If you met the August 2 case list deadline, congratulate yourself for getting that big gorilla off your back. Take a one week break to recharge your batteries.
If you’re going to extend to the August 13 deadline, dole over your $330 late fee and “git R done”.
By now, you know the month of your exam. It’s time to research your review course options and register. Obviously we’re a bit biased, as we feel we have the ideal course; however, you should look for the following features. We recommend a BOARD review course, not just a review course, for an exam focused review. There is precious little time to wade through the volumes of material to figure out what to prioritize. You also want a faculty with extensive speaking experience. The fact that they research and publish is irrelevant, as the answer guide to the test and henceforth their lectures should be based on what ACOG recommends. The faculty especially needs to be knowledgeable in the oral exam and provide specific services in mock oral exams, case list review and case of the day. Ideally complement the content covered at the review course with an oral exam and Case of the Day Workshop devoted to the strategy in taking an oral exam. The earlier you take these services the better, as your studying will take far more time than you budgeted, so it is better to identify as early as possible the topics you need to prioritize.
Half of your test is defending your case list. Send your case list NOW to your following local/regional consultants or colleagues for recommendations in DEFENDING your case list:
| Case List Component |
Reviewer |
| OB |
MFM, generalist |
| GYN |
GYN ONC, Urogyn, generalist |
| Office |
Generalist, REI, FP, IM |
Make sure you give them a strict deadline. Since the clock is ticking, schedule now a time to sit down and review their recommendations. The ABC faculty can review your case list one-on-one at the fall courses or can provide a Comprehensive Case List Review.
Spend the second week in August drafting a study plan. Remember this is not set in stone, but it’s imperative to know what you’re up against. If your test is in November, you’ll be shocked with how little time is left. On the other hand, if your test is in January, don’t procrastinate and waste precious time either.
You can do it, we can help.
Study Tip
Although the exam has evolved over the years, one adage has remained constant; YOU HAVE TO KNOW YOUR CASE LIST COLD! Dr. Das’ Pass Your Oral OB/GYN Board Exam, now in its 4th edition, gives you a step-by-step method on how to accomplish this. Don’t waste precious time in reinventing the wheel.
Lock your textbooks away. The only references you will need are Compendium, Precis, Prologs, and did we mention THE COMPENDIUM? These are the answer guide to your test. Contact acog.org if you need to order the newest version. A well kept secret, is to check in the back of the green journal, Obstetrics & Gynecology every month for the latest updates to the Compendium. You’ll really impress the examiner if you are that current.