The 2024 PIOA exit exam was held in Apia, Samoa.
The PIOA exit exams follows the approximate format of the AOA / RACS exams. There are 2 written papers with 10 short answer (1 page) questions each. There are 2 Operative surgery computer vivas (with 5 cases in each) and 1 Imaging and Investigation computer viva (with 5 cases). There are 2 clinical vivas (with upto 5 patients in each). In all, there are 45 clinical scenarios assessed and the exam is mapped to ensure a wide coverage of the curriculum.
The written exams and computer cases for Operative surgery and Imaging and Investigation were prepared by Dr Richard Lander with assistance from Dr John North. Unfortunately both Dr Lander and Dr North became unwell shortly before the exams and were unable to be there as examiners. Dr. Lander did provide advice to the examiners at the final examiners meeting. PIOA is grateful for the dedicated servcie over many years by Dr Lander and Dr North.
The examiners were Dr Andreas Loefler from Australia, Dr David Bartle from New Zealand and Dr Shaun Mauiliu from Samoa who have all been examiners for PIOA previously.
There were 4 candidates and 3 were successful.
PIOA congratulates the following successful candidates
Dr Anthony Nasai, first PIOA graduate from PNG (with Haynes Rasin from Bougainville, PNG)
Dr Juvencio Dias, first PIOA graduate from Timor Leste
Dr Reshwin Rajan, Solomon Islands / Fiji (with fellow Solomon Islands trainees Oralae Pitakia, Jeffrey Yiapi and Agnes Auto)