When to take oral boards?

[increscence]

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Today, I breathed a huge sigh of relief when I found out that I passed the WQE. Now I wonder, when should I take the oral boards? Next dates are Sept 2019 and March 2020.

The September date would mean I'd have to forgo my long-awaited travel plans between fellowship and The Real World. Would the March exam date be too late, though? I'm planning to take an Osler course just before the March date, if they offer one.

Those who have passed the oral boards - how long did you study for the orals?

Thank you in advance for any and all advice!

 

[hello lady!]

Do you they allow you to choose now? I remember being assigned the month/year. It was done geographically depending on which testing center you were closer to and when they were going to offer it there.

 

[increscence]

They do, but in addition to the next closest date, my ABO letter also listed the next date after that.

 

[Twoeyes2020]

Take it in September. Stuff still fresh in your mind. If you take in next year, you will waste time and forget, just like kids forgot stuff during summer break in elementary school. Taking it in September also allows to retake it in March should disaster strike and you fail. If you take it in March and fail, the next time will be March 2021. This is because the boards are discontinuing twice a year oral board testing and changing to once a year.

 

[increscence]

Take it in September. Stuff still fresh in your mind. If you take in next year, you will waste time and forget, just like kids forgot stuff during summer break in elementary school. Taking it in September also allows to retake it in March should disaster strike and you fail. If you take it in March and fail, the next time will be March 2021. This is because the boards are discontinuing twice a year oral board testing and changing to once a year.

Thank you for your advice - this is really valuable. Can I ask how long you studied for?

 

[Twoeyes2020]

Can I ask how long you studied for?

I will start studying this weekend. I am thinking of a plan tonight. Anybody else want to compare study plans or anything else, I am willing to exchange ideas.