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 of Sports Medicine & Shoulder Surgery at UCSF, shares practical advice for preparing for the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part 1 and Part 2 exams. Emphasizing that certification ensures professional self-regulation and patient safety, he encourages early, strategic preparation, focusing on weaker topics, and using self-assessment tools during Part 1 study.<br /><br />For Part 2, qualification requires completing an accredited residency, at least 20 months of active orthopaedic surgery practice in one location, and passing Part 1. Dr. Lansdown stresses meticulous case collection with strict indications, favoring evidence-based, well-established treatments over novel approaches. Organization is critical: archive images properly, use note templates including comprehensive informed consent, document risk discussions, and schedule postoperative follow-ups proactively.<br /><br />He recommends detailed operative notes with clear diagnosis language and encourages tracking patient follow-ups and case numbers to meet minimum requirements. When facing challenging cases or complications, he advises seeking mentorship and collaboration, documenting these interactions, and maintaining honest, thorough reporting of complications, noting that examiners assess one’s response to adverse events.<br /><br />Understanding the exam format—12 mandatory cases with all documentation and imaging—and engaging with ABOS videos and rubrics aids preparation. Regular mock oral presentations with colleagues, including those from various orthopaedic sub-specialties, enhance readiness. Candidates should anticipate questions on complications, outcomes, and alternative treatments, presenting facts without emotion and demonstrating evidence-based decisions while acknowledging limits of knowledge.<br /><br />Dr. Lansdown’s final encouragement is confidence: “You are going to pass!” His guidance offers a comprehensive, practical roadmap for orthopaedic surgeons preparing for ABOS certification, balancing clinical rigor, professionalism, and exam strategy.

Keywords

Dr. Drew A. Lansdown

ABOS Part 1 exam

ABOS Part 2 exam

orthopaedic surgery certification

exam preparation strategies

case collection and documentation

operative notes

complication management

mock oral presentations

evidence-based treatments