Mock Orals: Stanford’s General Surgery Program Helps Residents Navigate the Certifying Exam with Confidence

Boards. Two exams that evaluate what you’ve learned over the past five+ years. Do you have what it takes to be a surgeon? 

Chief Resident Dr. Leon Naar says that while the Qualifying Exam is “as terrifying as any exam” the multiple-choice format is similar to the ABSITE and therefore less stressful. 

“The [Certifying Exam] is scarier because it is an oral exam, so you have to be able to think on your feet and also you highly depend on what direction the interviewer wants to take you,” said Naar. “It is a type of test that we have not been trained to take, so requires more preparation on our end.”

To help residents become more comfortable and confident with the format Stanford’s General Surgery Residency Program offers Stanford PGY4 and PGY 5 internal mock orals with Stanford faculty every February. PGY5s have an additional Bay Area mock orals with faculty from the University of San Francisco (UCSF) each May. 

“Mock orals were very intentional and were helpful for the oral boards. The program put considerable thought into selecting scenarios and timing practice sessions for senior residents, including coordinating joint mock orals with peer institutions,” said Dr. Jeff Choi, a 2025 program graduate. “I believe all our residents have more than enough knowledge required to excel on the boards, but the rapid-fire Socratic testing over Zoom is a unique experience where mock orals help.”

This year’s internal mock orals were organized by Dr. John Gahagan, the Program’s Associate Director for Program Evaluation and Feedback.

“You're supposed to get through four scenarios in each room, so you have about seven minutes per scenario. There are three rooms with two examiners each,” said Gahagan. 

Examiners aren't able to talk about the exam, so Gahagan makes up the questions and then distributes them to the faculty volunteers.

“Some I recycle each year, some I make up new,” said Gahagan. “Ideally, we like to have a variety of faculty specialties” 

This year’s cast of examiners included Dr. Jamie Tung, who asked questions about Acute Care Surgery, and Dr. Brian Rhule, who posed questions concerning bariatric/MIS surgery – their respective specialties. 

"It's a little nerve-racking, but it's great to get pro feedback as I try to navigate this thing,” said Chief Resident Dr. Ananya Anand.

Naar says his experience with the mock orals has been extremely helpful, and he’s looking forward to the event with UCSF next month.

“I like that they make me realize that this exam has a different format than what I have been used to and help put me in the mindset that I need to prepare to pass it,” said Naar. “I also think that getting the opportunity to practice with attendings that do not know us is a tremendous resource because it simulates the actual exam better. Not knowing the person across of me I think will put me on higher alert.”

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