Iraqi Board Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery

Expect several components rather than one sitting: multiple-choice questions across the specialty, written or essay papers, an oral clinical case discussion, a procedure-based viva, and assessment of your logbook and research dissertation. The exact structure and sequence are set by the Board; confirm the current format from its official documentation before you plan revision.

These figures change between sessions and are published by the Board itself. We deliberately do not quote them, because stale numbers mislead candidates. Check the current official announcement from the Iraqi Board of Medical Specialties for item counts, timing, pass standard and any component weighting before your exam.

It is a specialty exit-level examination, so difficulty comes from breadth and from oral performance rather than from trick questions. Candidates who have operated consistently, can justify every decision in a case, and can discuss complications candidly generally cope. Those who have read widely but rarely presented cases aloud often struggle in the viva.

Retake rules, waiting periods and any limit on attempts are determined by the Board and are not fixed forever. Do not rely on hearsay from colleagues who sat years ago. Obtain the current regulations in writing from the Board secretariat, and clarify whether a pass in one component is carried forward to the next session.

Start with the two heaviest areas - adult acquired cardiac and general thoracic surgery - because they carry the most marks and underpin most oral cases. Then cover congenital, vascular and thoracic oncology, followed by critical care, imaging, basic sciences, technique and safety, and finally research methodology and ethics. Interleave MCQ practice throughout rather than leaving it to the end.

Recurring themes: a thin or poorly documented logbook, inability to present a case in a structured minute, unsafe management of a complication, weak interpretation of imaging and investigations, and no clear grasp of the evidence behind common operations. Candidates who cannot discuss why an alternative operation was rejected are especially exposed in the viva.

Practise aloud, repeatedly, with a senior colleague who will interrupt. Rehearse a fixed structure: presentation, investigations, diagnosis, indication, operative plan, alternatives, risks, postoperative management and complications. Be ready to defend decisions and to admit uncertainty safely. Review your own operations and complications, since examiners frequently probe the logbook.

A supervised research project is typically part of the training requirements, assessed on originality, methodology, analysis and clarity of presentation rather than on journal-level novelty. Choose a feasible question early, secure supervision and ethical approval, and keep the write-up moving alongside clinical duties so it is not rushed at the end.

No. This is independent study material with no affiliation to, endorsement by, or content drawn from the examining body. It is best used diagnostically to find weak areas and to practise reasoning under time pressure, alongside standard textbooks, journals, departmental teaching and hands-on operative experience.