How to present a case at ABOS oral boards
Presenting a case at the ABOS oral boards should follow a structured, efficient format. Think of it like a deposition, not a grand rounds presentation. The examiner already knows your case — they have your operative report. They want to hear how you think, not how much you can say.
A strong case presentation follows this structure: Start with the patient — age, relevant demographics, chief complaint, and how they presented. Then move through your workup: pertinent history, physical exam findings, imaging results. State your diagnosis clearly. Then describe your treatment plan and why you chose it. If you performed surgery, walk through the key steps of your technique — not every suture, but the critical decision points. Finally, state the outcome. The entire initial presentation should take 2 to 3 minutes at most.
The most common presentation mistake is volunteering information that was not asked for. Every extra detail you offer is an invitation for the examiner to probe deeper into that topic. If you mention a specific classification system, be prepared to discuss it in detail. If you mention a study, be ready to defend it. The safest approach is to present the facts of your case, state your reasoning, and wait. Let the examiner guide the conversation. Ortho Board Prep trains candidates to present cases in this structured format through repeated practice with realistic examiner questioning.
Key Facts
- Think deposition, not grand rounds — answer what is asked, nothing more
- Structure: patient → workup → diagnosis → treatment plan → technique → outcome
- Initial presentation should be 2-3 minutes maximum
- Never volunteer information that was not specifically requested
- Never cite specific papers by name — it invites detailed follow-up questions
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