August 2019 Tip of the Month

For ABOG 2019 Certifying (ORAL) Exam Candidates

If you met the August 1^st 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 15^th deadline, dole out your $395 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. You also want a faculty that lectures in accordance with the latest ACOG recommendations and not on their boring research or the latest, yet unproven, fads. The faculty needs to be particularly knowledgeable in the oral exam process and content and also provide Mock Oral Exams and Case List Reviews. Our courses are on September 17-22 and November 19-24.
To complement the content covered at the review course we have added the Oral Exam Workshop that is devoted to the strategies of taking an oral exam. The earlier you take the workshop, 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 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, now is the time to schedule a time to sit down and review their recommendations. The ABC faculty can review your case list one-on-one at either of the fall courses, or we can provide a Comprehensive Case List Review. We are the only course in the country to offer dialogue with the reviewer so you can ask questions, clarify cases, etc.
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 or February, don’t procrastinate and waste precious time.

For ABOG 2020 Certifying  (ORAL) Exam Candidates

The results for the written boards will come out on September 15. If you choose the fast track, you can sit right away for your oral exam. However, remember the collections started JULY 1, as in last month.
You cannot apply for the 2020 oral exam until February 2020. However, if you wait this long to enter cases you’re already EIGHT months behind – BIG MISTAKE! Call or e-mail ABOG now to get your case list software.
Don’t fret about details of how to enter the data because you’ll change your mind at least a half dozen times. For all GYN patients, start a habit of collecting H&Ps, operative notes, pathology reports and discharge summaries. For all OB patients, keep a file of the prenatal forms, delivery notes, discharge summaries, and postpartum notes. Don’t worry about the office patients yet. Take a stab at entering the data online, and just use your common sense.
Rest assured, we will have a Case List Construction Workshop as a part of our April 2020 review course. Trust me - it’s overwhelming to attend one sooner. It’s like trying to teach advanced shoulder dystocia maneuvers before you’ve even delivered a baby. For those who are OCD, order your copy of Pass Your Oral Ob/Gyn Board Exam by Dr. Das for a complete step-by-step guide. Start today to create a good habit of collecting and entering cases.

Strategy Tip:

Should you get in the fast lane and go for the accelerated track or sit back and relax a year? If you just started your subspecialty fellowship or if your practice will be limited (e.g. GYN only or laborist), jump on the fast track. You will be shocked at how quickly you will forget your off specialty. Besides, the fast track isn't really warped speed, since your exam is not until the fall of 2020.

On the other hand, if you just started a general OB/GYN practice, sit back and take a well-deserved break. Not only do you need some time to adjust to being out on your own, but this experience will catapult you leaps and bounds ahead in your clinical acumen. It’s similar to that exponential learning curve in going from a medical student to an intern. This newfound experience will help enormously when you sit for your exam two years later.

You can do it … we can help

Subspecialty Fellows Sitting for their 2019 ABOG General Certifying (Oral) Board Exam

Now that your case list has been turned in, you recognize how much you have forgotten in your off-specialty subjects. So that’s where they get the expression, “If you don’t use it, you lose it”. Our review course is IDEAL for Fellows, as we tell you just what you need to know; then you can joyfully repress it again after your test. Even if your exam is not until January, there is a LOT to relearn - OK, for some of you to learn. We strongly recommend you come to our September 17-22 course to gather all the material you will need for 90% of your test.
We’re most sincere when we say, “You can do it … we can help”.
We can help -- a LOT.

Study Tip:

Raise your right hand and repeat after me, “I solemnly swear I will NOT study my subspecialty topics until last. Actually, you don’t even need to study them at all. But if you insist, review it from a generalist’s perspective. After all, you are taking your general oral exam.

… with you every step

For AOBOG 2019 ORAL Exam Candidates

If you’re planning on taking the September 2019 exam, our Online Home Study package has everything you need to prepare you for your oral exam. We teach core topics and articulation. There’s no better way to practice than with our private mock orals.
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 ACOG clinical recommendations. Did you know our syllabus is highlighted with the core topics?
Finally, since 2011, we’ve been batting a 99% pass rate for course attendees!

You can do it…we can help.

