A Regional Experience With Vascular Surgery Mock Oral Examinations

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• The Southern Association for Vascular Surgery (SAVS) established a mock oral examination program in 2006.
• This initiative aimed to prepare trainees for the Vascular Surgery Certifying Examination (VCE).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the SAVS mock oral examination program.
• To assess trainee and examiner perceptions of the program's utility.
• To analyze the impact of the program on Vascular Surgery Certifying Examination (VCE) passage rates.

Main Methods:

• Anonymous online surveys were distributed to examinees and examiners who participated in the SAVS mock orals program.
• Data collected included examinee board passage history, perceptions of the mock oral program, and examiner feedback on applicant performance.
• American Board of Surgery provided de-identified board passage rates for comparison.

Main Results:

• 100% of examinees recommended the SAVS mock oral examinations; 90% of examiners found them comparable to the VCE.
• Examiners identified deficits in technical open vascular techniques and complication management.
• Trainees participating in SAVS mock orals had a 78% first-time VCE pass rate, below the national average of 86%.

Conclusions:

• The SAVS mock oral examination is perceived as a valuable preparatory tool but did not demonstrate an advantage in VCE passage rates.
• Potential factors for lower-than-average performance include participation bias.
• The simulation closely mirrors the VCE, highlighting areas for improved training in open surgical techniques and complication management.