Why to sit the FEBOS-CR exam
Passing the exam gives a mark of quality and a seal of approval as an expert in your own right
Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill
Published: Thursday, March 14, 2019
[caption id="attachment_10886" align="alignleft" width="1024"]
Candidates being put through their paces at the first ever FEBOS-CR examination in Lisbon, Portugal[/caption]
There is an inspirational quote attributed to Nelson Mandela that reads: “I never lose. I either win or I learn.” While it may be apocryphal, for me, the sentiment does good job at capturing the value of the ESCRS-EBO sub-specialist exam.
There are no two ways about it, this exam is tough. It’s designed to be, and put candidates through their paces. While the general EBO exam focuses on competency, the sub-specialist examination is looking for something extra, it's looking to accredit and certify the upper echelon of cataract and refractive surgeons working in Europe today.
But it’s not enough just to be an excellent surgeon. You have to prove yourself in scientific literature, communication and bail out young surgeons when they get run into trouble. You might wonder why a person would do this to themselves but if you are successful you get to add those coveted FEBOS-CR postnomial letters to your name. A mark of quality and a seal of approval from the ESCRS attesting to your skill, not only as a surgeon but as an expert in your own right.
Yes, you might not pass first time. Being technically skilled is not enough to get you through. You need to work, read and study and become versed in all aspects of our specialty. But all of that extra effort makes you a more experienced and informed doctor, so it is not a waste of your time. Even if you don’t pass, you will learn a lot. And you can come back the next time, to win.
Candidates being put through their paces at the first ever FEBOS-CR examination in Lisbon, Portugal[/caption]
There is an inspirational quote attributed to Nelson Mandela that reads: “I never lose. I either win or I learn.” While it may be apocryphal, for me, the sentiment does good job at capturing the value of the ESCRS-EBO sub-specialist exam.
There are no two ways about it, this exam is tough. It’s designed to be, and put candidates through their paces. While the general EBO exam focuses on competency, the sub-specialist examination is looking for something extra, it's looking to accredit and certify the upper echelon of cataract and refractive surgeons working in Europe today.
But it’s not enough just to be an excellent surgeon. You have to prove yourself in scientific literature, communication and bail out young surgeons when they get run into trouble. You might wonder why a person would do this to themselves but if you are successful you get to add those coveted FEBOS-CR postnomial letters to your name. A mark of quality and a seal of approval from the ESCRS attesting to your skill, not only as a surgeon but as an expert in your own right.
Yes, you might not pass first time. Being technically skilled is not enough to get you through. You need to work, read and study and become versed in all aspects of our specialty. But all of that extra effort makes you a more experienced and informed doctor, so it is not a waste of your time. Even if you don’t pass, you will learn a lot. And you can come back the next time, to win.
Tags: ESCRS, FEBOS-CR
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