AANA Lab Course 1002 -3rd Annual Fellows/Chief Residents-ABOS_ Not a Four Letter Word! Tips for Preparing for Parts 1 & 2-Drew Lansdown, M.D.

ABOS_ Not a Four Letter Word! Tips for Preparing for Parts 1 & 2-Drew Lansdown, M.D.

Pdf Summary

Dr. Drew A. Lansdown, Assistant Professor in Sports Medicine & Shoulder Surgery at UCSF, shares comprehensive tips for preparing for the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part 1 and Part 2 exams. He emphasizes the importance of starting early with a structured study plan, focusing on weaker topics, and balancing exam prep with clinical duties. For Part II, candidates must have completed an accredited residency, active practice for 20 months, and passed Part I.<br /><br />Key preparation strategies for Part II include strict case selection with evidence-based treatments, avoiding novel unproven techniques, and thorough organization. Dr. Lansdown stresses maintaining detailed operative notes and documentation, including informed consent and complication tracking, while setting up systematic patient follow-ups. Tracking case numbers proactively ensures meeting minimum requirements without last-minute stress.<br /><br />He advises seeking help with challenging cases by consulting mentors or partners and openly documenting complications with appropriate patient disclosure. Understanding that complications are inevitable, how one manages and reports them matters most.<br /><br />Familiarity with the exam format—including 12 mandatory cases, clinical documentation, and ABOS video tutorials—is critical. Practice presentations rigorously with colleagues or through formal mock sessions, using actual patient data and images to simulate the exam environment. Anticipate common questions on complications, outcomes, and treatment choices, explaining rationale clearly without emotional bias.<br /><br />Dr. Lansdown encourages honesty in answers, sticking to facts, acknowledging knowledge gaps, and presenting reasonable treatment alternatives. Confidence in passing is essential, reinforced by preparation and a positive mindset. Overall, his insights highlight disciplined planning, organization, clinical rigor, and communication as keys to ABOS exam success.

Keywords

ABOS exam preparation

Orthopaedic Surgery board exams

Dr. Drew A. Lansdown

Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery

structured study plan

case selection criteria

operative documentation

clinical case management

exam presentation techniques

complication management