 Test Taking Tips:

If you’re taking your exam in September, by now you should have completed your extensive review of EACH core topic. Use the following checklist for each core topic, as the examiners will push you to the nth degree.

Gynecologic Oncology:
  Neoplasms of the Vulva, Vagina, Cervix, Uterus, Fallopian tubes, Ovaries   and those associated with Pregnancy

Female Medicine and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery:
  Urinary Stress Incontinence/Genital Prolapse
  Sexual Dysfunction/Pain Syndromes

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility:
  Contraception Management
  Ultrasonography of the Female Pelvis
  Workup and Treatment of the Infertile Couple

Maternal-Fetal Medicine:
  Evaluation of the High-Risk Pregnancy
  Early Screening Tests and Diagnosis
  Interventions available during Pregnancy

Be prepared to give at least three for your differential diagnosis and treatment options.

If you haven’t finished your review or you just want to cross-reference your product against the gold standard, consider our archived Oral Exam Webinar. This webinar was designed by DOs and for DOs. They put each of the core topics under the microscope. Since 2011, all but one who has participated in the webinar has passed their exam. Partner the webinar with the course, and you’ve got the ultimate preparation.

You can do it … we can help.

For ABOG Qualifying (Written) and AOBOG 2020 WRITTEN Exam Candidates

The exam is a year away. If this is your first time to take the exam and you have historically performed average or better on your CREOG in-service-training exam, you can enjoy the summer. For most of you, it’s a hectic time anyway, with everyone moving up in rank.
Applications for the ABOG exam are available online September 17^th.  Don’t shoot the messenger, but in case you need to budget, the $1500 application and examination fee will be due by mid-October.
Applications for the AOBOG exam are not available until September 1^st, 2019. Better yet, the $1175 application and examination fee is not due until March 29^th, just before your exam.
If this will be your second attempt, spend August doing some soul searching. WHY did you fail? If this was your first attempt and you have a reasonable excuse, such as you simply did not study, or had a significant distraction, such as being newly postpartum or a family crisis, you can cut yourself some slack. However, promise to commit this next year to passing your exam.
If you have failed at least twice, there is a pattern. We strongly advise you to come to our November 20-24 course. Not only do you need to come out running at the six-month mark, but perhaps it’s time you consider our Test Taking Skills Online Course.
For now, it’s too early to start studying in earnest - you’ll just burn out. Step away and heal emotionally. Decide if you can and will truly commit to adequately preparing for this exam. If the answer is anything but an emphatic yes, you are setting yourself up for another disappointment. Statistically, the chances of failing the exam again after two attempts are dismally high. However, the program established by ABC has completely defied those odds. To say that we’ve blown them off the charts is an understatement. Call us and we can help you strategize.

You can do it … we can help

ABOG Maintenance of Certification (MOC)

Part II: Lifelong Learning

The third and last quarter articles come out next month. Have you let some of the second and first quarter articles collect dust? Have you even done any? Remember that all 45 articles are due December 16^th, so do the math. With four months remaining, that means 10+ articles per month.
Furthermore, don’t forget that you must have enrolled in at least one practice module each year. If you have not, this can also be grounds to yank your certification – YIKES!

Part III: Secure Written Exam

Those of you in MOC Year 6 who have not averaged 86% or higher on your articles, must pass a written exam by December 16^th. We have a number of products to help you prepare for and pass your written exam. For those of you who have always tapped into a review course in preparing for your board certifying exams, you’ll no doubt benefit greatly by attending one of our five-day review courses being held September 18-22 and November 20-24. This is not the same type of review course as in the past. Just as you evolve and practice evidence-based medicine, our course is designed for the adult learner, is exam-focused, and all lectures follow the national ACOG guidelines. Heck, you’ll walk away with loads of everyday practice tips, too.
Still looking for more questions? Our Written Questions Manuals provide an additional 1400+ questions, plus a narrative explanation for each answer, along with references.  Additionally, our Q Banks for the OB/GYN are a computer-based 50 multiple-choice questions. They are designed to simulate your written board and CREOG in-service exam.
Oh, just in case you think you’re coasting after you pass your written exam, think again. You still have to read the 2019 articles. No rest for the weary!
You can do it…we can help.

