July, 2014
This month, James helped the international Editorial Board of the Bone & Joint Journal prepare cases for the Bone & Joint Journal – Exam Corner. To read more – Click here.
To become a fully-qualified Orthopaedic Surgeon, surgeons-in-training must pass a final examination that is administered by the Royal (Australasian) College of Surgeons.
Prior to presenting for examination, most trainee surgeons have completed 6 years of medical school; a 1-year internship; 3-6 years of Basic Surgical Training (or unaccredited surgical training); and 5-6 years of Advanced Surgical Training in Orthopaedic Surgery (or Surgical Education & Training). A further 1-2 years of sub-specialty training (i.e. an international Fellowship) is highly-regarded and worthwhile, but optional.
The final examination for FRCS / FRACS is the culmination of this training and has three components: a written component, a clinical examination and a series of oral vivas.
Surgeons are examined on real patient cases to ensure they meet the standards required to practice in their respective countries. The Bone & Joint Journal helps trainee surgeons prepare for these final examination by publishing interesting, topical cases, that are similar to those seen in normal clinical practice. To read the exam questions – Click Here