C. Preliminary Surgical Assessment (PSA)

This Qualifying Examination will assess the candidate’s ability to:

• Prepare a cadaver for a sterile abdominal surgical procedure;
• Prepare himself/herself for a sterile surgical procedure;
• Perform a ventral midline celiotomy (approximately 10 cm in length) and close the ventral midline celiotomy, subcutaneous tissue and skin on a cadaver.

Maximum time: 1.5 hours from initiation of cadaver preparation to completion of surgical procedure (placement of final skin suture in the cadaver).  Candidates not completing the surgical procedure in this time period will fail the Qualifying Examination.

After the examination the examiners will use 30 minutes to have a short exit interview with the candidate to let them know which skills they have to work on. The results of the examination and a short feedback on the tested skills will be sent to candidates by the NEB office. 

There is no limit on retakes for the PSA.

PSA Candidate MOA 2021.pdf

PSA Candidate MOA 2020 FRENCH.pdf