Kerry Griffin, MD, FACOG
ABC Course Lecturer & Case List Reviewer
Dr. Griffin graduated from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and stayed on for his OB/GYN residency. He received numerous awards during his residency including best teaching resident. Dr. Griffin is board certified in OB/GYN. He is in private practice in Enterprise, AL. He became impassioned about his experience in achieving his board certification and is exuberant to share his tips for success.
For ABOG 2017 Qualifying Computer Based Exam (WRITTEN Exam) Candidates
June is here!!! Where did the time go? Fortunately, the exam is not until the end of the month.
Now’s the time to quickly unload some ballast. We recommend you limit your studying to a review and solidify your strengths. Don’t study those topics whose questions you totally nailed or those about which you have no clue. Instead, review those subjects whose answers you narrowed down to two. Strive for 70% correct, as this will assure a pass.
Dr. Griffin graduated from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine and stayed on for his OB/GYN residency. He received numerous awards during his residency including best teaching resident. Dr. Griffin is board certified in OB/GYN. He is in private practice in Enterprise, AL. He became impassioned about his experience in achieving his board certification and is exuberant to share his tips for success. You must practice with WRITTEN questions at the end of each study topic. Our Written Question Manuals, unlike many sources, is indeed categorized by subject so you can immediately test your acumen on a specific topic. They are comprised of 1000+ questions, plus a narrative explanation for each answer along with references.
Since your exam is computerized, you must practice with tests of this same format. Processing questions on a computer screen is quite different than with the comforting familiar paper format. ABC, in collaboration with Jolley Test Prep Services, offers Computerized Diagnostic Tests containing 500+ written exam questions. Each question has a narrative explanation and reference, so it’s a great learning resource as well. Not only will you get your score, but the computer will also analyze why you missed the questions. Better yet, it will search for error patterns and make recommendations for corrective action.
Just as an actor wouldn’t give a performance without a dress rehearsal or an athlete warming up before the race, you also need a dress rehearsal. Our Practice Test, just like your exam, is 250 multiple choice questions, timed at 4 hours with a 15 minute break. You get one shot at it.
You’re coming down the homestretch. You CAN do it. Kick in and sprint to the finish line and cross as the winner … and the prize? Now you get to start collecting your case list!
You can do it, we can help.
GOOD LUCK!
ABOG Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Candidates
Part I: Lifelong Learning
ABOG just published the 2nd quarter articles. Are you still working on the first quarter articles? Summer fun is just around the corner, so get as many articles done now to minimize guilt as you participate in family frolic.
Part I: Secure Written Exam
Those of you in MOC Year 6, you must pass a written exam by December 15th. 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 13-17 and November 15-19. 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.
You are also accountable for Safety and Professionalism. Remember, you completed the Safety course in your third year, but you could not print out the articles. Fortunately, ABC had the foresight to create a Safety Course Manual as well.
ABOG has confirmed that emphasis will be placed on both the Compendium and the articles. So don’t you think the highest yield will be those MOC articles that overlap with the Compendium?
Still looking for more questions? Our Written Question Manuals provide an additional 1000+ questions, plus a narrative explanation for each answer along with references. Challenge yourself with the above-written exam questions and show those young whippersnappers that you’re still scalpel sharp.
Oh, just in case you think you’re coasting after you pass your written exam, think again. You still have to read the 2017 articles. No rest for the weary!
- Obstetrics and Gynecology and Office Practice & Women’s Health
- Obstetrics only
- Gynecology only (tends to have more Surgical GYN focus)
- Office Practice and Women’s Health only (primary care, office GYN & family planning focus)
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Maternal Fetal Medicine
- Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
- Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery (starting 2019)
For ABOG 2017 Certifying Exam (ORAL Exam) Candidates
Your examination fee of $975 and case list are both due (abog.org) by August 1st, 2017. You will be assessed a late fee of $345 from August 2nd to August 15th. Unfortunately, the examination fee is in addition to the $840 application fee that you already forked over.
