Qualifying Exam: General Surgery Board Review Course

Is The Pass Machine different from other board reviews?

Yes, in three main ways:

1. The Pass Machine board review is the most comprehensive option. More than just a Question Bank of practice questions, each course includes in-depth lectures in a familiar classroom setting presented by expert faculty. This means you get a topic-by-topic review of exactly what’s on the board exam in much greater detail than what you can get from QBank answer explanations.

2. Because the physician’s schedule is typically a hectic one, The Pass Machine is optimized for on-the-go review. Components such as the audio-only lecture option, iOS and Android app for mobile review, and offline access capability, and a fully illustrated board-mapped study guide make The Pass Machine review easy to incorporate at any point your daily routine.

3. The Double-Your-Money-Back Guarantee not only doubles your tuition refund if you don’t pass the exam the first time after taking the course, but it also gives you a free subscription renewal. This unprecedented guarantee serves to assure you of the confidence we have that The Pass Machine content is exceptional.

Who produces The Pass Machine Courses? Where do you get your faculty?

The Pass Machine board review courses are produced by American Physician Institute for Advanced Professional Studies, LLC (API). API conducts dozens of courses and trains thousands of surgeons each year to pass their boards and stay up to date in their fields. Every single one of American Physician Institute‘s educational courses has full editorial independence, is free of pharmaceutical and industry sponsorship and is backed by an unbeatable guarantee. Because of its reputation for excellence, American Physician Institute is able to enlist many of the top faculty from the best universities, teaching hospitals and research facilities in the country to provide you with Category 1 CME educational activities.

Do you provide board review for other medical specialties?

Yes! In fact, we provide preparation for dozens of other specialty and subspecialty board exams. Check out www.AmericanPhysician.com for the full list.

Is it likely that my employer will cover my tuition?

Because all The Pass Machine courses are approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, it is likely that your tuition will be reimbursed. You may be surprised at how many residency and fellowship training programs, group practices, and other employers pay for or reimburse you for such Category 1 educational activities. After all, it’s in everyone’s best interests to have you board certified. It really pays to ask your training director, medical director, or administrator if you are eligible because some training programs and employers do pay for board exam training. And, if you work for the Federal Government, American Physician Institute is a certified business in the CCR database and can accept government checks and credit cards.

Does The Pass Machine offer any free board review resources?

Yes! Start with our Medical Board Review Blog. There are general articles featuring board prep tips, and articles on board prep that are more board specific.

What is your Sam.gov Unique Entity ID?

American Physician Institute’s Unique Entity ID is LQWHFPP2KLB8.

Can I get a discount off course tuition?

Yes! American Physician Institute offers several board review course discounts:

1. Group discounts
2. Multi-purchase discounts
3. Referral earnings & discounts through our Ambassador Club
4. Residency & Fellowship Program tailored for training programs.

Please call 877-225-8384 for more information or visit the “Discounts & Group Sales” pages under the top menu.

What do I get when I register for the General Surgery Qualifying review course?

Course enrollment grants you access to your personalized online dashboard, which includes:

• 44+ hours of audio-video lectures
• 44.25 hours of MP4 audio lectures
• Illustrated PDF study guide
• 1500+ practice question bank
• Up to 166 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credits™
• Up to 166 ABS-Approved Self-Assessment Credits
• CME Vault for claiming and storing your CME certificates
• Double-Your-Money-Back Guarantee

Board Exam Results and the Double-Your-Money-Back Guarantee

Is The Pass Machine General Surgery Qualifying review pass-guaranteed?

Yes, all full courses are pass-guaranteed, and backed by our Double-Your-Money-Back Guarantee. At any time, you can view the Double-Your-Money-Back GuaranteeTerms & Conditions.

What does the Double-Your-Money-Back Guarantee cover?

If you purchase a course with a “Double-Your-Money-Back Guarantee” and fail the board exam for which this course is designed, API will issue a 200% refund of your paid tuition^*, plus free subscription renewal. The guarantee expires in the event the exam for which this course is designed is no longer offered by the certifying board. 

*  Tuition is defined as the amount you paid for your board review product, and does not include optional add-ons, such as subscription extensions. If any promotional items, such as gift cards, are included with your purchase, the value of that promotional item will be deducted from your tuition.

