The specialty section of the examination consists of a 20 very detailed multiple-choice questions regarding a candidate selected surgical procedure. Required items consist of, but are not limited to, each of the following:

Correct Medical, Surgical and Procedural Terminology

Pre-operative Diagnosis

Positioning, Prepping and Draping of the Patient

Type of Incision

Surgical Procedure and Tissue Handling

Potential Intra-operative Complications and Actions

Wound Closure and Suture Selection

Dressings

The following is a list of ABSA selected surgical procedures from which you must select one, at the time of application.    

Cholecystectomy

Carotid Endartarectomy

Caesarean Section

Total Knee Replacement

Lumbar Discectomy 

Open Heart Surgery

Note:  These are the only choices available and allow no substitutions.

Key Benefits

• This specialty section permits the ABSA to evaluate, in very detailed form, a candidate's chosen area of expertise.
• This section allows the candidate to select a surgical specialty, for in depth examination.
• This section is utilized in place of an oral examination, which is often considered subjective in nature.

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Last modified: February 22, 2008