Do U.S. medical licensure examination step 1 scores correlate with council on resident education in obstetrics and gynecology in-training examination scores and American board of obstetrics and gynecology written examination performance?

Mil Med. 2007 Jun;172(6):640-3. doi: 10.7205/milmed.172.6.640.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the possible association between scores of >200 on U.S. Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) step 1 and the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) in-training examinations and the pass rate on the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) written examination.

Methods: The USMLE step 1 and postgraduate year 1 to 4 CREOG in-training examination scores for the graduating chief residents in eight accredited obstetrics and gynecology residency programs were obtained. Performance on USMLE step 1 was correlated with ABOG examination performance and CREOG in-training examination scores. The correlations between USMLE step 1 and CREOG in-training examination scores and ABOG examination performance were analyzed by using the Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results: USMLE step 1 scores were significantly correlated with CREOG in-training examination scores (p < 0.000). None of the residents who scored >200 on USMLE step 1 and a mean of >200 on the CREOG in-training examinations failed the ABOG written examination.

Conclusion: Program directors have used USMLE step 1 to identify trainees who are likely to perform well on the CREOG in-training examination. The CREOG in-training examination has been used to identify residents who are likely to pass the ABOG written examination. The results of this study document the strength of these associations.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence
  • Educational Measurement*
  • Gynecology / education*
  • Gynecology / standards
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency / standards*
  • Licensure, Medical*
  • Obstetrics / education*
  • Obstetrics / standards
  • Specialty Boards*
  • Teaching
  • United States