The Double-Your-Money-Back Guarantee sounds too good to be true—is it for real?

Yes, it’s completely real. Rest assured, API has always honored its guarantees and always will. The Double-Your-Money-Back Guarantee is API’s way of demonstrating that it’s just as invested in your success as you are. After all, if you fail your board exam, API will pay a penalty. API will refund your course tuition in full, double it, and provide you with free subscription renewal. The guarantee ensures API doesn’t get paid for effort, only for passing results.

Does the Double-Your-Money-Back Guarantee cover non-tuition course options and upgrades?

No. Course options and upgrades are non-tuition related. Therefore, these fees are not included in any guarantee-related refund payment made under the terms of the Double-Your-Money-Back Guarantee.

What should I do if I don’t pass my board exam?

First, it’s important to remember that a non-passing result is not necessarily a reflection on your abilities as a surgeon. The way the ABS tests you is not the same as the many ways you’re “tested” as a practicing surgeon. Check out this reassuring video from Dr. Jack – What To Do If You Fail Your Board Exam https://www.thepassmachine.com//video-what-to-do-fail-your-board-exam/

More to the point, American Physician Institute can work with you to help you get over this professional hurdle. Give us a call!

I didn’t pass my board exam. How do I activate my course guarantee?

To activate your guarantee, you must notify American Physician of your failure to pass your board exam and submit a copy of your exam notification and scores. To be eligible for the refund portion of the guarantee you must submit your documents within 45 days of the date of your exam fail notification. To notify American Physician and submit your documents, go to your course dashboard, and click on the “Guarantee” tab. Complete the form and attach your exam notification and scores. You will receive an email confirmation of receipt, and someone will contact you shortly. If you need assistance with this process or your course access is expired, please contact Customer Care at 877-225-8384

General Surgery Qualifying Course Access

When do I receive online access to General Surgery Qualifying review course materials?

When a credit card or debit is used for payment, access is immediate. When a check is used as payment, access will be granted once the check has been received and verified.

How long do I have access to my online materials? Does my course expire?

The General Surgery Qualifying prep course and all its associated online material remains active for a full 12 months from your date of purchase when you register now.

What if I’m not ready to take my exam? Can I extend my course?

Some surgeons invest in a board-preparation course many years prior to their exam. In these cases, The Pass Machine allows course registrants to extend the life of their course by 12 months for an additional fee. If you wish to extend your access, please call 877-225-8384 prior to your course expiration date. NOTE: Extension options are not available to Group registrations.

What are your system requirements?

Our products only require internet access and a web browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari. Use of Internet Explorer is NOT recommended.). All content is compatible with current Mac and PC operating systems.

CME Credits & Board Info

How do I get my CME credits?

Online Courses – From your course dashboard, click on the Claim CME tab. You will see your CME test(s) and/or SA test here. Complete the test, and once you have passed with 50% or better, your CME certificate will be issued immediately and placed in your CME Vault. SA tests are not a graded activity. Your certificate is issued based on completing the activity. Live Courses – From your course dashboard, click on the Claim CME tab. You will see your CME test, CME survey, or SA test here. Complete the test, and once you have passed with 50% or better, your CME certificate will be issued immediately and placed in your CME Vault. SA tests and CME surveys are not a graded activity. Your certificate is issued based on completing these activities.

How do I access my earned CME credits?

The General Surgery Qualifying board review includes access to CME™ Vault for convenient storing and retrieval of CME-related documents. Access this area from the CME Vault tab in your course dashboard.

Where can I find information about taking my specialty’s board exam?

For information about General Surgery Qualifying Board Exam, please visit The American Board of Surgery (ABS): www.ABSurgery.org

"The lectures were quite critical in reviewing a broad depth of knowledge in a short period of time. It allowed me to jog my memory on some of the more specifics of each topic that may have not been covered enough during my residency. Excellent resource that I urge my peers not to pass up prior to the exam. My hats off to the API."

Hobin Kang, DO, Portland, OR

"This was an excellent course if you need a structured study plan and dedicated information. I think as a single source for information to pass the test it is one of the best. The question bank is fair and representative of the test in my opinion."

