How Aggressively Do Residency Programs Promote Oral Exam Technique?

Dr. Alvin Schamroth, MD, FACOG

Residency Coordinators feedback regarding residency programs preparing candidates for the oral exams

This is a follow-up to an informal poll conducted by Dr Schamroth to Residency Co-ordinators of OB/GYN programs. The initial finding of this study was that of those programs that feel oral exam training is important, only 60% actually provide this training. The article addresses the extent to which they provide this training.

Question 1 (Of the 60% of programs who provide oral exam training), how frequently do you provide oral exam technique training?

Once/week 56%

Once/month 17%

Once/year 26%

Question 2 (In an attempt to assess the intensity of mock oral training provided by those 60%), how aggressive are your M+M meetings?

Mildly aggressive 53%

Moderately aggressive 47%

Severely aggressive 0%

(Although the oral exam is not necessarily aggressive, practicing for it with an aggressive environment is probably more beneficial)

Conclusion: Although 60 % of programs provide oral exam technique training, the quantity and (possibly) quality of this training seems minimal.