Case list collections end June 30th. Won’t it be nice to have that monkey off your back? However, you still have to contend with the 800-pound gorilla in the closet. TOP priority is to enter your data. You cannot afford to get behind, as the first draft is never satisfactory. Send whatever you have NOW to your following local/regional consultants or colleagues for recommendations in CONSTRUCTING your case list:
|
Case list component |
Reviewer |
|
OB |
MFM, generalist |
|
GYN |
GYN ONC, Urogyn, generalist |
|
Office |
Generalist, REI |
The ABC faculty can provide a Comprehensive Case List Review as well, but it is a first-come-first-served basis and we get overrun beginning about mid-June.
S-o-o-o much is riding on your case list. A well-constructed case list makes all the difference in defending it later. Take the time to do it right. For a complete step-by-step guide, order the 5th edition of Pass Your Oral Ob/Gyn Board Exam by Dr. Das.
I know you can’t see past August 1st, but you need to register for your review course. We suggest our September 13-17 course which is primarily designed for those taking their oral exam. If you discover later that you have a December or January exam, we’ll let you switch over to our November 15-19 course. We’re not just a review course, but a BOARD review course, providing an exam focused review. Ideally, complement the content covered at the review course with an Oral Exam Workshop, devoted to defending your case list. However, don’t worry about studying at all this month. Your priority is to finish that case list. “Git R Done!”
You can do it, we can help.
For AOBOG 2017 ORAL Exam Candidates
The application & examination fee of $3275 for the fall exam is due by July 17th (or by July 24th if you want to pay a late fee). AOBOG’s is still imposing a cap of 45 candidates for the October exam. It’s a first come, first served basis so don’t dilly-dally. AOBOG has launched a new online application system. Click here to apply.
After many years, AOBOG changed the traditional ten core topics in 2015, but also the exam administration. Some of the core topics now are very broad so it’s critical to conduct a thorough review. Timed perfectly before your big day is our September 13-17 Review Course for a comprehensive review in just five days. While you’re there, get some face time with one-on-one Mock Oral Exams.
For those of you planning for the Spring, 2018 exam, I hope it’s obvious that it is not to your advantage to procrastinate. Come out running by starting your review with either our September 13-17 or November 15-19 Review Course. Rest assured that we will be having our signature Oral Exam Webinar, which was designed by a DO for DOs. This three-month webinar, starting in February 2018, reviews each of the core topics in great detail. The interactive format of the webinar gives you an opportunity to jump on the hot seat or just sit back and listen until you’re ready. We’re delighted to report that 99% who have participated in her webinar since 2011 have passed their exam!
You can do it, we can help.
Chief Residents Planning A Subspecialty Fellowship
Subspecialty fellows are permitted to select 20 patients from their Chief resident year for their off specialty case list. In other words, GYN Oncologists, REI and Urogynecologists will need an OB list and MFMs need a GYN list. Thus, make sure to hold onto that residency log!
Refer to the ABOG Bulletin on how those 20 patients are selected. To be on the safe side, we recommend you collect at least 30, so you can strategically select the final 20 later. For those patients, keep a file of the following: for the GYN patients, collect the H&Ps, operative notes, pathology reports, and discharge summaries; for the OB patients, keep a file of the prenatal form, delivery notes, discharge summaries, and postpartum notes. Don’t worry about the office patients at all, as you may compile this only during your fellowship.
A word of caution – right now you are at your peak for general OB/GYN knowledge. Believe it or not, two years from now, your knowledge base will regress to that of an intern. Yes, it’s true - if you don’t use it, you lose it. So those really cool, esoteric, bizarre, once-in-a-career cases now will be a nightmare to defend later. Your greatest allies are your junior residents. If you can’t easily defend a case, cease and subsist and “go fish” for another.
You can do it, we can help.
Subspecialty Fellows Planning for their 2017 ABOG General Oral Board Exam
If you are retrospectively collecting cases, go with your comfort zone. Dang, how could you have forgotten so much in such a short time? Unfortunately, it’s true - if you don’t use it, you lose it. Go with the bread-and-butter cases. Remember, this is your general boards. We recommend you chose those cases that reflect high-yield topics. Pass Your Oral Ob/Gyn Board Exam by Dr. Das provides an excellent step-by-step guide. Speaking of which, a well-constructed case list makes all the difference in defending it later. S-o-o-o much is riding on your case list. Take the time to do it right. The ABC faculty can provide a Comprehensive Case List Review as well. Send whatever you have NOW, as it is a first-come-first-served basis and we get overrun starting about mid-June.
