The practice-based oral for recertification consists of an examination based on the candidate's practice. The candidate compiles a list of all operative cases for a six-month period within the two years prior to the examination. The candidate must submit the case list to the Board office. The Board will choose a total of 12 cases. The examination is approximately two hours, divided into three 35 minute periods with two examiners in each period.
Examiners ask questions on the cases presented and on the candidate's case lists.
Specific skills that are evaluated are data gathering, diagnosis, treatment, technical skill, outcomes, and ethics. This pathway is available only to candidates who currently hold a CAQ in Surgery of the Hand. Five hours of writing time are allowed to complete the examination. The examination includes questions designed to evaluate the candidate's cognitive knowledge of clinical surgery of the hand and basic science relevant to surgery of the hand. For more information, you may view the Rules and Procedures Booklet.