title: Implementing a structured oral examination into a residency program: getting started.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the steps involved in implementing a structured oral examination into a residency program
  
  
  METHODS
  Existing oral examination format was evaluated and deficiencies addressed by creating a structured examination and increasing the frequency of administration to ophthalmology residents at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A structured oral examination was implemented. It provided both a realistic simulation of the board certification examination and a process that was a useful teaching method and assessment tool. It was valuable in addressing the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) competencies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oral examinations can be a versatile means of teaching and assessing resident physicians. Although the implementation process can be onerous, once in place, it can become an efficient tool for assessing all categories of the ACGME competencies and can provide valuable training in oral examination performance.
authors.affiliation: Jones Eye Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205-7199, USA.
authors.forename: Michael N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Wiggins
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Harper
mesh_terms: D000068:Accreditation; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000592:standards*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000592:standards*; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education*; D016730:Program Development