I know you can’t see past August 1st, but you need to register for your review course. The subspecialists LOVE our course because it’s a no-nonsense, streamlined, exam-focused review. We have one right out of the gate from September 13-17 and then another from November 15-19.
You can do it, we can help.
For AOBOG 2018 WRITTEN Exam Candidates
The exam is almost a year away or April 23-28, 2018. What’s the hurry? Time to kick back and soak in the summer rays, right? Right, as long as you’ve consistently scored > 200 on your CREOG in-service training exam. However, in order to avoid slipping into the clutches of lazy days of summer, keep the saw sharp by doing at least one question a day.
If at any time during your residency you scored < 200 on your CREOG in-service training exam or you failed your board exam, you need to take some time off to recharge your batteries. However, you need to start strategizing on a study plan. Wouldn’t it make the most sense to cover those high yield exam topics? Our course syllabus covers 90% of exam topics. If you attend the November 15-19 Review Course, you will walk away with the priceless list. Additionally, schedule a free private consult to help you identify error patterns and how to fix them! There is also an opportunity to attend our education specialists, Jane and Martin Jolleys’ Test Taking Skills Workshop in November to learn evidence-based techniques.
AOBOG Osteopathic Continuous Certification in Obstetrics & Gynecology (OCC)
A new exam process has been initiated for 2017. The OCC written exam is now offered at Pearson Vue centers during a week in March 12-17, 2018.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 13-17 or November 15-19 to jump start your studying.
In addition, you need to complete two Practice Performance Assessments (PPA) in a six year OCC cycle. More importantly, you must complete 3 PPA modules before you can take your written exam. Since these modules take some time to complete, we strongly recommend you begin a module in your first year of your OCC cycle and complete one module every year.
CREOG In-service training exam participants
Well, the exam is not for another eight months. If you scored > 200, regardless of your PGY year, then you’re in pretty good shape. It’s going to get hectic with the end of the residency year coming up and everyone preparing to move up in rank.
If you scored < 200, that means you’re below the mean. Although CREOG will not reveal statistics, we have found that your performance level, regardless of your year, will continue. In other words, you PGY3s cannot use the excuse of being post call or on the Oncology service as the reason for poor performance. You need to be proactive to improve your score during your chief year. If you have scored < 200, or worse yet < 190, all three years, you need to take corrective measures to improve your test taking skills. To simply study more is probably not the solution. We can connect you with our Education Specialists, Martin and Jane Jolley, for a one-on-one evaluation. Just give us a call.
ABOG no longer reports the score for the written board exam. Unfortunately, now the only predictor of your performance is your CREOG score. Therefore, you must take it very seriously. Our November 15-19 Course is the perfect time to prepare your assault and nail the exam in January.
You can do it, we can help.
MFM 2018 ORAL Exam Candidates
Can you believe that you’re less than a year away from being a board-certified MFM? You’re entering the last leg of a marathon, and this part of the race sets the stage for everything that comes next. By now you should have applied and paid the fee for the exam but if you haven’t, don’t worry – you can still apply in June with a late fee. Don’t wait too long, the fee goes up on June 17th and after June 30th you can’t apply for next April’s exam at all. Make sure to set some extra money aside, there’s a second fee due in September.
The next big deadline coming up is for turning in your thesis. You should send your thesis around to your co-authors and mentors for feedback, or to anyone else you trust for advice on this topic. Remember to check the ABOG Bulletin for the formatting requirements. One detail that can be hard to come by is the thesis affidavit, which is a document that your fellowship program director has to sign. Remember that summer is a popular vacation time, so ask early and you will be ready to go!
Also during this time, you should be working on collecting names and medical record numbers of patients that might be good candidates for your case list. It’s definitely never too early to start organizing those – you’ll thank yourself later!