Logan Ouderkirk, MD, Wichita, KS

"I used the API course in preparation for the ABS qualifying exam. I found the course to be extremely helpful and felt very confident taking the exam. There is a wealth of information in the form of lectures, Q-bank questions, etc. to help you prepare adequately for the test. I completed all of the video lectures and all questions in the Q-bank just once and was able to pass the test with plenty of room to spare. Furthermore, I encountered multiple questions on the test itself that were almost word for word from the API Q-bank or things that were said in the lectures themselves. I would highly recommend this course for anyone taking the ABS certifying exam."

John Perrone, DO, Paterson, NJ

"After struggling with standardized testing and in-service exams during residency, I was referred to this course. I was able to take and pass the qualifying exam with confidence after taking the PassMachine course. The lectures were relevant to the exam and the supplementary question bank provided additional study material. 10/10 would recommend highly!"

Gabriel Froula, DO, Sloatsburg, NY

"Great course! Excellent summaries of high yield information. Easy curriculum to follow even with a busy schedule. I highly recommended it as a supplement for QE prep."

Sheina Theodore, MD, Boston, MA

"I used The Pass Machine for review for the Qualifying and Certifying exams for general surgery. The content was relevant, up to date, and in manageable parcels to facilitate review sessions in the midst of my busy schedule. I did not finish either course (I focused my energies on the areas I felt needed more review), but felt prepared for--and PASSED--both exams. Thanks The Pass Machine!"

Dylan Davey, MD, Tulsa, OK

“The lecture series was concise and high-yield. I really liked the option to watch the lectures in different speeds, which allowed me to control the pace at which I reviewed the material. The lecture notes were useful to refresh my memory for quick review right before the qualifying exam. I would say that I wish there were more questions since it helps to apply what I am reviewing into a test scenario, but overall I was very pleased with the material. The price is very competitive compared to other review series out there, and it was well worth it as I passed my general surgery qualifying examination on the first try!”

Lowell Su, MD, Marshfield, WI

“A huge thank you to The Pass Machine, who helped me pass the qualifying examination with ease. With a busy schedule, being able to watch the online lectures in my own time was a huge bonus. I could listen in my car or gym using my iPhone, exactly what I needed! The content of the lectures was focused and perfect for the exam. I took the Osler course before and it was not a patch on The Pass Machine. The questions were a great help and made me much more confident going into the exam knowing that I had answered close to 1000 questions already. I would recommend this course to anyone!”

Ashling O'Connor, MD, Cambridge, MA

“I have admit that I was somehow skeptical about finding a course that was "really" going to help me to pass my exam on the first time. Well, I have absolutely zero regrets on my money spent on The Pass Machine! Every piece of material was very useful and updated, excellent selected group of surgeons and high quality video-conferences. I can say with all responsibility that, after doing another well known course for this exam, I will recommend 100% The Pass Machine! Thank you American Physician Institute for helping on passing my ABS qualifying exam on the first try!”

Nathalie Mantilla, MD, Chicago, IL

“I passed the test on first attempt by a wide margin. The pass machine course was very instrumental in passing the exam. The course was comprehensive and the instructors very knowledgeable. It was a great review. I will recommend it wholeheartedly.”

Ulunna MacBean, MD, Petersberg, WV

“I want to say thank you to you and your staff for putting together the Pass Machine program. I have had trouble passing my written boards in the past, but after taking the pass machine course online I was able to make it through on my latest attempt. This upcoming year, with API's help I look forward to crushing the oral board. Thanks again.”

Anthony Kaminsky, DO, Riverview, MI

“I passed my QE! I used the video lectures throughout my chief year of residency and wrote some extra notes with the printed powerpoint notes. I was able to successfully use the course for passing the QE as well as additional help for the ABSITE. I used the QBank one month before my exam in addition to another QBank, and it was certainly very helpful. I'm happy with my choice to use the course throughout the year.”

Tomas Javier Birriel, MD, Coopersburg, PA

"The QE online course was integral to my success on the real exam. I was able to review the lectures multiple times at my own pace, take notes as desired, and review a broad spectrum of general surgery. The practice exams were also an added bonus. I have already recommended the course to several colleagues not only for exam prep, but for review throughout the academic year.”

