SPECIFIC INFORMATION REGARDING THE ROYAL COLLEGE
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY EXAMINATION
The comprehensive objective examination in obstetrics and gynecology assesses
candidates' competence to function as a general obstetrical and gynecologic
consultant across the CanMEDS domains of medical expert, communicator,
collaborator, manager, health advocate, scholar and professional. The topics covered
on the exam have been aligned with the Obstetrics and Gynecology Objectives of
Residency training document.
It consists of two components:
-
Written Examination
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
Minimum scores on both components of the exam must be achieved in order to pass
the comprehensive examination.
Written Component
The written component takes place over a period of 2 days in the regional written
centers across the country. This component occurs in the spring.
Day one will be the Multiple Choice paper. It consists of approximately 180 questions
over 3 hours. Each question stem is followed by 4 possible answers, and candidates
are asked to choose the ONE correct answer. No points are subtracted for wrong
answers.
Sample of a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ):
A 34-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 2, delivered a full term baby girl 4
hours ago after pushing for three hours. She has now developed profuse
vaginal bleeding. On examination, her blood pressure is 90/60 mm Hg and
her pulse is 120/min.
The MOST LIKELY cause of her hemorrhage is:
a) Coagulopathy
b) Laceration
c) Retained placental fragments
d) Uterine atony
Correct answer: d)
Day two will be the Short Answer portion of the examination is written. It consists of
approximately 80-120 questions, with and without images and lasts 3 hours. Each
question asks for an answer with approximately 1 to 5 points, and the number of
points for each answer is listed. Candidates are advised NOT to answer more than
the required number of points, as only the number of answers corresponding to that
number will be considered, even if the correct answer is further down the list. No
points are subtracted for wrong answers. It is important to be clear and brief when
writing answers, and above all to WRITE LEGIBLY.
...2
-
2–
Sample of Short answer Question (SAQ) Component:
LIST THREE possible etiologies of vaginal bleeding in the third trimester:
Possible answers;
Placenta previa
Abruptio placenta
Cervical polyp
The two portions of the written exam are combined to determine the total written
mark.
OSCE Component
The OSCE portion of the examination takes place in Ottawa, either in the morning or
the afternoon. Candidates are advised to read their appointment letter very carefully
and present themselves as per the instructions.
There are approximately 11 OSCE stations plus possible break stations depending on
the number of candidates. Each station is approximately 16 minutes in duration, with
3 minutes spent outside the station door reading the information, and 13 minutes
within the station. There are 3 different kinds of stations (not all types may be on the
examination every year):
Patient encounter stations – the candidate meets a standardized patient and
interacts with her. Aside from introducing him/herself,
there is no interaction with the examiner.
Structured oral stations –
the candidate is asked to discuss the evaluation and
management of a clinical case with the examiner.
Telephone stations –
the candidate is required to interact with another
healthcare professional by telephone to provide
consultation and assistance. Again, the questions are
standardized.
Candidates are not required to bring any medical equipment.
Candidates should be aware that occasionally an observer may sit in on the station in
order to assure quality control across all the OSCE circuits. The observer is in no
way involved in the evaluation of the particular candidate in the station at that time.
Evaluation:
The assessment will focus on the candidate’s ability to systematically work through a
case, demonstrating a focused, rational, efficient approach to the problems
encountered. The assessment methods will include observation of data gathering,
clinical reasoning, communication and organization skills. Performance will be
assessed on a unique global rating scale (GRS) for each station. The GRS captures
how the candidate works through the challenges posed during a station.
The examiner in the room is responsible for monitoring time and moving candidates
along to ensure all the material and questions are covered. Examiners may take
notes throughout the examination to document performance. They may appear
neutral in their reactions to answers. They have been instructed not to give any
positive or negative feedback.
Clarification of terms used in the Examination
MOST likely:
INITIAL:
NEXT:
ASSESSMENT:
refers to the response most likely for that clinical scenario
refers to the first step you would take in that clinical scenario
refers to the next step you would take in that clinical scenario
refers to the clinical assessment for that scenario, which would
include history, physical examination, bedside point of care testing,
electronic fetal heart rate monitoring
INVESTIGATIONS: refers to all investigations for that clinical scenario and may
include laboratory, diagnostic imaging, ECG, specialized or
invasive testing etc.
TREATMENT:
refers to all therapies for that clinical scenario and may include
pharmacologic treatments, non-pharmacologic treatments, fluid and
nutritional therapies, education, counseling and follow – up.
MANAGEMENT: refers to the steps one would take in the clinical assessment,
investigations and/or treatment for that clinical scenario
Revised – December 2014