Academic achievement is measured in many ways, but perhaps the most objective is by the use of standardized exams, like the USMLE
Academic achievement is measured in many ways, but perhaps the most objective is by the use of standardized exams, like the USMLE
Step 1 and Step 2 of the USMLE have been examined in past research for their relationship with in-training exam scores, but not in general surgery residency programs
Results from research in other specialties (mainly orthopaedics, obstetrics & gynecology, and internal medicine) has shown mixed results
Results from research in other specialties (mainly orthopaedics, obstetrics & gynecology, and internal medicine) has shown mixed results
Step 1 is a good predictor in some cases, but Step 2 seems to be a better predictor – when studied (which it often is not)
We examined Step 1 and Step 2 scores in relation to ABSITE scores during the PGY1-5 years
Design: Retrospective, descriptive, correlational study of graduated resident records
Participants: N = 34 residency completers from 1999-2009 from two Midwestern community teaching hospital general surgery residency programs
Correlation and regression analyses used to evaluate relationships between USMLE Step 1, Step 2, and ABSITE PGY1-5 year scores
Hierarchical regression analysis was run to examine the incremental predictive value of Step 1, beyond Step 2; no incremental improvement was noted
Hierarchical regression analysis was run to examine the incremental predictive value of Step 1, beyond Step 2; no incremental improvement was noted
Simple linear regression showed that USMLE Step 2 scores were predictive of all years of ABSITE performance, but most significantly for PGY3 (R2 = .365, F = 11.491, P = .003) and 5 (R2 = .303, F = 8.674, P = .008)
USMLE Step 2 scores were better predictors of later ABSITE performance than were Step 1 scores
USMLE Step 2 scores were better predictors of later ABSITE performance than were Step 1 scores
Because of the limited range of scores for Step 2 and the small sample size, establishing a “cut-score” was not possible when considering only residents who were accepted into the residency program
Standardized test scores can be an important part of the selection criteria for choosing residents, but they must not be weighed too heavily as they account for only ~30-35% of the later ABSITE performance
Standardized test scores can be an important part of the selection criteria for choosing residents, but they must not be weighed too heavily as they account for only ~30-35% of the later ABSITE performance
Factors other than exam performance are important in the making of a good surgeon, and weren’t evaluated here, e.g., professionalism, ethics, etc.
Future research is needed with larger samples to examine the relationship of other selection criteria on later in-training performance
Future research is needed with larger samples to examine the relationship of other selection criteria on later in-training performance
With the addition of the USMLE Step 2 “Clinical Skills” component, further evaluation of the usefulness of Step 2 is warranted as well
