The Oral Exam Playbook: 3 Tips with Prof Andy Hart

Summary

This conversation focuses on the viva oral exam for plastic surgery trainees, discussing preparation strategies, understanding the exam process, and the dynamics between examiners and candidates. There is a strong focus on the FRCS exam. The speakers share insights on common mistakes, the importance of higher-order thinking, and practical tips for success in the exam. They also engage in a mock exam scenario to illustrate key points and provide valuable resources for trainees.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Viva Oral Exam

03:53 Preparation Strategies for the Exam

06:37 Understanding the Exam Structure

09:43 Examiner Dynamics and Candidate Interaction

13:02 Higher Order Thinking in Responses

15:51 Common Mistakes to Avoid

18:40 Mock Exam and Practical Tips

24:57 Final Thoughts and Resources

Takeaways

Preparation for the viva exam starts months in advance.

Confidence in preparation is crucial for success.

Understanding the examiner's perspective can help candidates perform better.

Higher-order thinking is essential in answering exam questions.

Practicing with peers can enhance performance and reduce anxiety.

Candidates should focus on succinct, structured answers.

Recognizing when to seek help during the exam is important.

Mock exams provide valuable experience and feedback.

Being aware of common mistakes can improve exam performance.

The viva exam is an opportunity to demonstrate clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.

Keywords

FRCS, viva oral exam, plastic surgery, exam preparation, examiner dynamics, higher order thinking, common mistakes, mock exam, surgical education