People don't always remember this, but J is actually a real doctor. As in, he has an "MD" after his name and he's legitimately qualified to make fun of error-riddled medical TV shows. So even though he's well past medical school and actively cuts people open to fix their organs, sometimes with complete independence, he's also still in training and therefore still a student. And what better way to remind someone they're still a student than to give them a giant exam every year? Say hello to ABSITE, the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination, "a multiple-choice exam designed to measure the progress attained by residents in their knowledge of applied science and management of clinical problems related to surgery" (ABS In-Training Examination). Every year at the end of January, J and his fellow residents sit for this 5-hour long test to make sure they are both retaining past knowledge and developing new knowledge throughout the course of their program. The test covers more or less the same content each year, but residents are expected to be able to perform better each subsequent year they take it. It can be used both as an evaluative tool to measure resident preparedness and promotion and to assess a program's efficacy. ABSITE scores are also frequently referenced in Fellowship applications and, in some cases, can make or break an applicants prospects. It's also great at driving a resident's spouse bonkers! One of my favorite groups on Facebook is comprised entirely of the wives of surgeons, whether in training, in practice, or retired. About a week ago one of the members posted a simple question: "Who is ready for ABSITE to be over?!?!?!"🙋♀️ All the wives of surgical residents raised their virtual hands in solidarity and collective frustration. It was a "Me Too" moment of an entirely different sort, and the GIFs that the women shared had me laughing at my computer screen, relieved to be in such humorous company. Our spouses have been busy studying for the last couple months, their noses stuck in the same well-worn ABSITE review books, our homes filled with the Behind the Knife podcast and its lovely descriptions of anal fissures and abscess care. Meanwhile we, the wives, have given these studious partners of ours a wide berth so as not to throw their academics or their careers into jeopardy. Many of us have picked up the slack in housework and errands to let our spouses work, study, and sleep.
I absolutely struggle with ABSITE season because we spend so little time together as it is that it's hard to respect the time J needs to dedicate to studying. But the other day he kindly reframed it for me: he aptly compared it to my concert season, that twice-annual time when I get stressed and anxious about the preparation, coordination, management, and execution of multiple performances with hundreds of students in front of all their parents. I tend to withdraw during concert season, to ignore some of the needs of the home, and to become particularly persnickety and short. J, to his credit, has learned to put up with it. So here I sit, patiently letting J take his practice test, Clara and I both trying to stay out of his way and give him the space he needs. And after he takes the test for the last time later this week, we will celebrate the end of study season with much Netflix. So much Netflix. Until he starts studying for the Boards, that is.
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AuthorNashira is a music teacher and proud Small-Town Jew who, after surthriving six years in Brooklyn for her husband's surgical residency, is finally back in Wisconsin where she belongs! At least until the end of the two-year surgical fellowship, that is. It's a wild ride, and she's ready to tell you all about it! Archives
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