Stephen Hersperger, MD, Philadelphia, PA

"I DID PASS MY WRITTEN GENERAL SURGERY BOARDS!!!!!.....thanks to The Pass Machine. As a vascular fellow, I had little to no time to sit down and re-read another textbook. Every night, though, I did have time to come home and listen to/watch a lecture from The Pass Machine series and take notes. The lectures were short enough to keep my interest and fit in well with my schedule. I passed the boards without a problem. Would recommend this to any general surgery resident without hesitation.”

Andrea Barker, MD, Jackson, MS

"I thought I would let you all know that I passed the written surgery boards. My scaled score was 81, I got 75% of the questions correct and I was in the 57th percentile. I think The Pass Machine course gave me the edge I needed to pass this exam.”

Stephanie Bradley, MD, Cherokee, NC

"This course was the reason I improved my exam score by 50 points (% points) and passed the exam. The ability to pause the course & research questions as I went was invaluable, as was the ability to back up & review parts of the course. I would recommend this course to anyone who is preparing for the General Surgery Qualifying Exam!”

Robert Nachtsheim, MD, Reno, NV

"I would like to thank the staff at American Physicians for all their help with the program. I did great on the exam and I owe it all to the review course. The course allows you to focus on the essential material for the exam. I would recommend the program to everyone.”

Anothony Lemaire, MD, Durham, NC

"I was never a strong ABSITE taker, so I was naturally apprehensive about the the ABS QE. The Pass Machine lectures were so comprehensive and easy to understand that I was able to retain the key information needed to not only pass, but feel comfortable while taking the exam.”

Dahlia Tawfik-Sexton, MD, Newburgh, IN

"Yes I took my General Surgery Boards and passed my qualifying exam! I have enjoyed preparing for the boards with the course material and the videos. I think your questions are very well structured and are on the lines of the board questions.”

Anirudh Kohli, MD, New York, NY

"The course was fantastic. I passed. The course was what got me through no doubt”

Ranjith Dodla, MD, Great Neck, NY

"This was great. I was able to listen to lectures at my own pace and it reinforced the key points that the boards want to ensure you know. I would play the lectures while I ran on the treadmill, rode on the subway, or just walking to the store. Thanks.”

Connie Keung, MD, New York, NY

"This course came very highly recommended to me by multiple friends and colleagues. They were not wrong. This course was very comprehensive. Each of the lecturers knew the material well and did a great job of teaching the information. What sticks out to me most was was its accessibility. Whether I was on my laptop, in the car driving or at the gym, I could access both the audio and videos of the lecture. The iPhone app was a great touch that allowed me to see the slides from any location. I definitely recommended this course to my friends and would do it again.”

Paul Linsky, MD, Birmingham, AL

"I used the online course material for the General Surgery Qualifying exam. All the videos were very helpful and targeted to the important topics and themes. The accompanying questions were also helpful in cementing the reviewed topics. The format was easy to use and readily accessible.”

Stephanie Morris, MD, Houston, TX

"I found the Qualifying Exam Prep in General Surgery provided me with great background for my studying and for supplementing the SESAP information. It was a great jumping off point for me to dive into areas that I needed more work in.”

Preetha Ali, MD, Seattle, WA

"This course was well-organized and high yield. It provided good lectures from experts in each field. The course doesn’t inundate with all material but focuses on high yield topics that are commonly tested. The lecturers also say things like “memorize this” or “know this for the test” because it will be tested. That is very helpful.”

Ben Delano, MD, Houston, TX

"The course does provide all of the high yield subjects that you will encounter on the exam. I watched every lecture at least once and completed all of the questions in the qbank, in addition to doing SESAP 15 questions on the side. On my examination day, I felt that I had seen some variation of at least 70-80% of the questions. I felt like the course provided one comprehensive source of didactic and question based material. It is especially good for those of us who need a structured course to reviwe material for standardized test and those who learn best in a classroom environment. I would recommend this test to my colleagues.”

Chnna Kendrick, MD, Live Oak, TX

"This course does the organization for you so that you can focus on learning. This alone makes this course worth it. Being able to sit and listen to lectures according to my schedule was critical, and I could go back to challenging material at any time. Highly recommend for the busy surgery resident or attending!”

Ashley Stewart, MD, Charlotte, NC

"This course has been well-organized. Lectures were given by qualified, experienced surgeons. For me, it has been an excellent review of the most important subjects in my hospital practice. I highly recommend it as a preparation for the boards.”

Carlos Troncosco, MD, Clinton, OK

"I fully enjoy smaller groups. I also previously attended the Osher course as it was recommended to me as a “better” course. Hotel, Conference room, snacks, meals, and some lectures were horrible adding to the big group of people in that conference. API is better in all aspects than the Osher course.”

Bryan Rivera, MD, Apple Valley, CA

"Overall this course is very well organized. I feel the course is truly designed with the examiner in mind. The majority of the faculty are very thorough, helpful and provide amazing lectures.”

Ranjana Chaterji, MD, Philadelphia, PA

"For those who need a focused, concise, Boards boot camp, this is for you. High yield information given during a relatively short period of time far enough out from the exam to allow you to reinforce those areas you feel weak in.”

William Patrick Klapheim, MD, Glosgow, KY

"This was a great experience. High yield topics discussed as well as majority of smaller concepts. I would recommend this course to anyone preparing for the General Surgery Board Exam.”

Amber Wooten, MD, Ardmore, OK

"Dr. Krasuski is dedicated to the educational quality of the course. He was responsive to the concerns of the course attendees. I feel that the course helped me to focus my preparation for the Qualifying Exam.”

Phillip Chang, MD

"API provides an excellent review course for the American Board of Surgery Qualifying Examination. I recommend that every surgeon takes this course. I learned a great deal during the 5 day course.”

David Henry, MD, Pittsburgh, PA

"Thank you for lectures, excellent…speakers and useful materials. Excellent high yield topics provided and information to carry onto private practice. Keep teaching and see you for oral prep.”

Duane Hall, MD, Westdury, NY

"Excellent course. Comprehensive. The home study review was perfect given my time constraints. The practice tests are extremely helpful.”

Susan Garand, MD, Scottsdale, AZ

"Excellent course. Very worthwhile to come to the live course. Great study pointers and help to focus studying. Everyone was very professional and outgoing.”

Shawn Horwitz, MD, Hudson, OH

"This is exactly what I needed to augment my preparation for the Qualifying Exam. Excellent course! Would and will highly recommend to my colleagues.”

Kristen Conrad-Schnetz, MD, Cleveland, OH

"The course is awesome, and the presenters are well-versed in their respective fields! Thank you for the comprehensive review!”

Portia Finawa, MD, Brooklyn, NY

"I found this to be very comprehensive and a timely review. It reinforced topics I am familiar with and helped me identify critical areas for review.”

Jeffrey Kreyer, MD, Glenwood, IL

"This program provides a concise high-yield review to solidify your current knowledge and help to determine your weakness for studying for the written qualifying exam.”

Jamie Moenster, MD, Mayfield Heights, OH

"The course was organized well overall. The speakers touched on the key aspects that were pertinent for the general surgery boards. The speakers were experts on their topics.”

Annie Oommen, MD, Bronxville, NY

"Dr. Krasuski truly cares about your education and stands behind his guarantee. He will do whatever it takes to make sure you pass the examination.”

Sachin Phade, MD, Chicago, IL

"This product is spot on. The videos and questions were the closest thing to the written exam compared to other study guides. Definitely recommend this to anyone taking the written exam.”

David Radvinsky, MD, Brooklyn, NY

"I reviewed all the lectures online, then attended the live course. This allowed me to be prepared for the live course and focus on topics in which I need more review prior to the exam.”

Amy Rosenbaum, MD, Copley, OH

"Comprehensive review. Guides reading nicely. Wonderful, approachable faculty. I feel more confident about the upcoming exam, which sounds like an insane thing to say.”

Milton Silva, MD, Buffalo, NY

"I will be signing up for the oral course in San Diego or Orlando. Your commitment to my education and preparation is impressive.”