Test Taking Tip:

The written exam is only 100 questions and you answer two books of fifty questions. Generalists get to choose their books or “selectives” for each exam. Subspecialists must take the first book based upon their designated subspecialty. They then choose a second book from the generalist’s selectives. The strategy is in matching the exam selective to your mode of practice. Call Dr. Adelowo today at 877-222-6249 and he will personally guide you through this confusing but critical step.

Generalist: Selective Exam A & B (50 questions)

1. Obstetrics and Gynecology and Office Practice & Women’s Health
2. Obstetrics only
3. Gynecology only (tends to have more Surgical GYN focus)
4. Office Practice and Women’s Health only (primary care, office GYN & family planning focus)

Subspecialists: Selective Exam A (50 questions)

1. Gynecologic Oncology
2. Maternal-Fetal Medicine
3. Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
4. Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery (starting 2019)

We’re getting many questions as to how to choose your selectives. The Board gives an itemization of the exam topics. Believe or not, it is the same list of categories for the primary written exam and the oral exam case list; although fortunately, the focus is much more clinical. It is well worth going to the Basic Bulletin at abog.org to look through the specific list. The focus for each of the General selectives is as follows:

1. Obstetrics – Antepartum, Intrapartum, Postpartum.
2. Gynecology only- Inpatient & Outpatient GYN focus, including REI, Urogyn, and Oncology
3. Office Practice and Women’s Health only - Primary Care, Office GYN, Office Surgery & Family Planning focus

Each Selective can include “Cross Content Areas”, such as

1. Safety
2. Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Sciences
3. Genetics
4. Ethics & Professionalism

with you every step…

AOBOG Recertification Written Exam, Osteopathic Continuous Certification in Obstetrics & Gynecology (OCC)

The OCC written exam is now offered at Pearson Vue centers during the week of September 23-28, 2019 Although the examination can be taken during the last two years of the OCC cycle, you must pass the written exam by the end of your six-year cycle. Come to one of our fall courses - either September 18-22 or November 20-24 to jump-start your studying.
In addition, you need to complete your Practice Performance Assessments (PPA) in a six-year OCC cycle. All required PPA's must be completed by September 15th of the year of recertification.
You can do it, we can help.

Test Taking Tip:

To access the PPAs, go to aobog.org and access each module through the O-CAT website. Each module requires you to log 10 consecutive patients in that module topic area. Your results will be measured against national standards. If you fall below the acceptable threshold, there will be a required educational activity, followed by a reassessment in the same module, with 10 new consecutive cases. Oh! By the way, your logged cases are subject to audit.  Since these modules take some time to complete, it is recommended you begin a module in the first or second year of the OCC 6 year cycle.

For Canadian Royal College examination: 2020 written and oral 

In 2019, the Royal Canadian made a change to their examination program.  For more information on these changes, please visit mccevolution.ca.  Come to one of our fall courses – either September 18-22 or November 20-24 to jump-start your studying.

MFM 2019 ORAL Exam Candidates

Now is the time to put the finishing touches on your thesis. It is due September 30^th. ABOG requires 4 copies along with the thesis affidavit form that must be signed by the program director. Your examination fee is also due at the same time, a hefty $1210. It will take about 6-8 weeks for them to review it and accept it.
We are ready to get you prepared for this examination…..Register now for our November MFM Review Course in Charlotte NC  Nov 22-24, 2019.

FPMRS 2020 Certifying (ORAL) Exam Candidates (April 27 – 30, 2020)

Application is now closed. For those that have received your application confirmation, you should be receiving a notice of your acceptance for the examination sometime in September. If you have not already done so, your examination fee of $1210 will need to be paid on or before September 30^th.
Your thesis submission deadline is approaching soon…. Deadline September 30th, 2019. Make sure you have the affidavit form to go with your thesis completed and signed by your fellowship director. Also, make sure your thesis is formatted to the style the board requires and the format of the intended journal. Remove any institutional identifying information in your manuscript. This is a great time to send out your final draft to us at ABC for a thesis review. Also, approach your colleagues and mentors that can provide you with a good thesis critic/review for their help.
Continue working on your case list entry. Avoid procrastination.  Case list submission deadline is Feb 3, 2020.
We are ready to get you prepared for this examination…..Register now for our November ABC FPMRS Review Course in Charlotte NC Nov 22-24, 2019.