AOBOO Ophthalmology & Otolaryngology-HNS study guide
AOBOO Ophthalmology & Otolaryngology-HNS · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The AOBOO Ophthalmology & Otolaryngology-HNS examination is a board certification assessment administered by the American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology for osteopathic physicians who have completed approved residency training in either ophthalmology or otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. Candidates are typically graduating residents, fellows, or practicing physicians seeking initial certification or maintenance of certification. The AOBOO Ophthalmology & Otolaryngology-HNS study guide has 8 sections and about 1,963 words.
01Anterior Segment and Cornea
Master the layers of the cornea (epithelium, Bowman, stroma, Descemet, endothelium) and map each dystrophy or ulcer to its layer. Know endothelial pump physiology: the endothelium does not regenerate, so any endothelial loss is permanent and predisposes to edema.
274 words, about 1 min02Posterior Segment, Retina, and Vitreous
Build a framework around the retina's vascular supply: the central retinal artery supplies the inner retina, the choroid supplies the outer retina and photoreceptors. This explains why CRAO causes inner retinal whitening with a cherry-red fovea (spared choroidal supply), while CRVO causes diffuse hemorrhages and disc edema.
270 words, about 1 min03Glaucoma, Neuro-Ophthalmology, and Oculoplastics
Distinguish open-angle from angle-closure glaucoma by mechanism and presentation. Acute angle closure is an emergency: mid-dilated fixed pupil, corneal edema, high intraocular pressure, and a shallow anterior chamber; definitive treatment is laser peripheral iridotomy after pressure control.
274 words, about 1 min04Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base
Anchor on the audiogram: distinguish conductive (air-bone gap, normal bone) from sensorineural (no gap, both reduced) hearing loss. Know the tuning fork tests-Rinne and Weber-and their limitations.
222 words, about 1 min05Rhinology, Sinus, and Allergy
Understand sinus anatomy and drainage pathways, especially the ostiomeatal complex as the common drainage site for frontal, maxillary, and anterior ethmoid sinuses. Know the difference between acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (symptoms persisting beyond 10 days or worsening after initial improvement) and viral rhinosinusitis.
228 words, about 1 min06Head and Neck Surgery, Laryngology, and Thyroid/Parathyroid
For head and neck oncology, know that squamous cell carcinoma is the dominant histology and that HPV status changes prognosis in oropharyngeal cancer (HPV-positive has better outcomes). Understand the neck lymph node levels and their drainage patterns to predict metastasis.
224 words, about 1 min07Pediatric Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery
Pediatric airway anatomy differs from adults: the larynx is higher and more anterior, the epiglottis is floppy, and the narrowest point is the subglottis (versus the glottis in adults). This explains why croup (subglottic edema) causes stridor.
240 words, about 1 min08General/Osteopathic Principles, Perioperative Care, and Practice Management
Integrate osteopathic principles: the body is a unit, structure and function are interrelated, and somatic dysfunction can contribute to symptoms. Know that osteopathic manipulative treatment may be considered as an adjunct in appropriate patients, but must not delay indicated medical or surgical care.
231 words, about 1 min