AOBS Surgery study guide
AOBS Surgery · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS) certifies osteopathic physicians in surgery and its subspecialties. According to the AOBS site, certification is framed as a commitment to ongoing evidence-based education resulting in high-quality whole person care. The AOBS Surgery study guide has 9 sections and about 2,127 words.
01Cardiothoracic Surgery
Know the indications and contraindications for coronary revascularization, the difference between elective, urgent, and emergent CABG, and the anatomy of graft conduits (LIMA to LAD, radial, saphenous vein). Understand cardiopulmonary bypass physiology: heparinization and ACT targets, cardioplegia, hypothermia, and the systemic inflammatory response.
327 words, about 2 min02General Surgery
Master the acute abdomen: appendicitis, cholecystitis, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction, and perforated viscus. Know imaging choices (ultrasound first for biliary disease, CT for most undifferentiated abdomens) and when operative versus nonoperative management applies.
258 words, about 1 min03Surgical Critical Care
Focus on shock recognition and resuscitation, sepsis management, ventilator strategy, and post-operative complications. Know the Surviving Sepsis bundles: early antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, lactate clearance, and vasopressors when mean arterial pressure is inadequate.
227 words, about 1 min04General Vascular Surgery
Know the evaluation of peripheral arterial disease, carotid disease, aortic aneurysm, and venous disease. Understand ankle-brachial index interpretation, claudication versus critical limb ischemia, and indications for revascularization.
229 words, about 1 min05Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Understand eligibility criteria, procedure types, and long-term nutritional consequences. Sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are the dominant operations; bypass adds malabsorption and dumping risk.
217 words, about 1 min06Neurological Surgery
Know the management of traumatic brain injury, intracranial hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, and spinal emergencies. Understand the Glasgow Coma Scale, pupillary exam, and signs of herniation.
218 words, about 1 min07Neurocritical Care
Manage the brain-injured patient in the ICU: airway protection, blood pressure targets, sedation, temperature control, and prevention of secondary injury. Understand cerebral perfusion pressure and the relationship between mean arterial pressure and intracranial pressure.
222 words, about 1 min08Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Understand wound healing, flap physiology, and reconstructive decision-making. Know the difference between skin grafts and flaps, the angiosome concept, and the blood supply of common flaps.
225 words, about 1 min09Urological Surgery
Know the evaluation and management of urinary tract obstruction, stones, hematuria, and urologic emergencies. Understand when obstruction with infection requires urgent decompression.
204 words, about 1 min