The study tools listed below are suggestions to help prepare for the ABFPRS primary and recertification examinations. These are not inclusive lists, by any means, but they have been utilized by surgeons who have taken the examinations and have recommended them as effective preparatory tools. As is true for any certification examination, the best preparations for both the written and oral examinations are sound training, experience, and a strong commitment to learning, manifested in an extensive program of scholarship through professional training and development. In other words, there are no shortcuts.
EXAMINEE’S GUIDE TO THE WRITTEN AND ORAL EXAMS (PRIMARY AND MOC)
- Examinee’s Guide to the Written and Oral Exams
- MOC in FPS Examinee Guide to the Written and Oral Exams
SUGGESTED TEXT RESOURCES
- The reading list from the ABFPRS 2019 exam (PDF). Some of these articles will be used to construct the 2019 exam.
- Dr. Ira Papel’s textbook, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, has been sited often as a helpful study source. Although the ABFPRS does not have any copies on hand, the book can be purchased through Thieme or Barnes & Noble.
- Additional study materials and courses are available through the Educational and Research Foundation for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. To access the AAFPRS Curriculum Compendium go to https://www.aafprs-learn.org/
default.aspx and click on the link under the Fellowship Curriculum Compendium w/ Bibliography Links. NOTE: by clicking this link you will be directed away from the ABFPRS website.
Additional references suggested by past examinees:
- Shan R. Baker, M.D. Local Flaps in Facial Reconstruction. Philadelphia: Saunders, 3rd edition, 2014.
- Shan R. Baker, M.D. Principles of Nasal Reconstruction. New York: Springer, 2nd edition, 2011.
- Mack L. Cheney, M.D. and Tessa A. Hadlock, M.D., (Eds.) Facial Surgery: Plastic and Reconstructive. Boca Raton: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 2015.
- Shaun C. Desai, M.D., Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Clinical Reference Guide. San Diego: Plural Publishing, 2016
- Wayne F. Larrabee, Jr., M.D. and David A. Sherris, M.D. Principles of Facial Reconstruction. New York: Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 2nd edition, 2007.
- Peter J.F.M. Lohuis, M.D. Advanced Caucasian and Mediterranean Rhinoplasty. Amsterdam: Kugler Publications, 2014.
- Ira D. Papel, M.D. Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. New York: Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 3rd edition, 2010. (4th edition publication date February 2016)
- Dean M. Toriumi, M.D. and Daniel G. Becker, M.D. Rhinoplasty Dissection Manual. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1999.
- William H. Truswell, IV, M.D., (Ed.) Surgical Facial Rejuvenation: A Roadmap to Safe and Reliable Outcomes. New York: Thieme Medical Publishers, 2009.
- Brian J. Wong, M.D., Michelle G. Arnold, M.D., and Jacob O. Boeckmann, (Eds.) Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, A Comprehensive Study Guide. Switzerland: Springer International, 2016.
- JAMA articles
- Clinics of North America Articles
ABFPRS ON-LINE PRACTICE EXAMINATIONS
ABFPRS Practice exams. These self-assessment tools are designed to help surgeons appraise their strengths and deficits in specific areas of practice performance. Surgeons planning to participate in primary certification or maintenance of certification in facial plastic surgery examinations may also utilize these tools as a helpful resource for self-directed learning.
