Twelve tips for performing well in vivas

Abstract

The viva examination is a common method of assessment in medical education. It is, in essence a performance given by candidates to examiners, and as such, candidates would be well advised to optimize their performance. Knowledge and skills are essential to passing the viva, but they alone are not sufficient. The process of the performance is also important, but it is not often made explicit in feedback during viva practice. Moreover, there are many aspects to the performance process that can be worked on to improve candidates’ chances of passing. Here we present 12 tips focused on performance processes, for use by supervisors and their trainees.

Declaration of interest: R. S. and R. R. ran a commercial exam preparation course 2001–2003 utilizing many of the above principles. R. S. and S. E. co-authored a psychiatry textbook which derives royalties.

Notes

1. The eye gazers also had a vocal “moderate rate of response” as compared to non-eye gazers who had a “slower rate of response”.