Alexander Wade, MD, Viroqua, WI

"Overall good review course. 5 days of intense review; course has increased my confidence in preparing for and taking the written board exam.”

Steve Wanak, MD, Copley, OH

"A very useful, concise, focused course. Course material is relevant, high-yield and useful. Lecturers are clear, organized and not littered with irrelevant information.”

Kristen Baltazar, MD, Buffalo, NY

"Dr. Krasuski, Your staff Steve & Deb are outstanding. Seriously they go above and beyond – don’t take them for granted.”

Rishi Ramlogan, MD, Danbury, CT

"I really appreciated the organization of this high-yield material. I wish I had this to study during residency and for ABSITE as well”

Courtney Vito, MD, Pasadena, CA

"This is an excellent general surgery board review. I highly recommend attending this course for exam preparation no matter what else you do.”

Carol Adams, MD, Jasper, AL

"The course was very comprehensive and the lecturers enhanced my understanding of all the topics covered.”

Michael P. Betler, MD, Pittsburgh, PA

"High quality lectures well focused on the test material. Great customer service. Good food at the hotel.”

Cristina Carpio, MD, Milford, CT

"Good review of general surgery highlights for the qualifying exam.”

Avinash Bhavaraju, MD, Nashville, TN

"I feel like I learned more in 3 hours from Dr. Zaret than in 3 months from some of my surgical rotations.”

Michelle DeGroat, MD, Germantown, OH

"The course provided high yield information which directed my focus on the information I needed to know for my exam.”

Z. Hashmi, MD, Pittsburgh, PA

"This review course is a far more tightly run ship than the other better known review courses I have taken.”

Conrad Hamilton, MD, Portland, OR

"Overall good review. It has been a very valuable 5 days. More than I could of reviewed at home in same 5 days.”

Marion Henry, MD, Branford, CT

"This is definitely the best resource. Much better than the competition. The videos are very good. The educational matter is precise and extensive. Very easy to go through it.”

Indraneil Mukherjee, MD, Staten Island, NY

"It’s a course jam-packed with all of the high-yield content in a concise, 5-day course. I heard by word of mouth that this course is superior to Osler.”

Jared Storck, DO, Beachwood, OH

"This is the first time I have really understood Head and Neck as well as Endocrine. They make sense to me now.”

Innocent Ubunama, DO, Bowling Green, OH

"Overall, the course is well designed and would be very helpful for my preparation for the qualifying exam.”

Vima Narula, DO, Columbus, OH

"It is a great course, focused on really high yield topics that are usually presented in the exam.”

Luigi Pascarella, MD, Durham, NC

"Excellent organization, materials & speakers! I feel much more confident – thank you!”

Mary Patricia Colvin, MD, Baker City, OR

"Overall an excellent course, covered majority of the topics in a well arranged and timely fashion. I definitely recommend this review course.”

Brij Mohan, MD, Cranford, NJ

"Good comprehensive review with “pearls” that were definitely covered on the exam.”

Justin Olsen, MD, Mountain Home, ID

"Gives very concise information without too many extraneous details.”

Rachel Shelton, MD, Somerset, KY

"The fact that we can review the video at our leisure is a great plus.”

Elizabeth Revesz, MD, Chicago, IL

"Overall, a good review course, helpful in identifying board topics.”

Debra Stafford, MD, Los Angeles, CA

"I would strongly recommend this general surgery board review. And I like the fact that I can re-review the lectures on the web.”

Tamara Merchant-McCamb, MD, San Antonio, TX

"Will recommend this course and I especially look forward to online access.”

Stemple D. Johnson, MD, Brunswick, ME

"I did very well on the exam and the course helped immensely.”

Navdeep Samra, MD, Shreveport, LA

"I feel like I’ve learned & re-learned a lot.”

Alexis Roettinger, MD, Hartford, CT

"The course is professional and comprehensive.”

Graham England, MD, Louisville, KY

"Very good conference. It was well worth attending.”

Mason Mandy, MD, Nashville, TN

"Thorough and focused; very helpful.”

Jamie Arama, MD, Santa Paula, CA

"Excellent course review!”

Britt Mohan, MD, Chicago, IL

"Very Helpful”

J. Martin MacGregor, MD, Fargo, ND