Some factors responsible for failure in fellowship examinations in surgery - a view point

The major reasons for repeated failures at the Fellowship Examinations in Surgery are due to poor preparation and underrating the scope and depth of the expectations of the examiners. Attention to details and comprehensive answers to every question in the theory, clinical parts of the examination, viva voce and thesis are the linchpins to success. The answers should show mastery and up-to-date information of the subjects under discussion. Adequate preparation for fellowship examination should include reading the appropriate textbooks and surgical journals thoroughly, participating actively in clinical case presentations before peers and trainers, as well as searching the internet for current concepts in the areas of interest.