The American Board of Surgery Inservice Training Exam (ABSITE) is a strongly validated test that correlates with qualifying exam (written exam) pass rates. As such, we encourage year-round prep.
To ensure that our residents do well, their schedules are designed to average out to 72 hours per week. This affords the residents time for reading and studying. In addition, monthly exams are given based on ABSITE topics to help residents prepare. Plus, the department pays for a written Boards Review course for chief residents prior to graduation.
The American Board of Surgery Certifying Exam (the Oral Boards) is a source of anxiety and trepidation for surgical residents throughout the country. We have developed an oral boards curriculum designed to improve confidence and test-taking skills. This monthly course involves senior surgical residents from Sinai, Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland. Residents are given the general topics in advance so they can prepare. The mock scenarios are then given in a public forum with immediate feedback provided by the examiner and audience feedback compiled and disseminated to the resident anonymously. Additionally, these sessions are videotaped for individual analysis and review.