THE ORAL EXAMINATION IN ANESTHETIC RESIDENT EVALUATION

Oral examinations have a traditional place in training and evaluation of professionals. Despite a lack of evidence identifying their value i n assessment of candidates seeking anaesthetic specialty certification , oral examinations continue to be widely used. Although there is a co nsiderable body of literature concerning oral examinations, there is n o description of how this technique is employed in anaesthesia in Cana da. The objective of this review is to provide faculty and residents w ith information concerning the strengths and weaknesses of this format , and the structure of the oral examination as practised in anaesthesi a. Reliability of oral examinations can be affected by a number of fac tors dependent on the examiner, candidate, and the format. Properly co nstructed and prepared questions have well-defined characteristics. Co mponents tested during the oral examination include. evaluation of a c linical situation, choice of therapy, medical knowledge, ability to de al with emergency situations, decision-making ability, and communicati on skills. When appropriately planned, the oral examination can be a u seful component of the certification process.