ANESTHESIA ORAL BOARDS [ABA APPLIED EXAM]: how I *really* studied, my Zoom exam experience & tips

I took my ABA APPLIED exam in April 2021 using the Zoom format and found out I passed - it's official... I'm a Board Certified Anesthesiologist! Because this exam felt like one of the most challenging ones to prepare for, I wanted to share an update with more practical advice from my experience.
This video complements my blog post on the topic - check it out: bit.ly/anesoralboards
In this video & blog post, I go over:
- how I really studied [definitely not according to plan from my last video: • ANESTHESIA ORAL BOARDS... ]
- the Zoom exam experience
- additional tips that you might find helpful
Resources I used:
- Ultimate Board Prep: bit.ly/39Bq3rk
- ABA Website [SOE sample questions, OSCE content outline, OSCE scenarios - all can be found here: bit.ly/APPLIEDexamresources]
- TEE views paper + ANKI flashcards [I share the paper, screenshots of the views AND my ANKI deck here: bit.ly/APPLIEDexamresources]
- Rapid Review Anesthesia Oral Boards: amzn.to/38ERiSg
- Yao's Anesthesiology: amzn.to/2KdbMIB
How I studied:
- using an iPad [amzn.to/3oHTK0b] and Apple Pencil [amzn.to/39z12wC] as well as Microsoft's OneNote software; make sure to watch the video for exact details on how I outline my stems and organizing my thoughts using this structure [ • Outline the Stems for ... ]
CONNECT WITH ME:
Blog: blog.amandaxi.com
Instagram: / amandasximd
Facebook: / amandasximd
My essentials for being productive: www.amazon.com/shop/amandaeleven
Graphics created with Canva: fave.co/3oUtdgg​
Music: Beyond - Patrick Patrikios [KZbin music license]
DISCLAIMER: I never record videos during active patient care. Opinions in my videos are mine and not representative of the organizations I am part of. Videos are meant for education and are not medical advice. Links included in this description may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel!

[@pdraider8]

i took (and passed!) my oral boards about a month ago and i found this video very helpful. thank you.

[@AmandaSXiMD]

Congratulations on passing oral boards!!! It’s a huge accomplishment. I’m so glad that the video was helpful 😊

[@fantastic5dvd4arab]

Although I still have 3 years until my oral exam, I found this video exceptionally helpful even for studying for my ITe. Thanks again for making these videos, they truly are invaluable. I shared this video with my senior colleagues and it did help them ALOT. Regards 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@La05g1rl1987]

Thanks for doing this! Good luck on your career, I plan on becoming a Nurse Anesthetists ♥️♥️

[@jayjeystic]

Congratulations Dr. Xi! Thank you so much for sharing your journey and all your advice!

[@AmandaSXiMD]

Thank you so much!

[@samileeable]

Congratulations! Watched your last video and love this update! Taking my exam later this month and this gave great information :)

[@AmandaSXiMD]

Thank you for the comment and good luck!

[@johnolive9477]

Will take my ABA applied exam in a few months. Your video was super helpful. Congrats on all your accomplishments. Wish you the best.

[@ganeshthippeswamy1108]

Great video, thanks for posting. I also did my training in Boston. I have that red book and plan on purchasing UBP. How long would you recommend preparing for?

[@andrewwu2733]

Thank you for the tips! very helpful! Are you able to look at your prep sheet on camera without looking suspicious?

[@AmandaSXiMD]

None of my examiners reported me when I looked back down on my sheet to review things I had written down. For example, it can be hard to remember the case stem for the grab bag questions so I jotted down relevant potions of the case as they were rattling off the stem and sometimes needed to look down at those notes. I would say the thing I'm looking at out loud though so it was obvious that's why I was looking down. Hope this helps!

[@shinaenamkoong8594]

This was so helpful! Thank you so much!! I am unable to open the ANKI flashcards.. do you know how I can open them?

[@AmandaSXiMD]

You have to download the Anki program from their website first then you can import the file. Hope this helps!

[@paulsung87]

congratulation!!!!

[@AmandaSXiMD]

Thank you!!

[@christophercasanova3664]

As an intensivist anesthesiologist, are you taking care of pediatric patients or just adults in ICU or both?

[@AmandaSXiMD]

I take care of adults only. Pediatric ICU is staffed by pediatric critical care (though there are some pediatric anesthesiologists that have been grandfathered into PICUs).

[@christophercasanova3664]

Are you still working as anesthesiologist in the OR after becoming an intensivist?

[@AmandaSXiMD]

Yes I am! My job allows me to do both.