Making the Grade: The Importance of Standardized Testing in Anesthesiology

Physicians are known for being excellent students. Over-achievers in the classroom, missing the big party to study for a test, and pulling more than a few overnight study sessions; we have made many sacrifices over the years to make it in the medical field. Additionally, we have been required to take numerous standardized tests, starting with the SAT, and from there, the MCAT and the various USMLEs. This year, a new exam, known as the BASIC exam, was introduced to CA1 residents by the American Board of Anesthesiology, as part of the re-structuring of the examinations anesthesia residents will take to obtain board certification. What comes after completing residency? For now, our written boards are on the horizon and only a few months further out, the all-too-intimidating oral boards. Soon these exams will be replaced with the ADVANCED and APPLIED exams, respectively, for all residents completing residency on or after...