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 at UCSF in Orthopaedic Surgery, shares valuable tips for preparing for the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) exams, emphasizing that board certification is achievable with proper planning and effort. He encourages candidates to understand that these exams serve to monitor the profession, ensure self-regulation, and guarantee patient safety.<br /><br />For Part I, early and focused study on weaker areas is crucial, with self-assessment questions aiding preparation. Part II requires completion of an accredited residency, continuous orthopaedic practice in one setting for 20 months, and passing Part I. Dr. Lansdown stresses starting preparation before case collection by adhering to tight surgical indications, evidence-based treatments, and avoiding outlier approaches.<br /><br />Organization is key: systematically archive images, create documentation templates including informed consent and operative notes, and schedule postoperative follow-ups with plans for patient outreach. Maintaining clear, specific operative notes with consistent terminology is essential. During case collection, tracking patient follow-ups and case numbers helps ensure meeting requirements; seeking help for challenging cases or complications is encouraged, alongside transparent documentation and honest reporting of complications.<br /><br />He highlights knowing the exam format thoroughly—12 assigned cases with full clinical documentation—and recommends using ABOS resources such as video tutorials and rubrics. Practicing case presentations with colleagues from diverse orthopaedic subspecialties, simulating the exam environment, and anticipating questions about complications and alternative treatments improve readiness.<br /><br />Candidates should answer questions factually, avoid emotional responses, discuss a reasonable range of treatment options including non-operative care, and acknowledge when uncertain. Finally, Dr. Lansdown offers reassurance, reminding candidates they are likely to succeed with these strategies.<br /><br />Contact information for Dr. Lansdown is provided for further guidance.

Keywords

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

ABOS exams

Orthopaedic Surgery certification

Dr. Drew A. Lansdown

exam preparation tips

Part I exam study

Part II requirements

case collection strategies

operative documentation

exam simulation