Contrary to the widespread belief that candidates are judged on their proficiency to accurately diagnose the patient they interview or see interviewed, the author of this study guide asserts that candidates are really being tested on their ability to formulate a differential diagnosis. Within reason, the examiners do not care if candidates' diagnostic opinions agree or disagrees with theirs; instead, they want to assess how candidates reason through their diagnosis and if they recognize, based on a short interview, that many diagnoses are possible. Diagnoses are based on DSM-IV to ensure that psychiatrists with different backgrounds and training "speak the same language"-and nowhere is this consistency more important than with the oral boards.
Four factors are key to success: Understanding the nature of the exam process as a measure of your clinical, not theoretical, knowledge of psychiatry. Preparing thoroughly by being intimately familiar with any item or topic the candidate mention, that is, if the candidate mentions a specific medication, he or she must also be ready to discuss its indications, dosage range, and therapeutic and side effects. Showing empathy for the patient, that is, taking the time (even if only for a minute or two) to establish rapport by using reassuring statements thatshow care and compassion. Developing a collegial relationship with the examiners, that is, not being excessively guarded or defensive and not inadvertently taking on an adversarial role.
In addition, the author thoughtfully provides algorithms for "middle of the road" treatment protocols that will help especially when the candidates experience with a particular patient group is limited. Preparing with this guide in hand also helps alleviate noticeable candidate anxiety.
Providing factual, clinical information without extraneous material, this eminently useful text is a "must read" for all candidates in the United States, as well as candidates from foreign countries. Unlike psychiatry textbooks and manuals for treating patients in clinical practice, this indispensable study guide offers a distinct advantage-especially for the busy professional who may not have time to review the full texts of other references-by providing both the knowledge and the insights so essential to success on this crucial exam.
