didactic sections were arranged for me to remember them in that format. I also did 4 practice exams via Skype.
I highly recommend it.
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2007
- Messages
- 217
- Reaction score
- 1
Thank you everyone for their help and advice, I passed. I used ubp online course which I did not really like but the mock exams were helpful. I read Yao and Ho but the the biggest thing I thought that helped me was my fellowship experience. I think practicing is key, I happy this is over now on to my ccm boards.
