1. Edgar Guzman MD., MS. Vijay K. Maker MD., FRCSc., FACS. University of Illinois Metropolitan Group Hospitals Chicago

2. Improving Outcomes on the ABS Certifying Examination: Can Monthly Mock Orals Do It?

5. Design

8. Score Criteria 1 Fail 23 Pass 45 Excellent 1. Knowledge.Answers may harm the patient. Knows 75% of key points. Knows all the key points. 2. Communication Skills. “Lost” in spite of prompting. Unable to answer all key points in 10 minutes. Answered key points in less than 10 minutes. 3.Professional Behavior. Does not listen, perseverates, rigid. Accepts cues and is able to reconsider a diagnosis. Remains calm, objective and humble. 4. Professional Appearance. Informal clothing, disheveled. Acceptable “but”. Appropriately dressed, well groomed.

9. Score Criteria 1 Unacceptable 23 Appropriate Attire. Professional appearance. Buttoned coat. Body Language. Open vs. defensive. Posture. Sits upright with hands at sides or lap. Motor behavior. Calm. No repetitive movements. No agitated motor behavior. Eye contact. Makes eye contact with the examiner. Mock Oral Presentation Skills Evaluation Form

10. Score Criteria 1 Unacceptable 23 Appropriate Linguistic Skills. Use of full sentences. No run-on answers. No “Um” or “Uh”. Able to accept verbal cues. Intonation. Not hostile. Not defensive. Not argumentative. Overall confidence level. Appears confident. Self assured.

12.  Each senior resident had between 2 and 8 mock orals.  Participants reported to have studied 82.6% of times for the exam.

13. P= 0.038 ABSCE First Time Pass Rate

14. Rating of Preparation Methods for the ABSCE

15. N.S. Rating of Positive Effects of the MSCE

17. Conclusions Monthly simulated and critiqued oral examinations: 1. Are a useful tool for the improvement of ABSCE first time pass rates. 2. Improve clinical reasoning and promote self study. 3. Contribute to the creation of an academic environment.