Can Medical Licensing Examination Scores Predict Examinees’ Subsequent Professional Development and Conduct?

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Abstract

No study reported the relationship between medical licensing examination scores and examinees’ subsequent professional development. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether COMLEX scores have any meaningful relationships with subsequent professional development and professional conduct.

Equated COMLEX scores of Florida osteopathic physicians were compared between the groups with and without the following records: certification, faculty appointment, publication, professional/community service awards, disciplinary actions, closed liability claim, criminal offense.

Those with documentable achievements in professional development had a significantly higher COMLEX Level 3 score than those who without. And the difference in COMLEX scores between the physician with or without misconducts was not significant.

This study provided strong evidence that licensing examination scores are correlated with professional development

Authors

• Linjun Shen, National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners

• Feiming Li, National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners