The Impact of Growth in Surgical Residency

• In Event: Longitudinal Assessment Issues in Health Professions

Abstract

The American Board of Surgery (ABS) certifying process requires the completion of multiple educational prerequisites and passing two exams, the Qualifying Examination (QE) and the Certifying Examination (CE). Prior to certification, programs and residents can use the ABS In-Training Examination (ABSITE) as an assessment tool to determine the strengths and weaknesses of residents. To date, ABSITE scores have only been examined cross-sectionally. The purpose of Study 1 is to examine how a longitudinal view of ABSITE scores predicts success on the QE exam. Study 2 examines individual and program level factors affecting initial PGY-3 ABSITE scores and growth across PGY years 3-5. Results show that growth is a better predictor of success on the QE then PGY-3 scores alone.

Authors

• Whitney Smiley, The College Board

• Andrew Jones, American Board of Internal Medicine

• Thomas W. Biester, American Board of Surgery

• Mark Malangoni, American Board of Surgery