| Like many questions posed to candidates during the oral boards, this question does not lend itself to a simple black and white “yes” or “no” answer. Most candidates have the knowledge base and communication skills to pass some questions from some examiners. You could be one of the fortunate souls that is questioned on a topic that you reviewed the previous night. Or maybe the hotel had your examiner's favorite cereal on the breakfast bar and he wants to spread the joy. This may have been the situation for those physicians who proudly report that they studied for 45 minutes for the oral boards and passed without a hitch. No two oral board exams are the same. Questions and scenarios vary from easy to difficult. You may be asked to discuss an anesthetic for a procedure you have seen a million times or for one that you have only read about….once….your first year of residency. Likewise, no two examiners are the same. The examiner sitting across the table from you may feel his or her mission is to gently coax the pertinent information from the sweaty palmed, stammering, but “obviously trying very hard” candidate. Then again, he or she may think that the only candidates who should become board certified are those who can maintain their composure and communicate their anesthetic plan while under extreme duress (This type of examiner is likely to incredulously exclaim, “Are you serious?” or “Are you sure about that?” while the junior examiner sadly shakes his head in mock disappointment). Since there is no way to know what sort of questions or examiners you will be facing, it makes sense to be prepared for the worst possible scenario. The bad news: Preparing for the oral boards is a lot of work. It is particularly difficult to dedicate substantial amounts of time to preparation while working full time in a busy anesthesiology practice. The good news: All the sacrifice pays off. The extra time and effort you invest in preparing for the oral boards will undoubtedly reduce your stress, increase your confidence, and greatly improve your chances of passing the exam. And, even if the unthinkable occurred and you did not pass, your study and preparation will have served to make you a better anesthesiologist and lay the groundwork for crushing the boards the following year. Remember, you will never be sorry for over-preparing. Under-preparing, however, can lead to regret and self flagellation (metaphorically speaking of course). | 
