Objectives Professional Identity Formation has been defined as an individual internalizing the values and norms of the medical profession in ways that result in thinking, acting, and feeling like a physician. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the ABOHNS pivoted the format of the oral board exam from in-person exams to virtually administered exams. In light of this, we ask:

How, if at all, do Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Oral Board Examinations shape examinee professional identity?

Do different formats of administering Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Oral Board Examinations have different effects on examinee Professional Identity Formation (PIF)?

Methods Thematic analysis was used to explore candidate experience. We developed and tested a shortened Professional Identity Essay that foregrounds the PIF effects resulting from differing methods of administering the Oral Board Examination. Themes generated from semi-structured interviews were compared to identify differences Professional Identity resulting from OBEs.

Results Nineteen participants enrolled in our study, each completing a single interview lasting between 15-30 minutes. We found participants responses to coalesce around 3 themes: educational effect of the OBE on PIF; different OBE formats carried distinct stresses; and the catalytic effect on PIF from in-person OBE.

Conclusions Participating in either format of the ABOHNS OBE demonstrated and educational effect on PIF. Additionally, when delivered in an in-person format, the ABOHNS OBE also catalyzed ongoing PIF. This effect of the OBE offers an additional potent mechanism to integrate the most inclusive range of candidates into the community of Otolaryngology practice.

Level of Evidence: VI (Single Qualitative Study investigating perspectives of healthcare providers on a specific intervention)

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This study was funded by American Board of Medical Specialties grant

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Approved by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Sn Antonio University IRB (Reference number: 1730820-1)

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All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors