Residents’ Perceptions of Mock Oral Board Examinations in Interventional Radiology

Purpose: The Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology Certifying Exam (IR/DR CE) includes an oral exam that assesses critical thinking skills using case-based problems. With the use of computer-based exams, medical trainees lack sufficient exposure to orally-presented scenarios similar to the IR/DR CE. The DR CE transitioned into a fully computer-based exam in 2013. As mock oral board examinations (MOBE) are case driven, it may help trainees become more familiar with the format of the exam and feel more prepared prior to the IR/DR CE. However, less than one-third of IR residents report administration of mock-oral exams by their institution (1). Whether MOBEs are seen as a useful preparation strategy has not been elucidated in IR trainees.

Methods/Materials: This was a mixed-method survey study sent to IR residents graduating between 2022 and 2023. Trainees were assessed prior to and after receiving MOBEs. An unpaired student t-test was used to compare scores on their perceived level of preparation, uneasiness, and familiarity with the exam. Trainees were also assessed on their perceived level of comfort across the three tested competencies on the CE after the MOBE.

Results: Pre- and post-MOBE surveys were administered and completed by four (4/4) PGY-6 residents from the 2023 graduating class. A total of 7/8 PGY-6 residents graduating in 2022 and 2023 completed the post-MOBE survey. Residents reported a significantly increased level of familiarity with the structure and grading of the exam (p=0.007) and their level of preparation (p=0.024) post-MOBE compared to pre-MOBE. Residents also reported significantly less anxiety about taking the oral CE post-MOBE (p=0.001). When assessed on the top 3 tested competencies of the CE, residents felt more comfortable discussing peri-procedural management and image-guided interventions after the MOBE. However, they did not report a change in their comfort level when discussing image interpretation.

Conclusions: IR trainees have positive perceptions on the utility of MOBEs. Implementation of MOBEs across IR programs may provide a robust preparation strategy and better familiarity about the certifying oral board examination to help improve examination scores.